Inspiration: The Legend of Zelda Skyward Sword, caricatures, and "Tree of Life" by Audiomachine for the 2020 reedit.

All the Shout Outs from to original story: Colleen TJ, OA, IBayfully, RageInStages, ShadowNinja1011, Pip-Indigo, Hunter 113, EvanEssence, Jordan, Paul, Jackie, cool man6, Lydia, Norkix, UniqueRosa Damascena, LeilaEditer, Anon, Anon/Reviewer, ZelinkLoverForLife, Link, Yuka, and SuccessfulFailure.

New Shout Outs: Andrea, Oracle of Hylia, and Malita. Thank you.

Author Note: My interpretation of Hylia is simply a caricature in this story. It is not absolute. This is reuploaded 3/4/2020. Reedit complete 3/22/2020.

Word count: 13,792

Chapter 2

I stared at the beautiful apparition perplexed.

"My what?"

She seemed offended that I didn't understand what she was talking about.

"Your groove," Hylia repeated, and floated near to the ground, "your moxie, your mojo. You know, the thing that makes you happy in life."

I shook my head, still confused as to what she was talking about. What in the world was a moxie? Or a Mojo? What did she mean? Were these terms, or colloquialisms only known to the Sacred Realm? Was there a new dialect of ancient Hylian I wasn't aware of? When I prayed to the goddess, I hardly expected to hear such a rash and brazen form of speech. Even so, she was very beautiful and awe inspiring to look upon.

The face of an angel with the mouth of a harpy. Who would have thought?

I paused before answering her.

"I still don't understand. A 'groove' is something you would find in a piece of wood or a standardized clock, not a means to a pursuit of happiness."

Hylia then bucked her head back.

"Are you serious?"

That was a bit bloviated for a response. I wasn't sure what she was so frustrated about. It was clear her mannerisms were foreign to me. How was I supposed to know what she meant? Every book on etiquette I read had nothing in it related to things like 'mojo' or 'moxie'. Two words which still made no sense to me. She clarified the matter with her secondary statement, but for her to be aggravated because I was unfamiliar with her syntax was completely improper. To such, I got a little indignant, not having any qualms with what I just uttered.

"Quite serious actually."

I tried to maintain some form of dignity. I sat up completely when I spoke to her. Even though Hylia's manners were unusually casual, I still wanted to show her the respect she deserved. She was the Goddess of Hyrule after all.

"It's a figure of speech," Hylia stated the obvious. "You do know what that is right? My goodness, are you always this uptight?"

I stared at her astonished just then. Now she wanted to be rude?

I am not uptight.

I was slightly offended by the insult.

"You'll have to forgive me for not jumping up and down in elation your supreme excellency. I had no idea who you were, and never expected such an unorthodox manner of reply."

Hylia's gaze was fixed at the moment.

"'An unorthodox manner of reply?'" she mocked with an air of sarcasm. "Are you kidding me right now?"

What was the point of such inquiries? I shook my head and found her incessant digging annoying.

"No, why would I be joking?"

She gave me a long once over and ran a hand over her face. She spoke more to herself.

"Dear Farore, this is going to be harder than I thought."

Another insult.

"What do you mean by that?"

She groaned and gave me a stern look, completely ignoring my question.

"Look, you have got to lighten up. How is anyone supposed to help you if you're so unwilling to let loose?"

I was sure 'letting loose' meant the opposite of uptight. However, I took her words at face value. I looked at the divinity with open reluctance. I was certain I wasn't helping myself with what she just asked of me, but what could I do? I was too much of a natural cynic. It made me wonder.

Could she really be Hylia? She's not quite what I was... expecting.

The interesting detail about that last thought was Hylia's expression with it. Her eyes narrowed at the exact moment the words went through my head. I thought that was odd and she was making me nervous with how she was looking at me now. It was almost as if she heard what I was thinking in that instant. But, that was impossible. I was never told the power of the goddesses was to that extent. And, I had been studying my family's history for years. Even so, I was taken aback at how coincidental that last interaction was. We remained silent, until she intentionally came a little closer. Her eyes were fixed on mine. My heart began to pound faster.

Why is she looking at me like that?

She was making me feel uneasy. Little did I realize I was about to get an answer to that question and a whole lot more.

"Are you done?" she asked all of a sudden.

I didn't understand what she was talking about. I gave her an offhanded look and shook my head.

"I beg your pardon? Am I done with what?"

The goddess crossed her arms over her chest.

"Your thoughts? Are you done thinking all those cynical things about me?"

My eyes widened at her accusation.

"My-my-my what?"

She then cleared her throat.

"Let me elaborate for you." She then sounded off on her points. "Yes, you are uptight, and that's not just according to me, but to thousands of your subjects in your kingdom. Yes, I am really the goddess, though you would have preferred a more serious reverential personage. And finally, no, I'm not what you were expecting, but then again no one ever really is, are they?"

I trembled involuntarily and drew away from her. I didn't mean to. It was just a reactionary movement.

What in the-?

I forced myself to stop thinking. I had to. I was afraid of what else she might see. However, that didn't prevent her from touting on my last string of thoughts.

"And if you really must know, I'm looking at you like this because you can be pretty rude. And, the 'am I done?' of course was directed to you."

I edged back more, with my mouth slightly agape when she was finished. I couldn't believe it. I didn't want to believe it.

"You can read my thoughts."

I was astounded.

Hylia didn't answer right away and nodded.

"Yes I can, and your heart too. It kind of goes with the goddess territory. So... don't let anything dirty slip through there, or I might just catch it... if I haven't already."

That was none too reassuring.

Did I have an impure thought just now? I immediately doubted myself. How often has she read my mind when Master Link was around?

I buried my face in my hands.

"Oh no."

Hylia just stared at me before floating completely down to the ground and walking over to my side of the bed. She jumped on the mattress and rested her weight at my feet. She saw that I was discomfited, and was quick to try and reassure me.

"Hey, don't worry. I'm here to help you remember. Don't stress, I won't do anything to embarrass you... at least not intentionally."

Slowly, I looked up from my palms at her golden face staring back at me. I ran my hands through my dark hair, and gazed at her in complete awe. I then reached out to touch her. When I felt her skin, I sensed she was tangible. She was real. I stared into her eyes and didn't know what to say.

I still can't believe any of this is happening. The Goddess of Hyrule is right here, right now! This is incredible.

Hylia was flossing her fingernails on her white gown when she decided to answer me.

"That's right kid, I'm here in the flesh," she said, as if talking to me on cue.

When I realized again she was replying to my thoughts, I pulled my hand away and covered my mouth.

"I still can't believe you can do that."

She grinned.

"Believe it kid, and just so you don't get completely freaked out by it, I won't do it anymore," Hylia promised, raising her hands in a mock surrender. "I can turn the whole thing on and off if I want to."

I stared at her surprised.

"You can... you can do that?"

She shrugged as though it weren't something extraordinary.

"Sure." She then closed her eyes. "Watch."

Nothing happened at first, but a moment later, a flash of white light went throughout the room. It was harsh and blinding, but as quickly as it came, it disappeared. When it was over, I looked around the room dumbstruck.

"What was that?"

Hylia opened her eyes and grinned.

"That was me giving you your privacy back."

My eyes met hers once more and I sat more upright. I was still reeling from what was happening.

"This is unbelievable."

Hylia scooted over and sat near the edge of the bed when she saw I was more comfortable.

"You really are the goddess," I whispered, as if truly believing it for the first time.

Hylia leaned back casually.

"We've already established that. Now that the grand introductions are out of the way, let me tell you the reason why I'm here."

I gave her my undivided attention. If she was here to help me, I didn't want to miss a bit of her instructions.

"Okay."

Hylia stretched her arms back and rested her weight on her elbows.

"You see, I'm your great great great great great -forget it there's too many 'greats'," she redirected. "I'm your ancestral mother to put it simply. Long story short, I lived in Skyloft, found out I was Hylia, married my long time honey, now known as the Hero of Sky, yadda, yadda, yadda, had a few kids, and bam! There it is, the history of the royal family in less than a minute. Anyway, you needed help, so I came here to help you find a way out of the funk you've gotten yourself in."

I raised my brows at her explanation, not understanding half of what she said.

She speaks a mile a minute.

"Uh... a funk?" I repeated confused. "I would hardly call looking after Hyrule 'a funk'."

Hylia gave me a knowing stare.

"Look Zel, I was queen waaaay before you, and I had a lot more fun, and I do mean a lot more fun, doing it. This isn't about Hyrule, this is about you."

I looked at her surprised.

"Me?" I pointed to myself.

She nodded.

"Yes."

Is she implying I'm not a good ruler?

I was worried. I needed to defend my honor.

"Zant was defeated seven years ago. There's still a lot of instability regarding the people. What more could I possibly-?"

She held up her hand to stop me.

"Not you as a queen. You as a person, as a woman."

That was a whole different matter entirely. I had very little to say on that. I was well aware what the issues were with me as a woman. My mother died when I was at the cusp of womanhood. There was a great deal I had to figure out on my own, but I was aware I didn't have all the answers. Strangely enough, Elbourne was one of the few people around to help me with my issues. I would like to think that despite my deficiencies I was doing alright. I just hoped Hylia did not plan on putting them on display now.

Everyone has advice for me, don't they?

I was feeling a little defensive and I sensed she could see that. Hylia saw my lack of response and studied my facial expression.

"Did I strike a nerve?"

I turned from looking at her.

"What do you think?"

I was aware I needed honesty, but this was proving to be a bit much. However, I couldn't deny that I had been putting this aspect of my life on hold for some time now. Years to be exact. I am twenty-seven. It was already too late to be sooner, and if I waited any longer, it would be too late to be later. The truth of the matter was, I needed to deal with my problems now.

She's right. The hardest thing a person can do is take a true look at their self... and I don't need to look, I already know.

I rested my head against my knees.

"Do you think there's any hope for me?"

Hylia bobbed her head back and forth before taking my hand in hers.

"I think so. You've just lost sight of a few important things along the way, but you can get them back. For instance, you need to enjoy just being a woman again."

I looked at her taken aback. I didn't understand her statement.

"I love being a woman. There's nothing more beautiful in nature than the femininity of womankind."

Hylia raised her hand to correct herself.

"Very true, so let me state what I mean in a different way. When was the last time you showed any of that femininity off?"

I stared at her surprised and felt my cheeks redden.

"What do you mean?"

Hylia gave me an obvious look.

"I meant what I asked."

I wasn't sure what she wanted me to say.

"I would like to think I show it off in the most modest way possible. I wear beautiful clothes, and my hair is always done. I feel pretty everyday I wake up. I think I show my femininity very well."

She groaned and decided to come in at a different angle.

"Okay." She rethought her stance. "Maybe that was a poorly phrased question. What I mean is, when was the last time you went on vacation? When was the last time you did anything fun?"

I saw where she was going now, but I still shook my head.

"Vacation? Ancestral mother, I hardly think I have time for that. I have a kingdom to rule."

Hylia looked at me concerned.

"But that's your problem. You're all work and no play."

I didn't see a point to this.

"I don't have time to play. I'm the only Nohanseen left... well, the only legal Nohanseen."

She just stared at me and didn't reply to the latter, but I sensed she knew what I meant.

"Which is exactly why you need to play. How are you going to have an heir with no husband?"

At hearing that, I rolled my eyes and looked away.

So now the truth comes out.

Hylia placed her hands on her hips.

"The truth has always been out," she corrected.

I was upset when I realized she was reading my thoughts again.

"I thought you turned that off!"

"Stop trying to get around this Zelda. When are you going to start being honest with yourself?"

I didn't answer. I felt like an adolescent being scolded by her mother.

"When?" she asked again, not letting up on me.

I stroked my hair behind my ears and shook my head.

"I am being honest."

There was a brief silence after that. I knew she was disappointed with how I was answering, but some of what she was suggesting was ridiculous. I had no time for a vacation and I still had plenty of years to get married and produce an heir. Why were these things the only matters people liked to throw at me?

After a few moments, Hylia broke the silence.

"You want to know the last time you went on vacation Zelda?"

I didn't bother to answer.

I have no idea.

"When?"

Hylia crossed her arms over her chest.

"Try before your father died. The last time you went on vacation, you were fourteen years old. You're now twenty seven, I'd say that's a long time."

I shrugged.

I didn't know what she wanted me to say.

She's right, but a lot has happened between then and now.

"Yes," I said absently, not really responding to what she was saying.

Hylia looked at me thoughtfully for a moment.

"I've watched you," she went on. "You work, and work, and work. You never allow yourself anytime for play. Sometimes you have to let your hair down, and honestly the only time I ever see you do that is at bed time. What's the fun in that if there's no one here for you to play with?"

My cheeks blushed again.

"Ancestral mother..." I trailed embarrassed. "What are you suggesting? That I find a suitor who simply wants to sleep with me and nothing else? I know it's my duty to produce an heir, but to talk about... relations so loosely is profoundly improper."

Hylia stared at me like she was bored. She didn't bother being as evasive as me.

"It's called sex Zelda. Sex, s-e-x, and there's nothing wrong with you desiring it. You're Hylian."

I blushed more and groaned.

"Oh, you're incorrigible."

She wasn't bothered.

"...Right," she said sarcastically, but then casually added, "so... who's Elbourne?"

Considering the conversation we were having, I had a feeling she was going to bring him up. If she watched me as closely as she claimed, she knew exactly who Elbourne of Dragon Roost was. Even so, I didn't answer right away.

"He's nobody."

Hylia raised a brow.

"He's got to be somebody, you've been seeing him almost exclusively for the last five years."

I didn't want to discuss this.

"He's merely a friend-"

"-That wants to be more," she finished for me. "He wants to be your king."

I had no reply.

She was right.

"I suppose he does."

Hylia pressed the subject.

"Do you love him?"

I wasn't sure how to answer that. I did care for him deeply. He truly was one of my closest friends.

"Not the way he loves me, but no, I'm not in love with him."

"Then why do you spend so much time with him?"

I sighed. I wasn't sure what she wanted me to tell her.

"He's convenient, he's comfortable, he's loyal to me-"

"-But he's not what you want. The truth of the matter is you're in love with someone else."

I stared at her stunned. I wasn't expecting her to be so direct.

"Look, I know what you're trying to do, but Link does not love me. That's over between us, and there was nothing there to begin with. He's always loved Midna."

She grinned.

"You see," she accused. "I didn't even need to say his name."

I let my head fall back in aggravation for falling for such a trick.

"Hylia..."

"Look, I understand this is hard. Facing your problems always is, but for whatever reason, you keep insisting that you don't deserve to be loved back. You keep thinking the only things in the past are the bad things. There was a lot of good there too."

I looked down and pulled my knees to my chest. I hated thinking about the past.

"I wouldn't say I don't feel like I deserve to be loved..." I tried to justify my feelings. "It's just... it's just very complicated."

Hylia wasn't going to let that slide.

"Well, let's un-complicate it."

I gave her a half-grin.

"How? You make everything sound so easy."

She shrugged.

"That's what you need to figure out."

I chuckled, but then my grin faded. I avoided her eyes.

"I haven't spoken to Link in years. What if he doesn't want to see me?"

Hylia was quiet for a moment, then took my hand in hers.

"He wants to see you," she reassured. "Trust me, I know."

My heart skipped a beat when she uttered that.

"How do you know? Can you read his heart and mind too?"

She nodded.

"I can, but I haven't, I choose to only read yours."

My anticipation fell flat just then.

"Then how do you know he wants to see me?"

She shook her head.

"You worry too much. You need to just go out there and grab life by the horns."

I stared at her puzzled.

"By the horns? Isn't that illustration a bit brazen?"

Hylia placed her palm on her forehead.

"I swear you can analyze a metaphor to death." She then changed the subject. "What I meant was, you need to get out of this castle and fix what you've been wanting to fix for years now."

I knew what she was talking about.

"The only thing I really need to fix is the wrongs of my past, and it just seems so impossible."

Hylia chuckled.

"I'd say that's a good place to start," she reassured. "And nothings impossible, just improbable for a moment."

I liked the way she put that.

"What do you mean?"

She let my hand go and jumped off the bed.

"That's what I want you to tell me."

I looked at her confused.

"You mean now?"

Hylia gave me a knowing stare.

"Come on Zelda."

I didn't want to appear foolish, but it was only then I got the gist of what she was saying to me.

"Well, there are some... some intuitive issues I'd like to clear up. I would like to make amends for the way certain situations settled and turned out. I feel as though there are some unresolved conflicts I need to address, unspoken words that need to be said, old wounds I need to heal."

Hylia for the first time looked at me impressed.

"Now you're getting it. What else?"

I stared at the goddess thoughtfully and sat up.

"I also need to clear things up with Queen Midna of the Twilight Realm. It's been years since we last spoke. I could hardly call myself an emissary of my people to hers with such a lack of communication."

I expected Hylia to continue to be impressed, but for whatever reason she looked a little unsettled when I mentioned Midna and the Twilight Realm. I inquired of it.

"What's the matter?"

She pursed her lips together and paused for a moment.

"Are you sure you want to add Midna to the benchmarks? It's a noble goal and all, but some things are better left unsaid."

I wasn't expecting her frank reply.

"There would be no point in my doing this if I didn't include Midna too. She's the primary reason so many things need to be straightened out."

Hylia hesitated in replying.

"I guess so," she said more to herself than to me.

I wanted her to explain that.

"What do you mean?"

A troubled look crossed her face, but she tried to mask it for the obvious reasons. She didn't bother to answer my question.

"There's no double entendre here my dear. I simply meant what I said."

I didn't trust that answer, but I didn't question it further. What could I say to her? She was the Goddess of Hyrule. I decided to shift the conversation and be more optimistic.

"Well, even if she tells me she hates me, I'd rather hear it from her than wonder about it for the rest of my life. I'm tired of not knowing."

Again, Hylia initially hesitated, but as she kept looking at me a smile curled her lips. She reached over and took my hand in hers once more.

"Well look at you, you're getting the hang of this already. So, when do you plan to leave and do all that you have said?"

I stared at her astonished.

"You want me to do this now?"

Hylia gave me an obvious stare.

"Of course I want you to do this now, why do you think we talked about it?" she asked me with an inflection of sarcasm.

I hesitated, thinking of all the duties I had.

"I can't leave. I have a meeting with my generals tomorrow, and my steward needs a new budget mandated for the stables by the end of the month. I have too many things to do. I was thinking I could go next month."

Hylia looked at me cynically.

"Do you hear yourself?" she asked.

She didn't understand.

"I-"

"Now, you've taken two steps back. Of course you can leave, and you have to if you want to move forward. How else will you do what you've intended? If you keep putting it off you never will."

I saw her point, but what she was asking seemed impossible. How could I just up and leave Hyrule? I was queen, I needed to be here. However, I did pray for this opportunity. This was something I was asking for. Was I really going to squander all the goddess's advice due to fear of the unknown? I always promised myself I would go on an adventure one day. It looked like that day had finally come. I suppose there was no more thinking to do. The decision had been made. I was going to go.

"You're right ancestral mother," I retracted my last statement. "I will go. In fact, I'll leave tomorrow. There's no point putting off later what can be done now."

Hylia smiled at me and pumped her fist.

"Alright! That's the spirit! Five years is long enough wouldn't you say?"

I laughed at her and smiled.

"Absolutely, I believe it is."

She levitated a little bit and stretched.

"And don't worry, I'll be along for the ride too."

I looked at her surprised.

"Really? You're coming with me?"

She shrugged.

"Why not? You didn't think you could get rid of me that easily, did you? Besides, I'll have a little info for you here and there along the way."

For some reason, the way she said that made me laugh. Hylia looked at me surprised by my laughter, but then tempered her expression with a hint of sarcasm.

"Doth my ears deceive me? Could it be that my beloved descendant is laughing?"

I chuckled more when she said that. It was true, I hadn't had a good laugh in a long time, and honestly that was a shame. The only other persons who made me laugh like her was Link, and at times Elbourne. That seemed to be years ago, or few and far between instances. I needed to laugh more. I needed to live more, and this was honestly the best way to do it. I needed to just get out there and go.

"Yes ancestral mother, it's true."

Hylia initially started to clap at my words, but then stopped herself and frowned at me for a moment. I looked at her puzzled.

"What's wrong?"

She shook her head.

"We're going to have to do something about that 'ancestral mother' title," she detracted a little. "I know I told you to call me that, but honestly I'm not feeling it too much. So I'll try to think of something else and let you know later, capisce?"

I still had a hard time following some of the things she said due to her strange rhetoric, but I got the gist.

"Uh... capisce, and thank you for everything."

She levitated some more and shrugged like it was nothing.

"Sure, no problem. Just remember, I'll always be there when you need me."

I smiled at her when she said that.

"I will."

Hylia then floated over to the center of the room and levitated herself higher until she reached the ceiling. A moment later, a bright light flashed across the room, followed by a high frequency sound. When the sound abated, Hylia was gone. I sat in my bed, still reeling from the shock and awe of it all. I couldn't believe what just transpired. The thought of her antics made me smile.

"So... that is the great Goddess of Hyrule. She really is something."

~SSS~

The next day

The next morning I woke up around dawn and began preparing for my trip. I had barely been able to sleep because I had so much to do before I departed. I needed to meet with my counsel men and inform them I was going to be gone for an extended period of time. I had to mandate certain responsibilities to my stewards. I needed to make sure I had a proper cover so the citizens wouldn't worry about me. I needed to place parameters for the statue of limitations of power for my temporary surrogate as ruler. It was going to be a busy morning.

Before all that, I went into the anteroom of my chamber and gathered some things I knew would be essential for my trip. I needed money, a map, an identifiable seal just in case it was necessary for me to reveal who I truly was, a cloak, a large satchel, and comfortable peasant wears to disguise myself in. The latter was going to take a bit of work. Of what I could find, I placed everything on my bed to make an accounting for it. So far, everything was panning out as it should, with the exception of the clothes. I was trying to think of anything else I would need, when I abruptly there was a knock on my chamber door.

That didn't break my concentration.

"Come in," I called, assuming it was Lydia.

When the door opened, Lydia came in as always, but she looked at me puzzled when she saw what I was doing.

"What's all this?" she asked.

I turned to her beaming. I was so excited to share the news with her.

"This, my dear, is planning," I said simply.

She looked to the pile of clothes on my bed, then back to me.

"That's all well and good, but planning for what?" she asked.

I could barely contain my elation at her question. I went over to her, grabbed both of her hands, and squeezed them affectionately.

"Lydia you will never guess what happened to me last night," I started, "it was the most incredible experience I've had in years."

Her confusion never left, but then Lydia drew her head back a little in concern.

"What are you talking about?" she asked.

I tried to calm down.

"I was visited by someone very special," I whispered.

Her eyes widened and she covered her mouth.

"Do you mean you... ?" she trailed.

I didn't understand her shocked expression for a moment, but then frowned when I realized what she was thinking.

Why is everything about sex with this woman?

I gave and audible groan.

"Lydia!" I scolded. "Don't be vulgar! I'm not talking about that. I'm talking about something else, something that changed my life!"

She calmed down, but then grinned.

"Believe me your majesty, that can change your life," she said and giggled, "just ask all the unwed mothers out there."

I gave her an obvious look, wanting her to refocus.

"Lydia..." I trailed, "come on, be serious."

Lydia didn't drop her smile, but she immediately gave me her undivided attention.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to be crass," she replied, "anyway, what is this important news you're so excited about?"

I smiled again and reinforced my grip.

"I had a visit from one of my ancestors last night," I divulged.

Lydia was quiet for a moment, waiting for me to go on, but then she raised her brows in concern. She was now looking at me like I belonged in an asylum.

"One of your dead ancestors visited you last night?" she inquired perplexed. "Uh... isn't that a little... impossible?"

I knew it sounded outlandish, but I needed her to listen. I let her hands go and walked over to the entrance to the terrace to look out of it. I focused my attention on southern Hyrule Field.

"I know it sounds extraordinary," I replied, "but it's true. I was visited by the goddess Hylia and she told me I needed to go on a journey to find what I lost."

Lydia's concern never went away.

"Find what you lost?" she repeated. "What are you talking about? What do you mean what you lost?"

I nodded, not expecting her to understand everything I was saying.

"It's been quite a long time since I had such food for thought," I continued, not bothering to clarify, "and she was right, there are things I need to make right."

Lydia was quiet behind me, and when I turned to face her, she looked even more unsettled.

"What's the matter?" I asked.

There was a brief silence between us.

Lydia then shook her head.

"Zelda..." she trailed nervously, "are you... are you quite yourself? You don't sound well."

I pursed my lips together understanding her cynicism, but knew this was the course of action I needed to take. I walked back over to her and took her hands in mine once more.

"I'm perfectly well Lyddie," I said softly, "I haven't felt so alive in years. I know this is short notice, but you have to trust me, I'm leaving today and don't know when I'll be back. If anyone asks about me, tell them I've gone on a tryst with Prince Elbourne."

Lydia looked at me astonished.

'What?" she gasped. "You don't know when you'll be back?"

I shook my head.

"Isn't that reckless thinking?" she asked, it was more of a demand. "What if something happens to you? How is anyone supposed to find you? What if something catastrophic happens in your absence? What if-?"

I silenced her by putting my forefinger to her lips. I took hold of her shoulders and tried to reassure her with a smile.

"I promise you nothing is going to happen," I said, "I'm going to leave Sir Shad along with Zelvious, Maximillion, and Gunter in charge. They will delegate what needs to be done. I'm going to meet with them shortly. As for you, I'll let you know my starting point so that if anything happens or that if you don't hear from me in a specified amount of time, you can send a search party for me. However, I will correspond to you from time to time under a pseudonym. I just haven't chosen one yet."

None of what I was telling her was comforting to her.

"You're serious," she said to me incredulously.

I nodded again.

"Completely," I replied, then let her go and went to the gong settled in the back of my anteroom.

I clanged it three times to sound the meeting of my counsel. When I turned back to look at Lydia, she was beyond panicking. Lydia's eyes widened in disbelief. She came up to me and grabbed my hand.

"Zelda, I must protest," she insisted, "as your friend I-"

I shushed her.

"I'm going to be fine," I interrupted.

She shook her head.

"But-" she tried again.

I had to let her know I wasn't going to be deterred.

"You're talking to me as your friend," I interrupted again, "well, now I must talk to you as your queen. I'm telling you I'm going, and nothing you will do will stop me. I shan't be distracted, I must do this."

Lydia continued to look at me stunned, but after my reiteration she quickly shut her mouth and looked to the ground. There was a tense silence that overcame us, but I wanted to quell it. I felt slightly untoward for using such a sharp tone with her, especially when she was only concerned for my safety.

I walked up to her and took her by the shoulders again.

"Lyddie," I said, "aren't you the one always telling me I need to get out of this castle and see the world? Aren't you the one always telling me to grab life by its horns?"

She looked at me puzzled for a moment.

"I never told you to grab life by its horns," she replied.

I felt a little silly, realizing I had mixed up the quotes.

Oh right, that was Hylia.

"Look, that doesn't matter," I said, "what matters is that I can't rule from indoors anymore. I must go out there and see what the people need first hand. This will be good for me and good for Hyrule essentially."

I looked away from her just then and thought about something else.

I have to make amends with Midna and the Hero of Twilight... I have to.

Lydia stared at my down cast eyes. She still wasn't convinced.

"Is that what this is about my lady?" she asked. "The people?"

I paused for a moment, seeing her point, but that still wasn't enough to deter me. The people were going to think what they were always going to think. I was going to have to do a whole lot more to sway the court of public opinion.

"Partly yes," I replied.

Lydia in turn looked away from me, but finally nodded at my reasoning, even though she seemed reluctant to do so.

"Alright Zelda," she said quietly, "I'm not going to be a detractor. It is time for you to spread your wings and finally figure out what is important to you."

I took in a sigh of relief and felt myself getting a little emotional when she finally saw things my way. I took her in my arms and hugged her tight.

"Thank you for understanding," I whispered in her ear, "I need that so much from you Lyddie." Afterwards, I pulled back immediately and wiped my eyes. "Now," I began, changing the subject, "I need some of your clothes."

Lydia looked at me surprised at the rather abrupt request.

"My clothes?" she repeated.

I nodded.

"Yes," I replied, "and not your fine wears either. I want your humble clothes, all that you can spare. In exchange, you can have your pick of any of my dresses in my closet."

She still didn't understand, but chose not to question it.

"O...kay," she said, slow about following the request, then finally she turned around and headed for the exit, however, before she could leave I stopped her.

"And Lyddie," I said.

She turned back and gave me her undivided attention.

"Yes?" she replied.

I looked her straight in the eyes.

"You are to tell this to no one," I warned, "unless I give you direct instructions to do so."

Lydia stared at me taken aback. She looked like she wanted to say something, but didn't. I knew then she had every intention of wanting to stop me. I needed to reiterate my seriousness.

"Understand?" I asked with a raised brow

She could tell by my tone I was not joking.

She finally nodded.

"Yes, my lady," she replied to me quietly, "I understand."

I attempted to break the tension with a grin.

"Good, now go," I said, fanning her away, "and please hurry."

When Lydia left my company, I went back to my anteroom and searched for several more items. I needed my bow, and my ocarina, not the Ocarina of Time, but my princess ocarina. The princess ocarina was a generational heirloom since the Ocarina of Time was forbidden to leave its resting place, the Temple of Time. I also packed Nayru's Love, a special crystal of the royal family. My grandfather gave it to me right before he disappeared into the Lost Woods. He said it didn't just heal the body, but it also healed the heart and the mind too. I found it rather ironic that it couldn't heal him, maybe his wounds were too deep. Anyway, I finished my sundry selection with potions of every kind, and a money bag that carried fifty thousand rupees. I was aware that that was a great deal of money to carry around, but I needed it just in case something unexpected happened. However, I also needed to be cautious, there was no telling how many thieves were lurking the roads these days. I was determining if I needed anything else, when soon there was another knock at my door. Expecting it, I put my things away momentarily, and hurried to answer it. On the other side were two soldiers waiting to escort me to the counsel room.

They were admirably prompt.

"Your team is assembled and waiting," one of them said.

I nodded.

"Excellent," I replied, "let's go."

I walked between the two men and allowed myself to be escorted to the counsel room. When I arrived, I was greeted by my most trusted adviser, a Hylian scholar by the named of Shad. The studious fellow was once part of the task force I instituted with Link. He was also a former member of the resistance group that helped ward off Zant and Ganondorf several years ago. He was used as a data collector and worked as the chief investigative scientist. His role now was my chief adviser and steward. He would act as regent in my absence. The scholar was brilliant and knew almost everything about Hyrule... including some of the scandals that muddled the history of my family. In short, I trusted him implicitly. If there was anyone who could keep a secret, it was Shad.

As I approached, I grinned when I looked at the thirty five year old's disposition. Shad looked like a man of knowledge, with his large bifocals and brushed back light brown hair. His inquisitive blues eyes harbored the mind of a genius, and his thin build and regal countenance, subscribed him more to the rich and powerful, rather than the humble beginnings his birth right suggested, though he was of noble birth. In any such case, Shad was a man who could get things done.

The scholar bowed when he saw me enter. I bowed back, then dismissed my escort.

"You may go," I informed the two soldiers, "I'll call for you if I need you."

They both nodded.

"Yes my lady," they said in unison.

Afterwards, I closed the door, but before going any farther, I hesitated. I looked around and saw no one else. Where were the others? I was expecting the three riders of the north to be present here as well. I didn't understand why they weren't. The three riders of the north were my three generals: Zelvious, Maximillion, and Gunter. They all served my father before protecting and serving me. They were known as the three riders because they were legends in their own right, along with their exemplary skill sets. They were the most brilliant tacticians in the land, I would be so bold to say in the world. There was nothing they couldn't foresee when it came to war. However, for whatever reason they weren't here, and I wanted to know why.

I finally went to approach my adviser.

He saw the look on my face and went to question it.

"Is there something wrong your majesty?" he asked, breaking the silence.

I looked around the room again.

"Where are the others?" I asked. "I wanted all of you present."

Shad nodded, like he was expecting the question.

"They would have been here my lady," he said, "but they had a pressing matter to deal with in the desert."

That got my attention.

"Pressing matter?" I repeated. "What matter?"

He came closer and lowered his voice.

"It may be nothing, but there's some old cult trying to reestablish itself in Hyrule called the Arbiter's Tribe," he said. "The generals went out to make sure it wasn't a guise for the potential reconstitution of the Brotherhood of Hyrule. The brotherhood has been dormant for years, and we're trying to keep it that way."

I was a little unsettled in hearing this. It almost made me renege on what I wanted to tell him. It must have been important if all three of them decided to investigate it together. However, it was also incredibly irresponsible of them to go without informing me. Besides Shad, they had some of the greatest influence over the people. I could rightly say it was because of my men that my people did not outright hate me. If one of them died that would cause an immense social upheaval. Notwithstanding their absence, after last night, there was no way I could deter from my own activities, especially where the goddess was concerned. Hylia told me to go. I had to answer the goddess's call and go. The time for procrastination was over.

"Well definitely keep me posted," I said.

He nodded.

"Of course, I was going to tell you this morning, but then you summoned me and I felt that now was as good a time as any to inform you," he replied.

I appreciated his swift approach.

"Thank you, I appreciate you," I said, "but I have another pressing matter I need to discuss with you."

He then gave me his undivided attention.

"What can I do for you my lady?" he asked.

I was quiet for a moment, then clasped my hands together in front of my dress.

"I'm going away for a while to take care of some important business," I disclosed, "I need you to look after Hyrule in my stead."

Shad stared at me stunned.

"You're leaving?" he asked in minor disbelief.

I nodded.

"Yes," I replied, "today as soon as I'm done packing."

Shad didn't hide his astonishment. This certainly wasn't what he was expecting.

"When will you be back?" he asked me.

I raised my brows and looked away.

"I don't know," I said honestly.

Shad took a step towards me and looked at me like I was insane.

"You don't know when you're coming back?" he asked.

I shook my head.

"Not exactly," I replied, "but I need your promise that you won't have me followed."

Shad's eyes widened at my request, then he came closer and lowered his voice.

"Are you in some kind of trouble your majesty?" he asked me. "If so, you must let me assist you. There are-"

I shook my head.

"I'm not in any trouble Sir Shad," I interrupted quietly, but didn't want to go on, for fear he may not understand.

Shad shook his head at my reasoning.

"Then I don't understand," he said to me, "why must you leave Hyrule Castle?"

I paused for a moment.

"I just have to," was all I said in reply.

That answer wasn't good enough for Shad.

"With all due respect, your majesty you aren't making any sense," he said. "You want to up and leave without telling me where you're going, you have no idea when you're going to be back, you won't divulge to me what this is about, and you expect me to advise you on this? Please don't take this the wrong way, but that's absolutely ludicrous."

When he presented the matter like that, I was his point. However, I still knew that if I told him the truth there was a strong possibility that he wouldn't believe me. I took in a deep sigh, conflicted with what to do, but decided I had to take the chance of my steward thinking I was odd.

Hopefully he'll understand.

"Alright," I said, avoiding his eyes, "look, if I tell you something that may seem strange will you promise not to overreact?"

Shad was already giving me a stare like he didn't trust what I was going to say.

"I will try," he replied honestly.

I couldn't blame him for that. It was the best I was going to get.

"I had a visitor last night," I divulged.

Shad looked at me puzzled for a moment.

"A... a visitor?" he inquired.

I nodded in a solemn manner.

"Yes," I said.

Shad swallowed hard, and I think he took what I saying the wrong way.

"And now you want to go off and... take care of something?" he inquired.

I wasn't sure what he was implying with that.

"...Yes," I replied, "why does that seem so strange?"

Shad nervously fixed his bifocals and cleared his throat.

"There-there are o-other ways to handle situations like this your majesty," he said to me all of a sudden. "You don't have to go off to the woods... or where ever such things take place. We'll find the bastard and have him castrated if he doesn't want to take care of his responsibi-"

I looked at him surprised by his use of language.

Wait a minute, what?

"What are you talking about?" I interrupted perplexed. "Why in the world are you talking about castration?"

Shad immediately turned red and clamped his mouth shut.

"Uh... nothing... no reason... what are you talking about your majesty?" he asked, clearing his throat again, realizing he put his foot in his mouth.

I gave him an offhanded look and realized he needed clarification.

"Hylia came to see me last night," I revealed, "she was my visitor."

Now he really did look at me like I needed asylum. He paused before continuing.

"The goddess?" he asked.

I nodded.

"Yes," I said.

He was quiet for a long time before he spoke again.

"Your majesty..." he trailed.

I knew what that inflection was implying.

"It's true!" I insisted. "She told me I needed to go on a quest to help right the wrongs of Hyrule and that's what I intend to do."

Shad took in a deep breath.

"Your majesty..." he trailed worried, "this is all so... so abrupt."

I nodded, realizing he was right, but I wasn't going to let that change my mind.

"That is true," I said, "but I must do it."

Shad looked away from me. He was trying to hide his aggravation with my decision. I raised my eyebrows and looked at him seriously. I understood he had his reasons to be concerned, but I had mine as well. I waited long enough for this opportunity. The Goddess of Hyrule was beckoning me.

"Can I rely on you Shad?" I asked him suddenly. "I need you in this."

Shad turned back and looked into my eyes with open cynicism. However, since he knew there was no changing my mind once it was made up, he finally nodded in agreement.

"Yes, your majesty," he replied sincerely, "I will always have your, and Hyrule's, best interest at heart."

There was another inflection there. An inflection of affection. It took me by surprise in this instance, but I heard it before. However, I had to ignore it. I was aware of the whispers throughout the court that Shad had been expressing deeper feelings towards me with some of his counsel men, but I never entertained them. I always saw Shad as a trusted adviser and friend. Nothing more. Besides, I had enough 'man' troubles, I didn't need I add another to the list.

I can't even entertain such a notion. The last time something like that happened it ended badly for the both of us.

"Thank you," I said simply, not wanting to take the conversation in any uncomfortable directions for either of us, "I can always rely on you Shad."

He stared deeply into my eyes just then.

"Yes, your majesty," he said to me softly, "you can."

There was a brief awkward silence between us where Shad then bowed, and afterwards I bowed back. He stared at me with open concern when he stood once more. I reached over and took his hand in mine, which probably wasn't the best course of action after what I just expressed regarding his heart.

"I'll be fine," I tried to reassure him.

My words didn't seem to ease his mind.

"I'm sure you will," he replied and caressed my knuckles with his thumb, "I'm sure you will."

I smiled at him, then released him, turned, and headed towards the exit. However, before I left he called to me.

"Your majesty," he said.

I turned back his way.

"Yes?" I asked.

He hesitated for a moment, then sighed.

"Please be careful," he said softly.

I smiled again at his concern.

"I will, and thank you," I replied, then left the counsel room.

With the meeting over, I headed back down the hall to my room. I didn't bother to call for my escort because I was in too much of a hurry. My timing seemed to be perfect because in the distance I was just in time to see Lydia with a basket of clothes at my chamber door. She knocked on it, thinking I was inside, but I alerted her with a wave of my hand that I was to her distant right.

"Lydia I'm coming," I called.

She turned and looked at me surprised, I just smiled and hurried towards. I was always taught not to raise my voice above a normal tone in the castle, but today I didn't seem to care. I was too excited to care. I reached up to her and opened the door to my room.

"Go on in," I instructed my friend, then closed the door behind us.

Once inside, Lydia walked over to the table and dumped what she had there. She began sorting through the garments by color coordination. She even had another a satchel for me. I walked up next to her and eagerly looked through the offerings. The selection was just what I was looking for. I pulled up a simple dark blue dress and a dark brown cloak with a hood to go over it.

"This is perfect," I said, "absolutely perfect, no one will ever recognize me in this."

Lydia looked at me with indifference, not sure if she was happy or perplexed by what was going on. I didn't pay it very much attention and went to change. Afterwards, I came from the anteroom and looked in the mirror.

"What do you think?" I asked, turning to model for her. "I really want a truthful answer."

Lydia merely raised her eyebrows and shrugged.

"You look like a peasant girl," she said simply, "a very very beautiful peasant girl."

I blushed a little at the compliment and tried to make light of it.

"Oh... well, what can one do?" I asked rhetorically.

My face was always going to be my face. There was nothing I could do about that. Lydia sighed, then came up behind me to braid my long dark hair into one long lock down my back. I thanked her and then put on the cloak. When I saw that my features were barely recognizable under the hood, I was more than elated. No one would ever know I was the queen unless they knew me personally, and even then I could pretend to be a look-a-like. I grabbed the large satchel that Lydia brought me instead, where I placed my ocarina, bow, a few arrows, money, and other things. I did another sweep of the room to see if I missed anything.

"Am I forgetting something?" I asked aloud to myself. "I think I have everything."

Lydia looked around with me, then back to the pile of clothes.

"I think you should bring a few more outfits," she suggested, "you're going to need more than one dress, and there's also a body suit I brought for you. One that I think would be perfect for you."

That was actually a very good idea. I had no idea how long I was going to be gone, and one dress wasn't going to be sufficient. At her beckoning, I went back to the pile of clothes and bagged six more dresses, then searched for the bodysuit Lydia spoke. When I found it, I raised my brows questionably at it.

What in the world is this?

"Uh..." I couldn't find any words.

The suit was a black, skin tight one piece, with a low 'V' neck that left little for the imagination. Lydia saw my face and tried to justify it.

"It's a ninja outfit," she said, "it's made that way to allow for maximum flexibility. It was said to have been made by the Sheikah people."

Was this an ode to my grandmother when she posed as Sheik, but in a much more grotesque way? Did it suddenly become a fashion trend?

"Lydia, where in the world would I wear this?" I asked with an offhanded stare.

She smirked at me.

"I'm sure you'll find a use for it," she said. "Go on, take it."

I shook my head, but rolled up the body suit and put it in my bag anyway.

This woman... let's hope I won't find a use for it.

"Alright," I said, not pondering on it too much, "I better get going."

Lydia looked at me nervously just then. She took a step forward, but then stopped herself from advancing.

"Are you sure you have to do this?" she asked me with a hint of worry. "Are you sure this is what's right?"

I took in a deep sigh and closed my eyes. Afterwards, I found a moment of clarity.

"I'm quite sure," I said softly and headed for the secret passage behind the head of my bed. "I need to do this Lydia."

She didn't have much to say to that.

"Where is your first rendezvous point?" she redirected.

I was hesitant to tell her, but I did promise.

"Ordon Village," I replied. "You can make your way there if you haven't heard from me in three days."

She looked at me surprised.

"Ordon Village?" she repeated. "Zelda... are you going to see Master Link?"

I paused and didn't reply right way, but finally I nodded. Suddenly, Lydia's whole disposition seemed to change for the better.

"Are you going to tell him you love him?" she asked eagerly. "Is that what this is all about?"

I paused, wishing things were that simple.

"I have much more in store than that," I whispered, then grinned at my friend. "Much more."

She looked at me taken aback, then watched as I opened the door to the passageway. I walked inside and felt a cold, harboring draft staying latent in the narrow hallway. I hooded myself and headed in. I looked back and saw Lydia running her hands through her hair anxiously. She looked like she was ready to cry.

"Please be careful Zelda," she called to me from behind me, "remember you promised to write to me when you got to your first destination. I expect that letter."

I turned and looked at her and smiled.

"I will," I said, "and take care Lyddie, make sure everyone is alright."

After my goodbye, I headed farther into the dank mildew cladding corridor. After following a rather long narrow staircase and two doors, I found myself face to face with another oak door that led to north Castle Town square. I paused when I heard several footsteps walk by. This area was pretty heavily guarded usually, but it seemed the guards were off on an excursion or something, because no one was currently patrolling.

How comforting, I thought sarcastically.

When the coast was clear, I opened the door letting out to the other side and hurried down the alley. I made sure the previous door was closed and secured my hood onto the front of my cloak so it wouldn't accidentally get blown off. When I arrived near the opening of the square, I made sure to walk as everyone else did to blend in with the town's people. Afterwards, I headed south and out that gated entrance. When I was freed from the normal constraints of the castle, I felt a small pang of relief. The biggest hurdle was over.

I was finally on my way.

I then headed to southern Hyrule Field to Ordon Village.

~SSS~

Four Hours Later

I arrived around the outskirts of Ordon about midday, where the sun was at its peak. As I trekked, I tried painstakingly hard not to be noticed. I followed my map, but took the off roads which could have been dangerous. However, at this time of day there wasn't too much to be concerned with. Or so I assumed. So far my assumption was right. I was now walking down a long, narrow, tree lined road, after just passing over a bridge to the deeper embanks of the woods. This village really was remote. I thought I got lost several times, until I saw some land marks that were recognizable on my map. It had been four hours since I left the castle and I couldn't lie my legs and feet were killing me. I wasn't used to having to walk so far. I would have preferred going by horseback, but that would have drawn too much attention.

Even still, this village had to be one of the farthest posts from Hyrule Castle. It wasn't like Zora's Domain where there was a monarchy with an established commerce, or even like Eldin Province where there was both the Gorons and the dragon masters. This was simply a tiny village. The logistics made me wonder. How did the villagers get water all the way back here? Perhaps there was a water source I wasn't aware of. What were they going to do if the bridge suddenly collapsed? I hoped they had a proper contingency plan. What was there route of escape if a siege suddenly came upon them? I hoped they thought that through as well. If this wasn't a secret visit, I would have greatly liked to have discussed these issues with the mayor. Perhaps after all this was over I could do so. In any such case, I needed to focus on the task at hand. I needed to find the Hero of Twilight and request his immediate audience and assistance.

There's no way he can be content with the way his life is now. There's too much adventure bottled up inside him. How can he appease that being a recluse in such a faraway place?

Thoughts of the hero made me ponder on the past. When Link worked at the castle, he was full of life. Always bustling, always full of excitement. I really believed he could do anything. In his short time, he proctored a team, he learned how to dragon ride, and managed to be quite proficient in ancient Hylian. That was all in a span of eight months... eight short months. His progress was remarkable. He was the talk of Hyrule. 'Who is this peasant prodigy in the green hat?' some of the nobility would ask. I just remember being there with him and smiling, taking it all in. I was so proud of him. A part of Link must have still wanted that. A part of him must have still floundered for some adventure, excitement, and wonder. How could he not? Every great man had an inkling for adventure and discovery in them. That inkling was just dormant now. I was sure it was.

I stopped for a moment and pondered the full gravity of my intentions.

I just want to help you Link. Please allow me that opportunity, please let me make things right.

I didn't let my thoughts discourage me and continued on my way. The village impasse was almost in view. I knew I was getting close. The canopy covering the spacious inlet that abutted into an alcove was a beautiful sight. I stopped for a moment to admire it. The inlet was broad and deceptively commodious for its entry point, with greenery, ferns, and beautiful white flowers cropping the shoreline of a crystal clear pool of deep blue shimmery water. In the back, with a three tiered rock structure as its base, was a tiny waterfall. The cistern collecting the water at the bottom bubbled quietly, allowing the splash off to mist the air and create a cool humidification and a captivating haze. It was one of the most beautiful places I had ever seen. The mystery of the villagers water supply was solved. It was then I realized why the villagers wanted to keep this area a safe haven. It was remarkable.

After seeing this first hand, I don't blame the citizens for not wanting a university built near here. It's too beautiful to have anything disturb it.

After enjoying the gentle milieu of the spring, I continued on my way through the first impasse leading to the village. The narrowing road led to another opening and I hoped no one would see me. Fortunately for me, no one was there when I entered. However, before I moved on, I stopped and took note of a sign in front of a large tree house. It was simple and to the point, it read: Link's House. I was surprised it was so direct, but knew I shouldn't have expected pomp and circumstance in such a humble place. I looked up at the cozy residence and took a step back. The large tree house was hollowed out and engineered to have windows at the front for sunlight and reinforcements in the branches all around it to keep it steadied. It was cleverly made, and I couldn't help but think about Link's many skill sets and ingenuity. When he was at the castle, he showed the same kind of lateral thinking and cleverness. He knew how to solve problems.

"That's a nice place," I said, walking up to it and knocking on the wood, "it's functional and serves its purpose."

My first thought told me to keep heading into the village, and I was about to walk away, when I hesitated for a moment and looked at the ladder leading up to the front door. This was Link's house, and there was a possibility that he could be home. I paused while tapping my foot and decided it was time for me to take a chance. Hoping this was my lucky day, I climbed the ladder and knocked on the door as quietly and discreetly as possible. I didn't want anyone else to hear me. I waited nervously, hoping he both would and would not open that door. However, after a few seconds no one answered, and when I knocked once more, I still got no answer. It was then I realized no one was home. I took in both a disappointed and relieved breath, then headed back down the ladder to the proceeding roadway.

"He must still be working," I whispered to myself.

The second impasse led to a road that cleared into the village. I was walking over the bridge with the hopes of finding a ranch, but quickly had to hide behind a tree before I was seen. I felt my heart accelerate when I nearly walked right into a group of adolescents. They walked gingerly by without noticing me, but that was definitely a close call. One of the teens was a brown haired girl, who looked about nineteen years old. The other three were boys, two brunettes and a blonde, they looked about eighteen or nineteen, seventeen, and thirteen respectively. I peeked from behind the tree to see if they were still in the roadway. They were.

They were probably only children during Zant's reign of terror.

I decided to listen in to see if they had seen me.

"Colin do you think Link will notice me today?" the girl asked the blonde boy.

The boy blushed and merely shrugged.

"I don't know, he might... you do look really pretty today," he said to her.

She grinned at him.

"Pretty enough for him to ask me to the Hyrulean Festival?" she inquired. "I know it's months away, but the sooner a girl can know the better, right?"

The blonde boy nodded.

"I guess," he said casually, "you never can tell with Link."

The young lady agreed with him.

"That's true," she said simply, then sighed, "I guess I'll just have to wait and see."

The older brunette boy then scoffed at the idea.

"Don't lie to her Colin," he retorted, "Beth looks like a pig, she's been that ugly since... forever."

The young lady narrowed her eyes at him.

"Shut up Talo!" the girl snapped. "What do you know?"

"Yeah," the other brunette boy segued, pretending to come to the girl's defense, but then added, "you know Beth looks more like a cow!"

The girl narrowed her eyes angrily at the two boys instigating her.

"You guys are such idiots!" she said upset. "It's no wonder no one likes you!"

The girl then stormed off and the blonde boy followed after her. The other two boys laughed at her expense. I covered my mouth and felt bad for the poor dear. Bullying was horrible in any facet.

Poor girl... it must be hard living in an area where very few people understood her.

I peeked from behind the tree again and sidled my way to the ground so as not to be seen. I then knelt over and crawled into the tall grass encircling the perimeter of the village, deciding it was the most discreet way to travel. I had to be careful and stopped every few meters so I wouldn't get caught. There were a few cats and cuckoos that surprised me every now and then, but nothing that alerted the attention of the residents.

"Grandmother, you would be proud," I told myself as I crawled.

I stopped short of a modest house when I couldn't advance as quickly because a young woman about my age stepped out all of a sudden. She had light blonde hair and soft green eyes. She was quite pretty, but she seemed to have had a lot on her mind. When she turned around, I saw that her eyes looked tired and her face carried a wayward expression. If she smiled more she could be quite beautiful, but I did give her the benefit of the doubt.

Who wouldn't be tired in this day and age we're living in? It's amazing we all made it through Zant and Ganondorf's reign intact.

The young lady was looking down the road to an area that appeared to lead to the ranch. The sign above the entrance helped too.

"I hope he gets done soon," the woman whispered to herself.

I looked at her intrigued.

I wonder if she's talking about Link.

I watched her for a few moments, but then saw an opportunity present itself when she went back into her home. I hurried, scrambled to my feet, and ran up the other impasse leading to the ranch. I thought I was making strides, until I had to stop short because I abruptly came across a large clearing.

"Oh no!" I whispered, thinking I was going to get caught.

The area was quite commodious, so there was nowhere to hide except up against the side of the mountain leading to the gate, but before I could even consider that, I froze. I froze because I saw him. I felt my breath still suddenly and my vision get a little distorted for a moment. I placed my hand over my heart and took two stumbling steps back.

There he is... the Hero of Twilight... Link.

Link was riding a beautiful stout horse and was trotting about as he chased a group of stubborn goats into a small barn. Goat wrangling as he called it. Wrangling looked like such tedious work, but if I knew anything about Link it was that he gave his all in whatever he did, goat herding included. He was obviously excellent at doing it because he was effective eventually. It was then I scrambled to hide. I climbed a small rock formation to hide among the tall grass situated above it. Fortunately, his back was to me when I first entered, so I hoped he didn't see me. I decided I'd watch him for a little while until I saw another opportunity to leave. It proved to be entertaining already, as there was one goat giving him a little trouble by not following his commands. I rested my face in my palms and stared on admirably.

I wonder if he does this everyday?

"Giddy up!" he was calling to one of them and then ushered the goat inside the barn.

I knew this would sound cliche, but there was something about him that was just magnetic. I couldn't explain what it was, but he had it. He looked like he took pride in what he was doing, like if he couldn't do it right then why do it all? I liked that premise, and I liked it more on a hard working man. He really was working hard... he was sweating... he was ridding. Sweet Farore... he was just putting in work.

My goddess... he is so beautiful.

I noticed immediately that he looked older, which I found to be an advantage. There was something about his matured face that was more rugged and chiseled than the youthful beauty he once exemplified. Not that he wasn't beautiful, he was, he was just a different kind of beautiful now. That dark blonde hair was blowing in the wind, his intense blue eyes were focused on his task, the rustic shirt he was wearing seemed like it was too small from the etchings of sinew it was showing. It was either that or his muscles were just too big... too incredibly big.

I think it's the latter.

It was then I realized I had to shake myself out of my haze. I was acting foolish and I knew it. There was more to a person than their beauty. Besides, this wasn't about me, this was about making things right for him. The more I kept that in mind, the more I could focus. With that, I watched him work for a little while longer, keeping the provocations at bay. However, that was short lived when I felt an abrupt sense of panic overtake me. He had finished up, and began heading back to the main village.

"Oh no!" I whispered worried, and hid my head in amongst the tall grass.

Link was running a hand through his hair as walked by me without noticing me. I took in a sigh of relief, but waited until he was in the main village before I rose from my hiding place. Once the coast was clear, I quickly hurried back into the small town and towards the perimeter's edge where the tall grass was. I crawled back into the bushes and laid low. When he passed me by unnoticed, I sighed in relief.

"Thank Hylia," I whispered in relief.

The young woman I saw once before came out of her house again when she saw that Link was passing by. So I was right, she was waiting for him.

"Good afternoon Link," she called to him, "how were the goats acting today?"

Link turned and looked at the young lady with a half-smile.

"Hello Ilia," he said to her politely, "the goats were their usual stubborn, silly selves, but the in gathering went okay."

She stroked her blonde hair in a shy manner and smiled.

"That's great," she said with a nod, but then bit her lip and added, "hey, I was hoping you'd join me for supper tonight? I'm preparing lots of food and won't be able to eat even a fourth of it."

Link took in a deep breath, and looked away for a moment at her question. He seemed to be debating the answer in his head.

"Um... sure," he said, but with a hint of reluctance, "sure, that sounds nice."

The woman's face brightened.

"Really?" she asked more hopeful than she should have.

Link merely nodded and smiled wider.

"Really," he said simply, "let me just freshen up and change. You probably wouldn't want to come near me right now. I smell like a goat."

The young woman returned his smile and laughed.

"Great!" she said enthusiastically. "I'll see you around dusk. I'm really looking forward to it."

Link merely nodded.

"I'm looking forward to it too," he said, then continued down the path.

When their brief conversation was over, I looked over at the young woman again. It was apparent she had feelings for him, or she at the very least liked him, but he didn't seem to share her enthusiasm. Maybe it was me, but that was what it seemed like. It was no matter, the state of their relationship was none of my business. As such, I continued following Link along the outer perimeter in the grass. On his way home, Link was stopped once again, this time by the group of young people chatting in amongst themselves that I saw earlier. The red haired girl had no qualms about going up to the hero and talking to him. She seemed very eager to do so.

"Hello Link," the young lady known as Beth said to him without a hint of shyness, "how was work today?"

Link grinned at her, fully aware that she had a little infatuation with him.

"It went fine Beth," he said to her, "how was your day?"

She smiled broadly and took a step towards him.

"It was wonderful," she said, "especially now that you asked about it."

I had to cover my mouth to keep from chuckling.

Oh Hylia, is that how it goes nowadays?

I unfortunately giggled a little to myself out loud, but had to remember where I was.

Focus, I thought, stayed focused.

The blonde boy standing next to Beth was now kicking the ground uncomfortably. Link looked over at the young man, knowing he was probably feeling a little insecure, and turned his attention to him.

"How's the sword training going Colin?" he asked him, trying to be inclusive.

Colin looked up slightly surprised, and merely nodded.

"It's going pretty good," he said honestly to Link, "I've been training everyday this week since you taught me our last technique."

Link raised an eyebrow at him.

"That's good to hear," he replied, "do you think you would be up for a sparing match after supper?" Link asked him with a grin.

Colin's cheeks flushed a little.

"Well..." Colin trailed.

Beth put her hands on her hips.

"Come on Colin just do it!" she said slightly exasperated. "You know he's going to win anyway."

Link gave Beth a disappointed look.

"You shouldn't say that Beth," Link replied, "Colin nearly got me last time."

Beth gave Link a funny look.

"Nearly isn't winning Link," she said with a blunt inflection, "stop trying to be nice."

Colin turned red, but then raised his head to answer Link.

"Yeah... sure," he agreed reluctantly, "I'll do it."

Link nodded, approving of his answer.

"That's the spirit," he said to Colin with enthusiasm, "I'll meet you in front of my house after supper."

Colin nodded again, and Beth decided to add her two rupees.

"Go easy on him Link," Beth teased, "you know Colin is as timid as a lamb."

Colin looked at Beth with a slight irritation.

"I am not!" he insisted, but then blushed.

Link glanced over at Colin, who was now looking at the ground embarrassed.

"We'll see," Link said with a grin, then patted Colin's shoulder, "we'll see, I'm sure you've got a trick or two up your sleeve."

Colin only nodded again and didn't say anything in reply.

He must really like that girl, I perceived. He can hardly talk or look at her.

Link then ended the conversation, and past the two beguiled teens. He headed for the impasse leading to the alcove where he lived. I furtively followed, and paused when I saw him climb up the ladder to his home, then casually go in through the door. I noticed he left it slightly ajar.

I felt my heart pound.

"Now's my chance!" I whispered, scuttling from the grass and hurrying to the ladder.

Impulsively, I climbed without thinking. When I got to the top, I entered Link's residence without knocking, which wasn't a good idea, because abruptly, I felt my pulse quicken when the door slammed shut behind me. I tried to turn in alarm, but a hand suddenly clamped tight over my mouth.

What in the-?

"Don't scream," Link whispered in my ear from behind me, "I noticed you as soon as you entered the ranch. Who are you? And what are you doing here?"

Thank you for reading.