Inspiration: "The Hunchback of Notre Dame," by Disney (Esmeralda's outfit, Phoebus's outfit, and the 'Feast of Fools'), Irish River Dancing, and "Final Fantasy VIII," (the scene where Squall and Rinoa waltz), "Latch" by Disclosure, and "Tree of Life," album by Audiomachin for the 2020 reedit.

All Original Shout Outs: Maya-430, LegendxofZelda, xVolcaloidanx, Adjacent to Addition, and thegokidrox, thanks for reading.

New Shout Outs: IamMe, thank you for reading.

Recommended Readings: "Open the Door," by Hawkeye.

Author's Note: Reupload 3/4/2020. Reedited 5/4/2020. Yep, that word count is correct. Take breaks lol.

Word Count: 30,358

Chapter 16

The road to the Hyrulean Festival Part I: Happy Concessions

~SSS~

Two weeks later, Hyrule Castle

It took Link and me two weeks to get back to Hyrule Castle. We arrived by nightfall on the last day and we took the secret passage to my private chambers. It was quite the journey considering there was no longer the land marker of the Hylialis Borealis. We had to rely more on the stars in the sky and the compasses in our possession. Throughout our trek, we noted the roads were budded with more soldiers, which signaled to me Shad was on top of security measures. I appreciated his due diligence and knew the country was in good hands with him at the helm. Unfortunately, that also meant Link and I had to take the more scenic route throughout the countryside. We found a trail in the outskirts of Lanayru Province that led to a canyon of waterfalls. We stayed there one night, and the following morning swam in the pools to cleanse ourselves. It was quite refreshing.

Fortunately as we traveled, Link and I didn't come across the Arbiter's Tribe again. Though, we saw evidence of their cult in the apertures across the countryside. One area that was particularly grotesque was a spot where a ritual must have taken place. It was near the outposts of Eldin. Link and I found the remains of a dog sacrificed upon a fire altar in some strange manner. It was a horrid image and the animal looked like it suffered a great deal before it died. Also, there were seven words written in ancient Hylian carved into the ground about it. I couldn't make a few of them out, but several were words Link and I recognized. Words found on the mirror. Words related to the attributes we were warned about. I couldn't lie, that finding left me a bit shaken. I couldn't sleep that night.

Even so, the sights weren't all sadistic. Link and I enjoyed traveling through the back end creeks where we saw a school of trout going up river against the current one afternoon. Those mighty fish were fighting for their dear lives. My goddess were they strong. Unfortunately for them, we had a few for dinner, but their journey was no less appreciated. A few days after that, we watched a star shower on the open planes of Hyrule Field. It had to be one of the most beautiful sights in the world. The stars sparkled like diamonds. That was also the night I caught Link staring more at me than the stars. He asked me if I remembered the night after the Dragon Gala. It was much like this one. I told him yes, but didn't say much else. It was a bittersweet memory because it carried with it its own set of problems. But, it was also one that had its own beauty. One star even fell from the heavens to the earth below. If it wasn't so far away, we would have explored it. Link informed me that he'd seen a meteorite up close before. He told me it was like a cradle for baby stars. After that description, I did wish it were closer. Who wouldn't want to explore a cradle for 'baby' stars? What a magnificent prospect.

We also had the good fortune of avoiding Shiek. Link and I didn't see the ninja in all the time we traveled in that two week period. I was grateful, but I knew it wasn't over. I knew that ninja wasn't dead and was only biding his time. We stayed vigilant. I still had no explanation as to why he said any of the things he said to me in the City in the Sky. It frightened me, but I tried to appear strong. The next time I saw that ninja I knew would be a dangerous time. I was glad Link was with me. Though, I had this sinking feeling that maybe even he wasn't enough to protect me from Sheik. That ninja was insidious and incredibly dangerous. It was a danger I could not rightly identify, but their seemed to be a desperation in his venture. I was aware of one thing, I needed to speak with Hylia as soon as she made herself available to me. I had questions that needed answering.

Hopefully, she will appear to me soon.

Currently, the stone walls and great chambers of Hyrule Castle replaced our nature walks and beautiful sights. For a moment, it felt good to be home. A return to normalcy. For Link, it must have been like walking into the past. It had been over five years since he set foot in this castle. Watching him look around now brought back memories. I walked over to the table in the middle of the room and placed my bag down on the floor. I turned when the hero slowly made his way back to the middle of the room. He was staring up at the mural. It was a natural fixation.

I grinned.

"It captures my attention too," I said of the ceiling. "I still marvel at its architecture."

Link nodded.

"It's the most incredible thing about this room. The opulence is expected, but nothing compares to that mural."

I felt a sense of pride from his words and watched him as he continued to look around.

"How does it feel?"

He was quiet for a moment and shook his head.

"Frankly, surreal. I didn't think I would set foot in this room again."

I clutched the back of my chair and milled over his words. I didn't want this present venture to be a negative experience like the past.

"And yet here you are." I then nodded towards the seating next to the one I was clutching. "You used to sit there."

He stared at the chair.

"This is where we had all those lessons," he recalled.

I nodded.

"And it used to be just like this. You used to come late at night and wait for me in the secret passage until everyone went to bed. I would let you in and then we would study for hours. We got through so many subjects so quickly."

He nodded.

"Your tutelage felt like going to an amplified version of the Scholar's Academy," he half-joked. "I never received such an education in my life. That was also actually how all those rumors started about us. Everyone assumed there was more than tutelage going on."

I giggled at how he said that and shrugged.

"Who cares what other people thought. What mattered was we knew the truth."

Link looked over at me and stared me in the eyes at my utterance.

"Exactly. Who cares, we knew."

I smiled and looked around the room myself.

"I didn't think we would be coming back here so soon, but I need to touch base with my men."

Link thought nothing of it.

"It's completely understandable. I was surprised a search party wasn't sent out for you yet."

He had a good point.

"I circumvented that with letter writing. Shad and Lydia pretty much know what's been going on up until a few days ago."

The hero grinned.

"You thought of everything, didn't you?"

I characteristically blushed. I didn't know why, I just did. It was silly.

"I certainly tried."

We both chuckled at that and afterwards got quiet. I then spoke up again.

"We should wash up and get ready for bed. I want us to meet with the counsel in the morning."

Link stared at me puzzled.

"You want us to meet them together?"

I nodded.

"Yes."

He gave me a wayward look.

"Do you think that's wise? I think it would be best if your stewards didn't know I was here. It could cause a scandal."

I grinned.

"Since when have you cared about a little scandal?"

That did get a smile out of him.

"True, but this is different. There are already stories about you being here and there circulating. It's only a matter of time when the rumors about you being in Balaam come back as false too."

I understood that.

"Which is why I'm here. We have to catch the wind before it catches us."

He appreciated the saying, then decided to make a joke about it.

"Catching the wind is one thing, breaking the wind is something else entirely."

I couldn't lie, that did get a laugh out of me, though it was an awful jest. Link snickered more at my reaction than anything.

"You still tell the worst jokes."

He nodded.

"I know."

Afterward, I looked over to my divan and antechamber where the washroom resided.

"It's late. We should retire and get ready for the morning."

He cut his eyes to the bed and for some odd reason took a step back.

"Maybe I'm turning into a rube, but I think I should get other accommodations," the hero insisted. "I don't want your servants coming in in the morning to a shocking scene."

I sighed when I saw him still objecting. I understood his conjecture, but I thought he was putting too much stock into it. The only servant with access to this room was Lydia, and she wasn't even aware I was back in Hyrule as of yet. I informed Shad in my letter to him, but did not in my letter to Lydia. It was a neglected oversight, but she wouldn't gossip about the hero and me now if she found us. Lydia knew what some of the stakes were. However, I finally caved to Link's reasoning. I didn't want him worrying unnecessarily.

"Fine, if you are that concerned what do you suggest?"

The hero did appear relieved.

"I'll go find an inn for the night. I know several of the innkeepers in town, and when the time comes, I'll request an audience with you in the morning."

I appreciated his idea, but I was going to modify it a little.

"Don't request an audience, just take the route to my bed chamber and meet me here. I don't want it announced that I'm back yet. If you request an audience, that will alert too many people. I want to be able to leave freely without too many questions if the situation calls for it."

Link thought about the idea and finally nodded.

"I see your point."

With that, Link turned and headed back for the exit. Admittedly, I was disappointed he didn't want to stay, but I wasn't going to be ostentatious about it. I would see him in the morning. We wouldn't be parted long. Though, I couldn't lie, I was very fond of having him nearby. I wanted to know why he was so adamant about being chivalrous. Before he departed, I stopped him before he went through the door.

"Link," I called to him softly.

He turned to look at me.

"Yes?"

I stared into his eyes. I didn't know how to ask what I wanted to ask except to just ask it.

"Why... why don't you want to spend the night with me?"

He stared at me surprised for a moment, but then paused. He took in a deep sigh and didn't want me thinking this was like before.

"I do want to stay the night with you," he disclosed. "It's just I shouldn't to protect your honor. I told you, if I was going to be your friend again I was going to think of you before myself. That's why I made the decision I made. It has nothing to do with me not wanting to be with you."

I had a feeling he was going to say something to that nature. I wasn't going to dispute his response. His considerateness was paramount. I simply nodded.

"I see, but before you go, can I give you an impromptu lesson?"

Link looked at me intrigued.

"Impromptu lesson?"

I walked over to him.

"I think you will find this most useful."

The hero stared into my eyes.

"What do you mean?"

That was just the answer I was looking for.

"Here, let me show you." I then took hold of his hands. "Now, close your eyes."

Link gave me an offhanded look.

"Zelda..."

"Come on, please..."

At my plea he became less fickle.

"Alright, alright." Link closed his eyes.

I then closed mine.

"Now... I want you to concentrate. Think about the past and present all at the same time."

Link was perplexed.

"How?"

"Remember your loved ones and how they affected your life. Then think to when you first came of age as the hero."

The hero nodded.

"Alright."

Suddenly, my chest fluttered with a warm energy, but then radiated down to my toes to my fingertips. I knew what was happening. I just hoped the same was happening to Link.

"Do you feel that?" I asked.

"I feel something," he said honestly.

"Good. Keep concentrating."

I focused down... down... down into the depths of my soul. I saw an image of my father, my mother, my grandmother, and even Link. A moment later, my body felt like it was submerged in menthol. Like it was purified. I was tapping into my Triforce. A light blue light soon emitted around me and everything felt safe, free, understood. I then opened my eyes and stared at Link. He was glowing with a green energy around him too. He was looking at me astonished. I was so excited for him. He was finally able to tap into his Triforce of Courage as well. What an amazing feat.

"You did it!" I whispered. "You tapped into your Triforce!"

Link was still in awe.

"How did this happen?"

"It was a blessing from Farore. Just like mine is a blessing from Nayru. If you keep practicing, you might be able to master it."

The hero was in disbelief.

"Really?"

I nodded.

"Really."

I held Link's hands more securely and suddenly our energies magnified. His light emitted more as did mine. They even converged to create this beautiful bluish-green light. I was surprised at that.

"Do you see what's happening?"

Link nodded.

"This is just like before. Remember?"

I nodded in return.

"I do. This is incredible."

The energy swirled and danced before it finally dulled and abated. Afterwards, we were left just staring at each other. It was an incredible experience. Link looked marveled.

"You can control your power now?"

I was not sure.

"I'm learning to. I haven't mastered it yet. However, I figured since you have a Triforce too, I could teach you the technique as well. When I first showed you this years ago, it was just to establish a connection with you. Now, I want you to be able to reach within and use it when you need to. We can learn together."

Link's eyes were searching my face.

"That's amazing Zelda."

I smiled.

"It is, isn't it?"

We then got quiet, still admiring each other. However, soon afterward Link came close, reach down, and boldly kissed me on the lips. It was an impulsive move. I was surprised by the maneuver, considering his earlier objections, but not too much. I kissed him back, stepping into his space and wrapping my arms around his waist. I loved how solid his body was.

"Do you really have to go?" I whispered between a kiss. "Do you really want to go?"

The hero didn't reply and kissed me deeper. His hold on me tightened, which was all the answer I probably needed to know how he was feeling. Soon, the kiss got a little more intense... more intense than it should have. I was tempted to guide him over to the bed to take advantage of the situation. But, that was when Link pulled away and shook his head. He stared into my eyes conflicted.

"Not like this." He was talking more to himself. "I cannot..."

I blushed at his words.

"Link... stay."

He caressed my cheek.

"Please don't make this harder than it already is," he whispered. "I have to go. It isn't you. I just have to go."

I did my best to hide my disappointment. Afterwards, Link stared at me for a long moment again before releasing my hands and making his exit.

"Goodnight."

"Goodnight."

When the door closed behind him, I looked to the floor.

"He's so chivalrous... sometimes I wish he wouldn't be."

Afterwards, I got ready for bed.

~SSS~

The next day

It was early in the morning when I got up and got ready for the day. I was up even before the door to my chamber abridged and in walked Lydia. When she caught sight of me, she nearly shrieked in shock. I had to hurry over to her to catch her before she fell from a fainting spell. I quickly closed the door as there was no guard stationed in front of it currently. It was probably because there was still the assumption I was in Balaam and resources were relegated elsewhere. Even so, it worked to my favor. The less faces that saw me the better. However, I didn't want to make a scene this early in the day. I helped Lydia over to the table and had her sit down. She was still in shock as she stared at me.

"Zelda?"

I nodded and smiled.

"How are you my dear Lyddie?"

Lydia's eyes filled with tears and she hugged me immediately.

"Thank Hylia," she sobbed, "I was so worried about you, even after getting your letters. I told Ivan we needed to postpone our wedding because there was too much preoccupying my mind."

I hugged her tight and pulled back.

"Don't cry darling, it's alright," I reassured. "Besides, I'm going to be departing again soon after."

She looked at me surprised.

"What?"

I nodded.

"My journey isn't over, there is still much for me to do. Master Link will be here shortly to meet with my men. There is more going on out there than meets the eye."

Lydia was staring at me stunned.

"Master Link has accompanied you to the castle? He's back in Hyrule?"

I nodded.

He's back where he should be. I didn't add.

Lydia caressed my cheek.

"I'm so glad you're safe. You have no idea how sick to my stomach some of your correspondence made me. Were you really chased by bears and a pack of wolves?"

I giggled and nodded.

"Indeed I was, and I met a yeti too."

Her eyes widened.

"A yeti?"

"Two yetis actually," I corrected. "Oh my dearest Lydia, you wouldn't believe how beautiful Hyrule is. It's like a whole new world! I've seen things I never thought I would see."

I got up and couldn't keep the smile off my face. Lydia soon followed and eventually smiled herself at my glee.

"You sound like a different person."

I turned and looked at her.

"I am a different person. A completely different person. I will no longer rule from the sidelines after experiencing all that I have experienced."

Lydia stared into my eyes and raised a brow.

"Really? And why is that?"

I stared beyond her for a moment.

"Because there is so much more to life than just duty," I recalled what Link told me. "Duty is a part of it of course, but what good is it if life passes you by?"

Her eyes searched my face.

"I agree."

I smiled.

"Isn't that a great attestation to life?" I asked rhetorically.

Lydia nodded anyway as she studied me.

"Is that what you learned gallivanting around the kingdom? That life isn't just about duty?"

I nodded.

"Indeed I did. I can govern through my shared experiences of the people. The citizens have such interesting lives."

Lydia paused for a moment.

"Forgive me, but you... you sound like a woman in love. Is that what happened?"

I looked at her surprised.

"What? N-no, I was just telling you how different the world is from out there. I no longer have the rigid view from afar."

Lydia caught the blip in my voice and raised a brow.

"Right," she said sarcastically, then asked, "speaking of which, have you told Master Link you're in love with him yet?"

Straight to the point as usual. My cheeks blushed and my eyes widened, but before I could answer, the door to the secret passageway suddenly opened. Link walked in just in the nick of time, but was surprised when he saw me with Lydia. He almost went back through the door, but realized the secret was out one way or the other.

However, Lydia went to reassure him.

"It's alright. I've known about that passageway since I was six. There's no need to worry Master Link."

Link looked at her surprised, but then softened his features with a grin. Afterwards, he bowed before he approached us.

"Good morning my lady." He then addressed Lydia. "I'm glad she has a servant like you. You're amazing Miss Lydia."

I looked over at him needing to correct one thing.

"Lydia is more my friend than my servant. I trust her with my life."

Link appreciated the correction.

"That's even better."

Lydia was only partially listening. She grinned and gave the hero the swooning eye.

"Please don't take this the wrong way," she detracted for a moment, "but you are the most beautiful man I've ever laid eyes on."

Link looked at her surprised by the compliment, but then grinned.

"Oh... thank you Miss Lydia."

I just blushed and felt my throat tighten. I knew where she was going with this.

"Lyddie..." I hoped she'd get the gist.

Lydia ignored me.

"Thank you for looking out for the queen. What would happen to Hyrule without her?"

Link nodded.

"I agree."

I then gave my friend the look, but she still ignored me.

"If only she had a king to be with her on a more permanent basis," she continued.

I stared at her shocked.

"Lyddie..."

Link just looked to the floor and chuckled.

Lydia went on.

"She's positively the most-"

"That's enough. Please, no more."

Lydia simply looked at me knowingly and grinned. There was no malice in her eyes, but I got her point loud and clear. 'Tell him' her eyes were telling me.

"As you wish." She then turned and went about doing her duties. "I guess I uttered too much."

My throat tightened more at her teasing. When would she ever learn? I turned to look at the hero.

"I'm sorry. I don't know what has gotten into her."

He glanced over at Lydia before looking back at me.

"Don't be, that's what friends do. They make sure you're aware of what you need to be aware of."

I then looked at him surprised and he stared back at me with no qualms. They were certainly bold rascals today.

"I see," was all I had to say.

Afterward, we walked over to the table and sat down while Lydia still lingered about the room. Link wasted no time taking advantage of the fruit bowl and grabbed a pear. I wanted Lydia to depart so Link and I could talk alone for a moment, but I didn't want to appear pushy. Soon however, Lydia finished her cleaning and ceremoniously left. She made sure she gave a doting gesture at her departure with a wink and a smile, which caused Link to grin again and me to raise a brow.

"She's something else," Link said when the door closed.

I grunted.

"That something will remain unnamed for the moment."

Link chuckled, then bit into another pear. I glanced over at him. He was probably famished.

"I'm sorry. I should have had breakfast brought."

He fanned off the concern.

"Don't worry about it. This is fine."

I took in a deep sigh when I thought about everything we needed to discuss.

"What do you suppose would be a proper cover to give for when Shad and the others get here?"

Link glanced over at me thoughtfully.

"Well, I suggest we stick with the story we've developed. That way we can give the details without giving away the true gist."

I nodded.

"That's a good idea. However, Shad is very studious, so we have to be careful with him."

The hero nodded.

"Yes he is. He'll dissect every word."

Let's hope that wasn't the case this morning. I looked over at the clock on the wall and saw it was approaching seven a.m.

"He along with the others should be arriving soon. In my last letter I told him to meet with me today by seven a.m. It's nearly time."

Link finished his second pear and then went to wash his hands.

"Good," he said, when he sat back down, "the sooner he comes, the sooner we can constitute a game plan."

I nodded.

"Very true."

A moment later, there was a knock at the door. I looked over at Link nervously, then cleared my throat before I spoke.

"You may enter," I called.

We both stood as the door opened. At our recognition, confusion latent expressions along with surprise hit the faces of the four men that entered the room. It had to be because of Link. My generals were men who worked and grew up with my father. They were known as the Three Riders of Hyrule because their escapades were so legendary. They were probably the most trusted men in the country behind Link. I think for some, even their honor superceded Link's. That was not an easy task. They were loyal and looked out for the country like no others. Along with them was Shad. Shad needed no introduction. He was Shad. The scholar. The steward. The confidant. He could do logistics on a whim. At their entrance, there was a quiet quell in the room. The three generals hadn't seen the hero in years, and I was certain Shad's perplexity was based off something else. He was probably concerned about the look of all this. Why was the hero alone with me in my bed chamber? I quickly understood Link's reasoning from the night before.

The scholar looked between the two of us puzzled.

"Your... majesty?"

I gestured for them all to come in the room and close the door. When I was certain we would not be disturbed, I spoke.

"Good morning gentlemen."

"Good morning your majesty," they said in unison.

I cleared my throat.

"I know this may seem untoward, but there is a reason for it. The hero is here because there are a great many things I need to disclose to you. There is no scandal, so you need not worry about that. However, my departure has given me information I could only be privy to having left the castle."

General Maximillion then spoke up first. The graying redhead was the chief strategist when it came to siege survival. His insight was invaluable.

"I was wondering where these rumors started about you going to Balaam and trysting and all this other nonsense."

I understood his conjecture.

"There is a reason for that." I realized I needed to inform my generals what I informed Shad of months ago. "I left under such a guise because I was sent out by the Goddess Hylia herself. She has specific instructions for me to make my way through the world until a certain goal is met. I have not reached that goal yet, but there are some obstacles I've come across I need to divulge to all of you."

My words were met with a pause.

"Forgive me my lady," general Zelvious uttered, "but you were... contacted by the Goddess Hylia?"

I nodded.

"I know it sounds extraordinary, but it's true."

Zelvious's green eyes searched my face. He didn't mean to have an air of distrust, but when words of an extraordinary measure were stated then they needed to be addressed. I couldn't help but admire how much his son Zall looked like him, black hair, green eyes and all.

"You understand our dilemma when you utter such things your majesty," he said respectfully.

I understood.

"Your concerns are well warranted, but that does not negate the truth. I wish I could impress upon you how wonderful the goddess is, how different she is. But, it would not do her enough justice. Perhaps one day you'll have the honor of meeting her. Even so, the truth stands as the truth stands. She sent me out, and I must follow through."

I was met with another silence. It was apparent.

"My lady has always been an open book when it came to her connection with the goddess," general Gunter finally added. "You are right in that perhaps one day we will have the honor of meeting her." I grinned at Gunter and appreciated his attempt to understand my point of view. However, he had more to say. "Even so, I must ask, what goal are you intending to make?"

I realized the corner I put myself in, but I quickly dispelled it.

"I'm afraid I cannot disclose that information. As unfortunate as that sounds, it is a necessary precaution because of the sensitivity of the subject matter. However, that is why the hero is in my employ." Link nodded when I gestured to him. "I must keep a low profile while I travel. I cannot bring any unnecessary attention to myself with an entourage."

Shad then spoke up.

"Your majesty, you just said you must 'travel'," he caught. "Are you leaving the castle again?"

I nodded.

"I am. As I've stated before, I have not yet reached my goal."

The four men were not comfortable with my answer.

"I'm sorry my lady, but I must protest," Maximillion argued. "It is too dangerous for you to be traveling the way you are."

I understood his protest.

"That is why I have Master Link with me."

Their eight eyes shifted to him.

"I mean no disrespect, but he is just one man," Zelvious reasoned.

He had to know that was selling the hero short.

"He defeated Ganondorf and Zant on his own," I reminded him.

Gunter gave a loud groan.

"It is too much responsibility for one person to shoulder alone. What if he should die trying to protect you?"

The hero must have had enough of them speaking around him.

"I don't plan on dying my lord," Link spoke up himself.

Gunter cut his eyes to him.

"You are brave, but you are still just one unit strong. You cannot be conceited when it comes to protecting the queen."

Link took a step forward.

"It's not conceit that guides me. I have the Triforce of Courage. With all due respect, the power given to me by Farore is without comparison. It negates nothing you're concerned about, but it is not a mere trinket."

After what Link experienced with me last night, he knew that to be true more than ever.

However, Maximilion grunted.

"The gods and goddesses are funny and fickle," he said with a hint of sarcasm. "It's interesting with all their benevolence they allow so much war."

"Much less are the causes of it," Zelvious added.

Link shook his head.

"Are they the ones starting it though? Would you rather live your life knowing you never had a decision made for yourself? The goddesses are not the causes of Hyrule's conflicts."

Gunter then raised a brow.

"Tell that to Din in her sadistic choice of giving the Triforce of Power to a psychopath like Ganondorf. Of all the goddesses, she is the strangest to me."

Link had no rebuttal for that.

"Din... Din is complicated," he admitted, "but that does not discount what she has done for Hyrule in her powerful creative works."

It was normal for men of war to question the existence of a divinity greater than themselves because they saw so much death. However, I wasn't going to let that sway me. I knew what was real. I knew what Hylia had done. I knew what was expected of me whether my men understood that fact or not. I stood my ground.

"I cannot tell you how important it is to have a healthy dose of skepticism. But when you are talking to a descendant of the goddess herself, your words ring hollow. All of the battles you won, all of them, are a result of Hylia's grace. Never forget that."

There was a brief, but tense, silence between the six of us that lasted for only a short while. I needed to get beyond this drivel and get back out into the world to prepare for what Link and I were going to do for the festival. It was time to move forward.

"In any such case, I wanted to share with you all what I came across thus far. While going throughout Hyrule, there was evidence of a cult making its way into the mainland when it used to be on the fringes. Do you have any idea what this cult may be after?"

Shad spoke first regarding that matter.

"I have been getting reports regarding marauders robbing citizens traveling through Hyrule Field. The biggest take away is that they were killing indiscriminately with a goal of procuring a Hylian sacrifice."

I stared at the scholar stunned.

"A Hylian sacrifice?"

Shad nodded.

"The Arbiter's Cult, as they like to call themselves, state in their deranged manifesto that they are getting the world ready for their master. As to who or what that master will be, I have no idea."

I had the worst feeling of foreboding hearing that. I thought back to that mother who was forced into labor along with her son. Those thugs who attacked them had no intention of letting them go. They were going to kill them. If I had known they were going to be so merciless, they would not have escaped with their lives.

"How awful. We came across something similar in our travels," I divulged, "but fortunately we were able to ward them off."

My utterance was not reassuring.

"You've come across such vermin?"

I nodded, but stopped his interrogation there. It was not necessary to dwell upon.

"We did, but they were no match for Master Link."

Link's expression was thoughtful, but Shad was not so convinced.

"The hero will always be a great man, but it is stupid to be reckless with his life," he said rather boldly.

I looked at the scholar surprised.

However, Link didn't let that slide.

"I beg your pardon?"

The scholar had no qualms.

"A muscular physique and handsome face do not a hero make. Thinking that is the only thing that matters in a man is ridiculous romanticism."

That was telling. I knew exactly what was going on here with that comment. I went to put a stop to it.

"What a silly thing to utter when we know no one here was making that case. I'm disappointed with that comment Shad."

The hero had more to add.

"I think you might want to set your sights beyond the halls of the library my lord. There is a whole world out there that doesn't dictate on the whims of intellect only."

Shad cut his eyes to the hero. I didn't want this going any further. The scholar was clearly allowing his jealousy to cloud his thinking.

"There is more to me than my intellect," he replied to the hero.

I stepped forward.

"Wonderful," I interjected, "why don't we find out some of those other qualities now? In this instance, I need for you to remain as regent until I return."

Shad was silent when he shifted his gaze back to me. I saw the longing he was trying to conceal, but his anger was misplaced in the moment. We had important things to discuss. He had to get beyond his feelings.

General Zelvious too spoke up, sensing the triviality.

"We will work with him as we always have my lady," he reassured.

I looked beyond the scholar to Zelvious.

"Thank you," I then changed the subject. "Oh, and before it becomes sensationalized, I want you all to know I met with King Ralis at Zora's Domain."

Shad stared at me for a moment. I saw the frustration in his eyes, but he was a councilman. He knew how to bend and sway and shift in matters of diplomacy. He finally got it together.

"I've already informed them of your detour to Zora's Domain," he disclosed.

I figured as much, but wanted to make sure nothing else was being kept from me.

"Has King Ralis sent any of you a letter?"

My men perked at the question, but shook their heads no.

"Was he saying he would?" general Gunter inquired.

I didn't want to delve too deeply into that subject.

"No, he just appeared concerned when Master Link and I left. That's all."

I wasn't too reassuring with that phrasing, but they didn't question me further. There was another silence between us and I wanted to end this session so I could get back out into the world. I determined right then and there I was not going to stay at the castle leading up to the festival. I would never be able to maneuver, even if I had the freedom as a disguised peasant. I suddenly understood why my grandfather, the Hero of Time, sometimes took off to be alone. The confines of the castle could be grating. Once a bit of freedom was tasted, it was hard to let go of.

"In any such case, I want you all to know I'm departing again today. I have more traveling to do. Once my quest is over I will return to Hyrule." I was met with silence. So I decided to go on. "Master Link will still be accompanying me. I will update you via correspondence. I just ask that you respect my wishes in not sending spies out to follow me."

I was direct, but I needed to be. I knew my men. I knew how headstrong they all could be.

"As you wish my lady," general Zelvious replied.

"I will not stop you if the goddess called you," general Maximillion added.

"Your safety is our greatest concern, but we will not defy you," general Gunter finalized.

I looked over at Shad and waited for his reply. He had the greatest hesitance.

"I... I will do all that your majesty commands," he said finally.

I was relieved to hear that. It was then I dismissed them.

"Thank you for your time this morning. You may go."

With that, they all bowed and turned and headed for the door. Shad was the last out and turned to look at me before he exited. When the door closed behind him, Link spoke up.

"He really cares about you."

I sighed.

"I know, but that isn't important right now."

Link gave me an offhanded look.

"That's a bit harsh."

I glanced over at him.

"That's life, it often gives us bitter pills to swallow."

Link gave me a wayward look.

"I suppose."

I wanted to get beyond that. Shad would be fine.

"We have to plan our departure." I changed the subject. "What time would you like to leave?"

He heard the slight impatience in my voice, but it wasn't because of irritation, it was because of eagerness.

"Within the hour?"

I nodded.

"Within the hour it is."

Link did have one important question.

"Where are we traveling to? The festival is over two months away."

I had an idea, but wasn't sure it could work.

"We can ask Lady Ashei," I suggested. "She wouldn't turn us away."

The hero perked and nodded.

"That could work."

I grinned.

"Perfect. Then Snowpeak it is."

~SSS~

Two months later, Ashei's cottage: Link

After having discussed the plans with Zelda's councilmen, the queen and I set out to make plans in obtaining the last shard. We needed a place to stay and we knew it had to be with someone we could trust. Ashei was the only person who met all the criteria of being reliable without asking too many questions. It took a week to get back to Snowpeak and I knew then when it came closer to the festival, Zelda and I were going to have to figure out a quicker route to the castle. After we got settled, that was actually my number one priority. I spent a month going back and forth to Hyrule Castle Town. The first week was the regular route Zelda and I took before. Another route I found was on the way back from the first trip. It was through a cave underground that led straight to Snowpeak. The only problem was it was infested with skulltulas, and it took four days to travel. That wouldn't work. On my next trip, I went going towards the same cave that housed the skulltulas, but I stayed above ground and followed the same walkway. Interestingly enough, this pathway was shorter and took a day and a half to get to Castle Town. On my return journey back to Snowpeak, I cut off another twelve hours by finding another cave. This one was unlike any cave I had traveled through. It was a cave made of salt and crystals. It shined with blue and pink and green lights. The prism effect was extraordinary. How had I not found this cave before? It didn't matter, it was found now. In any such case, I had the perfect route that would be safe for Zelda and easy to travel through.

With the route of travel in place, I began collecting reconnaissance info on the square. I spent another two weeks in another collection of trips to Castle Town. My routine was: to Castle Town then back to Ashei's house, to Castle Town then back to Ashei's house, to Castle Town then back to Ashei's house, et cetera, et cetera and so forth. In that time, I bought several maps along with a sketching of my own of the square. I knew every alley and niche of the city after having studied the schematics for the past several weeks. South Castle Town was going to have the highest congestion because it was the single point of entry for the crowd. That meant trouble if there was a mass casualty incident. However, the committee also opened the east and west gates as ports of exits for crowd control. The vendors would be aligned along the edges of the walkways for ease of concessions, and there was a large carnival getting set up outside the castle's west field for families and little children. It seemed all precautions had been taken to keep the crowds as shifted apart as possible. Another issue was getting accommodations. It had been a virtual whirlwind trying to get a room for the evening because most of the citizens wanted to stay in, or near, the town for the festivities. I had to pull a few strings to get a room at the inn in the main square. My standings as the hero definitely helped, but it still was not an easy task. I had to run a few errands and procure some favors for some old colleagues. My reasoning was since I had the advantage, I saw no problem utilizing it.

Interestingly enough, in all the time Zelda and I were planning, there was no sign of Shiek. Frankly, that surprised me. I was fully expecting that monster to make an appearance. However, he did seem to only make his presence known when there was a shard nearby. If that was the case, he was definitely going to be at the festival in some capacity. With there being a large number of people, that crazed warrior might utilize a hostage situation. That could be detrimental. Zelda and I needed to stay vigilant when we scoured the square.

In the mean time, currently I was back at Ashei's cottage helping her chop some fire wood in her shed. Zelda and I would be leaving in a few days and I wanted to make sure Ashei had all she needed in terms of amenities. It was tough for her to be living up here all alone with three children. I understood she had to for the nature of her job, but I informed her over the years to perhaps think about moving to Castle Town. Her children were getting older and she needed to think about school and proper socialization. Ashei took it upon herself to teach each of her children to read and write. I admired her tenacious spirit, but she was only Hylian. It was only a matter of time when she would burnout from all the responsibility. I even heard Zelda talking to her about it in passing. I didn't want to lecture her, but Ashei needed to think about her situation more seriously. I was grateful to her for allowing Zelda and me to stay with her, but I would hate to visit one day and come upon a tragedy. That was why Zelda and I made a concerted effort to help her with everything when at all possible. Right now, the queen was inside preparing a stew and watching the children, while I helped with the more manual labor, like wood chopping and reinforcing the roof so no wind or snow would weather through. I was actually quite surprised how Zelda assimilated so well to domestic life. She seemed to love the simplicity of house work and child rearing. But, I also heard the scholar in her when she spoke with the children. She talked regularly about high level conceptualizations from the Book of Mudora in her free time. Little Aura even came to me in private asking me what 'inverted planes' were. I just smiled at her and told her to ask 'aunt' Zelda when she had a chance.

Speaking of which, Zelda was fond of all of Ashei's children, but there was no doubt that her favorite was Aura. I believed it was because she was the most like Bastion. That wasn't to say she didn't love and adore the boys, she did, but I could tell she had a particular fondness for Ashei's beautiful little daughter. The two of them were almost inseparable. Wherever Zelda was, Aura followed. If Zelda was cleaning, Aura wanted to clean. If Zelda was cooking, Aura wanted to cook. If Zelda was telling a story, Aura somehow wanted to interject her own thoughts into the story. I found it pretty humorous, but I think Zelda adored it. Even Ashei took notice and confided to me that she never thought Aura would like someone more than me. I just smiled, understanding why the connection was so strong all too well. Anyway, I finished chopping another large log in half, when Ashei offered to take over for me, but I naturally declined. I just needed a few minutes rest. Instead, she collected the wood that had been cut and threw it into the wagon, then carted it next to the door leading into the house. Afterwards, she offered me some water.

"Are you thirsty?"

I shook my head and placed the axe I was using on the old stump for a moment.

"I'm fine."

She nodded.

"Alright, then I'll have some for myself." She poured herself a cup and gulped it quickly.

A moment later, the door opened to the main house and Zelda showed her lovely face in the cool mountain air. Aura too came along for the visit.

"Supper will be ready in about twenty minutes," the queen announced.

Aura next to her almost repeated exactly what she said.

"Yeah, supper will be in 'fifty meeeenutes'!"

Ashei and I both smiled at them.

"Thanks for the announcement." Ashei stared at her daughter in particular.

Zelda smiled and picked the mischievous little girl up.

"I'll come back for a five minute estimated time of completion. Aura says she wants to announce it alone, but I think I better do so with her."

Ashei nodded.

"I agree." She then turned her attention to her daughter. "You're not sassing Miss Zelda are you?"

Aura looked at her mother with a slight indignation and put her hands on her hips.

"Noooo!" she insisted.

I laughed at her reply.

Ashei wasn't deterred.

"Very well then," she said in her most motherly voice, "just make sure you're helping and not hindering, okay?"

Aura saluted her mother in a humorous way. Where did this girl get all this personality at four?

"Okay mommy."

Zelda chuckled and shook her head, then decided it was time for them to depart.

"We'll be back." She then went back inside the house. "You did so good," she said to Aura as the door closed.

I grinned as I watched her, Ashei was smiling also, but turned back around just in time to see my gaze linger in Zelda's direction. She smirked at me.

"Hey hero, snap out of it, yeah? Your eyes are going to come out of your head."

I raised my brows and sighed.

"I suppose," was all I said in reply.

Ashei studied me for a moment. My reply didn't mask anything.

"So... is everything alright with you two?"

I paused, not sure how she wanted me to answer that question.

"Everything's fine from what I can tell."

Ashei gave me a knowing look.

"Come on Link, you know what I mean."

I knew exactly what she meant and shook my head.

"It's not like that Ashei. We're just friends."

She raised a brow and stared at me like she didn't believe me.

"Link... come on, are you going to try and tell me you don't care about Zelda?"

I returned her gaze. I wasn't sure what to say.

"She's a queen Ashei."

She scoffed audibly.

"So what."

I shook my head again like she didn't understand.

"It's not that simple."

She stared at me again for a long moment and decided to delve a little deeper.

"Are you... are you still upset about the past?"

That was something I had no intentions of talking about.

"No," I said quickly.

Ashei looked at me surprised.

"Sorry, I didn't mean to bring up any bad memories, I was just asking."

I groaned.

"No, you're fine. I shouldn't have snapped."

There was a brief silence between us.

"Well, then what's the problem?" she couldn't help but ask. "You two make it all but obvious that you like each other."

Again, I had no proper rebuttal.

"It's complicated."

She fanned that excuse off.

"Then un-complicate it."

I chuckled at her saying that.

"You don't understand. I just... I just can't."

Her eyes searched my face.

"This is about something else, isn't it?"

I didn't reply.

Ashei then raised a brow and studied my face again.

"You're... you're in love with her, aren't you?" she asked point blank.

I immediately cut my gaze and looked down at the stump. Ashei's eyes widened suddenly and she immediately smiled.

"You are in love with her!" she confirmed excitedly.

She was getting a little boisterous. I immediately met her eyes again.

"Ashei will you shut up," I whispered. "She's going to hear you!"

She ignored my scold.

"When are you going to tell her?"

I shrugged.

"I don't know, I was thinking at the festival. I'm not going to lie, I'm nervous. It's been years, what if she doesn't end up feeling the same way?"

Ashei gave me an offhanded look.

"Please Link, you've got to be blind if you don't know that she cares about you. I could tell from when you two worked at the castle together, everyone could."

That was a little reassuring, but it wasn't enough.

"It would be different if she was a peasant girl. I would have no problem telling her right now if she was a peasant girl."

Ashei shook her head.

"That's your pride talking, and if you don't let it go, you could lose her. I didn't think she would be so down to earth and easy going, but she is. She seems perfect for you."

I thought so too.

"Yeah..."

Ashei placed a hand on her hip.

"You better figure out what you want soon. Women like her don't just fall from trees."

I was aware of that also, and I gave her a sobering look. However, before I could speak again, the door suddenly opened and once again Zelda showed her beautiful face.

The queen had a mild look of distress.

"Uh... change of plans," Zelda stated suddenly. "Supper's actually ready now, it seems little Aura put another log underneath the fire to hurry dinner along without my knowing it."

Ashei looked at Zelda and her mouth became agape. She ran her gloved hand over her face embarrassed.

"What am I going to do with that child?"

Zelda laughed, then looked over at me.

"You better come in and wash up too. I think the boys are getting restless to play with you."

I nodded and then she closed the door. Ashei in turn, looked over at me with a knowing expression. I knew what she was conveying.

"I know. I know."

Ashei just shrugged and placed her hands in the air in a mock surrender. Afterwards, she went into the house without waiting for me. I stared at the closed door for a moment.

"I'm done going back and forth," I whispered to myself. "I love her and she needs to know how much. I'm going to tell her at the festival. Nothing is going to stop me."

With my new resolve in mind, I went into the house to join everyone else for dinner.

~SSS~

Four days before the festival, Zelda

Greetings and Salutations Shad,

I know it has been a long two months, but I ask that you exercise a little more fortitude

with my endeavors. Everything is going well and I am safe. I am currently staying with a friend in the cold north.

She has been most hospitable. I am sorry I could not divulge this information to you sooner,

but secrecy has its virtues. As you know, this friend is a brilliant procurer of information.

She has been instrumental in helping me on this journey, and as such, I am getting closer to my goal.

I am certain everything is going well under your lead, just remember to keep the men abreast,

and keep with the story that I am at the seafaring shores for now. I will let you know if changes

are necessary in the future. Please try not to worry, and write to our mutual friend if you need anything.

Do not hesitate to contact me by carrier bird if an emergency arises.

Always Your Friend

~'Elga'~

I reread the finished letter several times to see if there was anything else I wanted to add. It seemed perfect, but I didn't want to be over confident. However, when I thought of nothing else to input, I sealed the letter and put it with the rest of the mail in the wicker basket near the front door. Link stated he would deliver the letters to the mailman tomorrow when he traveled back down to Castle Town. My hope was that Shad wouldn't worry too much and pull a Ralis. Ralis with all his good intentions may have lighted a flame by alerting the dragon masters of my goings about. It did not matter now. What was done was done. Now all I could do was wait until the festival.

Link too had written several letters over the weeks to Ordon. The hero told me he updated Rusl on everything that transpired, and also that he wouldn't be returning home as quickly as he anticipated. I knew that news was going to ruffle a few feathers, especially where Ilia was concerned, but it couldn't be helped. The circumstances allotted for a change in plans. Besides, Link was his own man. He didn't have to answer to anyone in that village. I knew that was a little abrasive on my part, but the truth was the truth.

Afterwards, I got up from the table, put the writing utensils away, and began cleaning up my mess. There was a small ink blot I accidentally caused near the area I was initially writing at. I gathered a small basin of water with some soap to wash it up. I was scrubbing hard because the stain was particularly stubborn. However, I paused my work for a moment when I realized what I was doing. Hylia behold, I was cleaning. I am a queen, usually waited on hand and foot, and I was cleaning. What a change in circumstances. What would my ancestors think of me now? I deduced that most of them would be very proud of me, particularly my grandfather. With that in mind, I kept cleaning. I was going to make this the cleanest, most polished wood table Ashei had ever seen. No task was too big or small for a queen.

~SSS~

The day of the festival

For the last two months Link and I stayed with Lady Ashei in her lovely cottage home. As soon as we arrived Ashei welcomed us with open arms. She asked no questions, and stated we could stay as long as we liked. She was such a jewel. I would never be able to pay her back for her kindness. We explained to her it would be more convenient for us to lodge at her residence instead of going our separate ways due to ongoing business we had in Hyrule. Ashei had no qualms with the request, but did express concern about how my long absence might effect the court. I told her not to worry, I was keeping in constant correspondence with Shad and Lydia regarding matters of the court. However, I did have a few concerns of my own regarding the hero's prolonged absence from Ordon. It didn't take five months to deliver a pumpkin.

I initially told Link to go home and spend time with his friends and loved ones until the festival, but he wouldn't hear of it. He stated that if he went back, there would be too many questions as to why he would have to leave again. I saw his point. Besides, he made every effort to write the villagers every week since we were staying with Ashei. Also I couldn't lie, selfishly I was glad the hero was around. He was wonderful company. When he wasn't traveling to Castle Town, Link and I spent every single day together. The mundane things were the most wonderful, cooking and such. Admittedly, I felt a twinge of guilt today because I knew Link promised to go to the festival with Ilia. However, now because of the shard, he was going with me. It was my concern that at one point in the evening the three of us were going to cross paths and it would get ugly. All I could do was hope for the best if that happened.

Anyway, I knew that once I resumed my duties as queen, I would never have an opportunity to get to know Link so informally again. This was a rare opportunity, and I saw no reason not to take advantage of it. When talking with him, I found that Link wasn't just a storied hero. He was down to earth, funny, warm, caring, and at times brooding. I also realized I didn't need to keep up my guard when I was around him like when we first got reacquainted. He spoke freely and wanted me to speak freely. In the past, that wasn't always the case. I was afraid to be free. I didn't want to get my heart broken. However, I knew now I needed to take a chance. I had to cast caution to the wind if I ever wanted anything in life. And Link made it easy. He was so wonderful. I cared for him so much.

Also, in living this simple life, I learned a lot in terms of domestic work and why certain architectural fixtures were important to small homes. Link checked on the main beam that ran across the living room everyday to make sure it was secured in place. If that beam got to impacted by the heavy snow fall he would have to go on to the roof and shovel the snow off. I often thought of Ashei alone up here with her children. When Link wasn't around, she had to do that arduous task herself. I offered her accommodations at the castle, but she consistently turned me down. However, I think Ashei needed to look at the bigger picture. If things got too rough for her, I wanted her to know she could call on me anytime.

Not to be without mention, Ashei taught me a few things too. She taught me the value of living in the moment. She taught me the value of having a sense of humor. She laughed all the time, even when it seemed inappropriate to do so. She never felt sorry for herself even with her husband being dead. Seeing her for who she truly was, I completely understood why Bastion fell in love with her. Ashei punctuated life with happiness. What a wonderful woman. What worked to be even greater compliments to her, were her amazing children. I couldn't be around them enough. Ashei's children were these beautiful, tangible personifications of wonderful moments, especially her little daughter Aura. She was a ray of sunshine. She followed me everywhere and asked me about everything when we sat and talked. I remember one time she said she wished I were her aunt. I struggled to keep it together when she uttered that, because I wanted her to know the truth so badly. I was her aunt. But, I promised I would be so now and forever if she'd let me.

I wanted that.

I wanted that more than anything.

I wanted to relish life's moments without worrying about the 'whats' or the 'whys.' I found life was too short not to. I wondered if Ashei knew how powerful she really was? She had no idea what her example meant to someone like me. It was actually a funny thing for me to contemplate considering my station in life... someone like me. I am Zelda, Queen of Hyrule, protector of the Sacred Realm, emissary to the land of twilight, and completely conflicted as to what to do now that I've tasted this thing called life. I mean real life. I was enjoying this holiday so much, even the little things. It was having such a profound affect on me that I thought at times I didn't want to go back to the castle. Unfortunately, simplicity was not the life of a ruler. Nothing was ever simple.

That's merely a dream Zelda.

No, it was my duty to look after my kingdom and make decisions that were beneficial to everyone, not just me. Admittedly, that was what was bothering me about moving forward with the rest of this quest. I didn't know if the decisions I was making were beneficial to everyone, or simply to myself. And I knew I wasn't going to get any answers from ancestral mother. The truth of the matter was, Hylia hadn't come to see me at all in the last two months. I couldn't lie, that bothered me. Where was she? Why hadn't she popped up to see how I was doing like in the past? Hylia expected me to make these incredibly important decisions and was nowhere to be found to guide me. I was on my own. What was I supposed to do? Keep going with this quest? Stop? Rethink my goals? What?

I sighed as I let my thoughts come to fruition. In the present, I was washing dishes while Ashei was tending to her children. The festival was later that evening, but Ashei stated she was not going because the trip would be to arduous for her babies. It was a shame too. I would have loved to have seen her have fun with her children. However, I understood her decision. Castle Town was a long journey, and three little ones on a six hour trek was not an ideal situation for a single mother. Link recently shortened his travel time to Castle Town by another six hours. He said we would ride on Epona through the cave to cut our time in half. He stated it was the only cave that would not terrify her. I hoped that was the case. So, to assist Ashei before we left, I took over all the household duties for the day. I made sure the house was tidy, and started supper so she wouldn't have to lift a finger. It was the least I could do. Ashei had been more than accommodating. Link was currently working in the stables. I knew he would be coming in soon to get ready for the festival, so I decided to be preemptive and already be ready, so when he got dressed we could go.

Even so, thinking my disposition was related to something else, Ashei turned at my extended breath.

"Do you need any help Zelda?" she asked me all of a sudden from the hearth.

I turned to look at her.

"No, I'm alright," I rang out my hands and wiping them on a towel by the basin.

Ashei stood up and shook her head in amazement.

I grinned at her gaze.

"What's on your mind?"

She shrugged nonchalantly.

"I never in a million years would have thought the Queen of Hyrule would be cleaning my house."

I raised my brows at her saying that and then went to where she was in the living room. I sat down in one of the chairs by the hearth.

"I'll be honest with you, neither did I."

Ashei chuckled at my words, when suddenly her little girl Aura came up and unsurprisingly sat in my lap. The other two children were asleep. I smiled and stroked her beautiful raven black hair, her blue eyes shined as she looked up at me. Ashei was surprised, but pleased at the action of her daughter. She knew how much I adored her children.

"Well, look who abandoned mommy," Ashei put her hands on her hips playfully.

Aura shrugged.

"It's nothing personal."

I laughed at the pragmatic statement, finding Aura's logic humorous.

"Thanks a lot," Ashei replied with open sarcasm and crossed her arms over her chest.

I hugged little Aura close to me and sighed again. I knew days like these would soon be over and admittedly it had me in a somber mood.

When this is all said and done, it won't be the same. I won't be able to do this as readily as I can now.

Ashei grinned at me when she saw my expression.

"Are you alright?"

I nodded and stroked Aura's hair again.

"I'm just nervous about the festival tonight," I detracted a little bit.

Ashei gave me a funny look.

"Why?"

I shrugged.

"I've finally pinpointed the location of my ring and am just a little nervous about how everything is going to go down, you know," I kept my cover, "I just don't want social upheaval at a happy event."

Ashei gave me a knowing look.

"Why would that be an issue? You act as if you're staging a coup or something. You're the queen. All you have to do is order that scum to give it back to you."

I grinned at her.

I wish it were that simple.

"If only Ashei, if only."

Ashei looked at me with open curiosity, as if she had a question, but never asked it. I knew she knew a ring wouldn't stress me out as much as I appeared. Ashei was aware something more was bothering me.

Aura snuggled close to me just then.

"Miss Zelda, mommy keeps referring to you as the queen. Are you really a queen?"

Her innocence was wonderful.

I nodded.

"Yes, yes, I am."

Arura sat up and looked at me puzzled.

"Then why don't you live in a castle?"

I chuckled at her question.

"Because I'm here to see you silly."

Ashei smiled at the interaction and stroked her daughter's back.

"Miss Zelda is a very busy and important lady. She only came to visit mommy and you because she needed a break."

Nice save.

"Oh," Aura said simply and shrugged, "okay."

Her gesture made me laugh more.

I wish everything were that simple, life can be so complicated.

"I promise in the future, I'll come and visit when I return to the castle."

Aura sighed and closed her eyes.

"Really?"

I stroked her dark bangs out of her face and she looked just like her father just then.

"Really."

Ashei grinned at my tone and went to take her daughter.

"I better put her to bed with her brothers." She picked her child up. "They're all zoning out early today. Nap time came early."

I smiled and nodded, letting Aura go. Ashei carried her upstairs and placed her on the bed next to her two sleeping brothers she took up before. Afterwards, she came back downstairs to join me by the hearth. I could tell from the look on her face she had more to talk about with the innocent ears now gone.

"So…" she began with a smile, "you ready to party tonight?"

I gave Ashei a knowing look.

"I would hardly call it that." I sat back down in the chair and sighing.

Ashei studied me for a moment, she knew something was bothering me.

"You seem troubled," she perceived.

I raised my brows and looked down at my hands.

That's an understatement.

"I have a lot on my mind."

Ashei came and sat down at my feet before reaching over and taking my hand in hers.

"Let your cares go for one night." She saw my stress. "Just let tonight be about you and Link."

I looked at her surprised when she said that.

"Me and Link?" I tried to play down what she meant.

Ashei wasn't going to let me slide.

She looked me straight in the eyes.

"You're in love with him, aren't you?" she asked with a small smile.

I blushed at the question. That was probably all the answer she needed. Ashei's perception was spot on, but I shook my head no anyway.

"I… I see him as a very good and dear friend."

Ashei sat on her knees and gave me a wayward look.

"Those kinds of men tend to make the best husbands." She was keen onto what was really going on. "My Bastion was a dear and loving friend. He was my best friend before we got married."

I shook my head again.

"No…" I avoided her eyes, "his heart belongs to someone else."

Ashei was quiet for a moment.

"Do you know that for a certainty? People change Zelda."

My eyes widened by the indication and nodded.

"I know he does."

Ashei bit her lower lip and narrowed her eyes at me.

"I'm willing to bet he feels the same way as you do."

I wished against all hope that that was true.

"Why do you say that?"

Ashei gave me another knowing stare.

"I can tell by the way you two interact. He's very protective of you, and every time he talks about you he has a smile on his face."

I looked at her slightly taken aback.

"Really?"

She nodded.

"Really, he even told me privately he wished you were a real peasant girl. Now why do you suppose he suddenly cares about that?"

My heart raced a little. I could hardly believe it.

He said those things?

"I-I have no idea," I stammered.

Ashei let go of my hand and put her hands on her hips.

"Yes you do. I'm willing to bet Link is in love with you too, but you'll never know until you tell him."

What Ashei was saying to me was almost too good to be true. The possibility was wonderful and all, but the thought of telling Link I loved him and then getting rejected was too much for me. I didn't feel like going through that again.

No, his heart is set on Midna.

"I'll be alright Ashei," I reassured. "Even if I end up as an old maid, and am the last Nohansen left, I'll be okay."

Ashei looked at me seriously just then.

"You shouldn't put your crown where your heart is. You should live life Zelda, not spectate it."

Ashei's words were like a sobriety unguent. They stung a little, but they were necessary.

She's right. I didn't say anything in return.

Ashei shook her head disapprovingly at my quietness, and before she could say anything else, the front door suddenly opened. We both turned to see Link come through the scaffolding. He shook the snow off his cloak and unhooded himself.

"It's really coming down out there!" he called to us with a big smile on his handsome face. "I think Hylia is trying to tell us something."

I smiled at his utterance, while Ashei glanced back at me, giving me a knowing look and a nod. Afterwards, she got up to go into the kitchen. Link took note of that, then looked over at me.

"Is something wrong?" he asked the both of us.

Ashei and I simply shook our heads no.

Link was not convinced, especially with us both being so quiet.

"It's too serious in here." He sensed the tension. "Someone say something quick," he said, trying to be lighthearted.

Ashei, always one for sarcasm, responded.

"'Something quick,'" she poured herself a glass of water.

Link then cut his eyes to Ashei.

"Your sarcasm..."

"...is as charming as mist in the morning sunlight," Ashei finished for him.

I giggled at the both of them, then got up from my seat to help Link with his bag.

"It's not as serious as you think Link." I tried to dispel his inquiry. "Anyway, are you finished with the stables?"

Link paused for a moment, looking over at Ashei and then again at me, knowing he probably just interrupted something important, but decided not to ask about it again.

"The stables are secure. I actually forgot to tell you, last time I was in Castle Town I found out where the festival committee was storing their goods."

I looked at him impressed.

"Really? Where?"

Link stroked his hand through his dark blonde hair after hanging up his cloak.

"The clock tower. Once I clean up, we're going to have to leave."

I nodded.

"That's exactly why I got ready early." I went to get my satchel from the cupboard.

Link eyed me for a moment, almost looking disapprovingly at my appearance.

"What's the matter?" I caught his gaze.

He shook his head.

"Your clothes…" he eyed my dress and shook his head, "that just won't do."

I looked down at my blue dress and brown cloak and sighed. I was slightly annoyed that he didn't like what I was wearing. What did he want me to do? I needed to blend in with the town's folks. This was all I had.

"You know I have nothing else besides my other three dresses. Why are you giving me such a hard time about the way I look?"

Link smiled when I said that.

"I've thought about that." He then went to his bag.

I stared at him puzzled, until I saw him pull out a brown bundled package from his bag and hand it to me. I looked at it surprised as I took it from him. My heart nearly stopped.

"What's… what's this?"

Link grinned, looking from me to the package.

"Open it and find out," he replied, staring into my eyes.

I glanced over at Ashei, who was smiling between the two of us.

"Go on Zelda," she egged. "I want to see what it is."

A smile crept across my lips and I pretended to be coy no longer.

"Okay."

Feeling a little nervous, I went over to the table and untied Link's gift. When I opened the brown paper wrapping, I was shocked to see a beautiful white textured top with a laced corset, and a black tiered skirt. The clothes looked absolutely perfect together. It was like what the gypsy women of Gerudo wore in their down time.

I don't own anything like this. I fanned the clothes out to get a better look.

The top was made from fresh spun white cotton, where it hugged the waist with the corset, and snugged at the bosom. The bow sleeves fell off the shoulders, and the ruffled shoulder line complimented the length of my long neck. The skirt was the perfect complement to the corset, as the latticed front of the corset, led down to the free flowing tiered skirt. The skirt had little beads sewn into it. There was also a pair of large hooped earrings and a black and royal blue burlesque mask. I looked at the clothes, and then to Link in utter surprise.

"Do you like it?" he asked me, uncertain of what my facial expression was revealing to him.

I didn't know what to say. I was a little speechless.

"I-I love it… thank you."

Link smiled at hearing that.

"I thought of you when I saw it. It's perfect for you, go try it on. By the time you're done I'll be ready too."

I smiled at his enthusiasm.

"Alright." I caught Ashei's smile from the corner of my eye.

I stared into Link's eyes for a moment, silently thanking him for the kind gesture, before I turned and hurried up the stairs to the room where we were staying. I closed the door behind me and placed the package on the bed. I couldn't keep the smile from spreading across my face.

I can't believe he got me something to wear for the festival tonight. That was so thoughtful of him.

Then, suddenly out of nowhere, a bright flash of light shined throughout the room. I raised my hands to cover my face, and when it was over, a familiar, but lovely, divinity was looking at me with a smile on her exquisite face.

"Believe it lady," Hylia said to me with her legs crossed sitting on the bed, "and yes it was thoughtful of him."

I paused when her face came into full recognition. I wasn't sure if I was relieved or uneasy to see her. I hadn't spoken to her since the night I tried to seduce Link, that was a over two months ago, and I still had questions regarding Sheik's cryptic words regarding the bracelet she gave me. I wasn't certain, but I think Hylia was avoiding me because of all that.

"Hello ancestral mother. I'm so glad to see you."

Hylia smiled at my greeting.

"I'm glad to see you to Zel."

After that, there was a brief silence between us. I wasn't sure exactly why, but I was nervous.

"What are you... what are you doing here?" I knew she'd probably find my question strange.

She shrugged and seemed to think nothing of it.

"I just wanted to see how you were before you went out tonight. You've got a big evening ahead of you."

That seemed like too simple of an answer for her. I nodded, still feeling a little indifferent about her presence. I needed her in the last few weeks and she was nowhere to be found. Why was she suddenly showing up now?

"I haven't seen you in awhile. Are you alright?"

Hylia looked at me funny, but then grinned.

"Honey, I'm the Goddess of Hyrule, I'm fine. The question is: are you alright?"

I paused at her question and nodded.

"I believe so." I thought I was being honest with her.

Hylia took note of my hesitation and got up from the bed. She studied my face for a moment before she spoke again.

"What's bothering you Zelda?"

I avoided her eyes just then and looked to the ground. I wasn't sure I wanted to discuss what I was feeling with her.

"Nothing," I lied.

Hylia raised her eyebrows when she heard my slight inflection of dishonesty. She reached over and lifted my chin so I could look at her.

"Someone's fibbing."

I hesitated again, and made a minute decision to just be forthcoming with her regarding my concerns. She probably already knew anyway.

"Hylia... were you avoiding me?"

She looked at me surprised when I asked that and immediately shook her head.

"No, I just didn't want to interfere with your time with Link. You two have been getting along perfectly."

I took in a deep sigh at her words and looked away from her again, not sure I believed that. Hylia took note of my disposition and another brief silence followed. She crossed her arms over her chest.

"Is there something else bothering you?" she decided to inquire further.

I looked to the ground again, but then cut my gaze short to stare her straight in her eyes.

Just say it Zelda.

She raised a brow again at my thoughts.

"Yes Zelda," she repeated, "just say it."

I was mildly frustrated and rolled my eyes at her invasion of privacy, then decided to be less coy.

"Fine, I want to know why you're hiding things from me."

Hylia was slightly taken aback at the direct accusation. She was so used to my being evasive that I think I caught her off guard with my forthcoming tongue. She didn't seem to take too kindly to my tone either.

"Excuse me?"

I shook my head at her question, tired of the run around.

"Why are you hiding things from me ancestral mother?"

The goddess took a step back and stared at me with a slightly off put expression.

"What makes you think I'm hiding something from you Zel?" she cleverly avoided my question.

I didn't reply right away. I wasn't about to do this. I wasn't about to go around and around in circles with her in some montage of words and wits. She knew what I was talking about. Sheik nearly killed me during my last encounter with him, and then he tried to force me to use the trinket Hylia gave me. She knew exactly what I was talking about. There was obviously a reason behind all this and I wanted to know what it was.

"Then tell me the truth behind this bracelet," I said point blank.

Her serious expression deepened, and for a moment, all the natural lightheartedness left her pretty face.

"I did, remember?"

I was getting nowhere fast.

She's good. She's purposely avoiding what I'm trying to ask her.

She didn't take too kindly to my thoughts.

"No I'm not," she said in protest. "I did answer your question."

I was frustrated I could hide nothing from her.

"No, you didn't," I went on anyway, "why did that ninja tell me to use this bracelet to fight him? Why would he come after me personally?"

I said it as more of a demand than a question. Hylia paused as she studied my new disposition and didn't answer me right away. She took in a deep breath and sat back down on the bed. I thought for a moment she was going to concede, but instead she said something surprising.

"That warrior is nothing but a nuisance. He's done nothing but try to stop you from getting what you truly want."

I gave her an offhanded look. There was something in the way she was saying all this that was unsettling to me. She seemed more annoyed that I was questioning her about the ninja instead of being concerned that the ninja was coming after me at all. That didn't make sense.

"Hylia-"

"Don't worry about that warrior," she interrupted in a stern voice. "When the time comes, you'll deal with him."

I was suddenly taken aback at her words, not understanding what she was fully telling me.

"So what are you saying? Are you saying I do have to fight him?"

Hylia looked away and took in another deep breath. She looked like she didn't want to answer. However that didn't prevent her from doing so.

"Yes, unfortunately."

I wasn't sure how she expected me to respond, but my initial feeling was one of shock. I was supposed to fight that madman? How? Using what? What was the bracelet supposed to accomplish? This was suddenly insanity, and it seemed there was no way out for me. None of what I seemed to be doing now made any sense. However, I was indirectly about to get some answers to my questions.

I can't do it. I'm not a warrior.

Hylia grunted at my thoughts.

"Yes, actually you are," Hylia said absently in response. "That bracelet I gave you will grant you the power of your grandmother, Zelda the Sage of Time, it'll transform you into her warrior disguise as the great Sheikah, Sheik."

I had no words left and covered my mouth in response to her divulgence. I was completely and utterly stunned. I was going to transform into a fighter?

"What?"

"That bracelet has the essence of a warrior. I designed it that way on purpose."

I couldn't believe it.

I didn't want to believe it.

I was under the impression that I was acting as a mediator and a mediator only for Link and Midna. Nothing more, nothing less. I wasn't aware I was going to have to literally fight in this endeavor.

My goddess. I was still reeling from the shock.

Hylia could see I was dumbstruck from what she just told me, and she got up from the bed to put her hands on my shoulders.

"Don't worry, I'll be right there with you when the time comes. I would never abandon you to a psychopath like this impostor Sheik. I'll tell you exactly when you need to use it."

I was completely confused as to what was going on.

I don't understand this.

"You will," Hylia replied to my recourse.

I shook my head, suddenly frightened with having to go on.

"But what about Link's role?" I was still frustrated that I wasn't getting straight answers. "He's supposed to be protecting me."

Hylia looked away from me for a moment.

"Is he? Actually, that's something you mandated for him from this quest, not the guardians. The only technical position Link is supposed to have is you guiding him to the Twilight Realm. Remember, you wanted to do this for him, not the other way around."

My eyes widened in complete disbelief.

"Are you trying to tell me that he's not supposed to be protecting me?"

The goddess paused for a good while before answering.

"Technically no, and unfortunately when that time comes he won't be able to help you. You're going to have to face this warrior alone."

My heart seemed to stop in that moment and my breath quickened. The room looked to be suddenly spinning.

"Why? For what purpose?"

Hylia then looked back at me.

"To test you, to see if you're worthy. Remember these are trials of wisdom Zelda, this is what you wanted."

My eyes widened more.

"But I-"

Hylia held up her hand to hush me. It was apparent she had heard enough and nothing was going to change my fate, that was, unless...

"However, there is one caveat I forgot to disclose," she revealed suddenly. "There is the option of you stopping after you apprehend the last shard. That way the trials will have been accounted for and there would be no need for you to fight this ninja."

I looked at her befuddled.

"What?"

There was very little remorse to be found in her face when I searched it.

"I'm afraid that's the way it goes Zelda my dear."

I shook my head, not knowing what to think.

"Why after I collect the last shard then do I have the option to stop? Why can't I just stop now if I want to?"

Hylia stared at me hard for a moment. It was a look of indifference almost.

"Then stop now. I told you to use your instincts."

Her voice was suddenly very direct and cold. I understood what her voice was telling me. The look on her face however suggested something otherwise.

"But I want to solve this puzzle myself."

She took in another deep frustrated breath, obviously tired of this back and forth.

"Then here's the bottom line Zel. If you continue and assemble that mirror on your own, then you will have to fight and defeat that ninja. If you find and relinquish your shard before the assemblage of the mirror, then you won't have to fight him. Those are your options. Those are the ways of the world."

Her frankness was borderline callousness.

I narrowed my eyes slightly.

I couldn't believe this was all she had to say to me.

"I went on this quest at your beckoning because I needed to right the wrongs between Link and Midna. I never intended to fight crazed ninjas and put the world in danger."

The goddess simply shrugged and just looked at me.

"Yes that's true, but it was your choice. I made a suggestion and you chose to go along with it. Let's not forget who did what Zelda my dear."

I was dumbstruck in that moment. I drew back a little at her sudden hardened manner. I wasn't used to seeing her this way. However, I always had a feeling she could shift into the role of the powerful goddess she was known to be in legend. She didn't attain that title for her jokes or her casual manner. She was a powerful, shrewd deity. She used humor to make her subjects feel at ease around her. But, I never forgot who she was and what she was capable of. Hylia noted my abrupt hesitance and immediately stood up to try to quell it.

She attempted a smile.

"Look Zel, why worry about those things now? Tonight will afford you a grand opportunity. You can finally tell Link how you feel about him and retrieve the love of your life. If you do that and he reciprocates your feelings, you won't even need to worry about that mirror. Hell, you can even give the last shard to me if you want to."

I suddenly looked at her taken aback.

What?

That was a strange thing for her to say.

"Then what about Midna?" I couldn't help but ask. "She's the other motivating factor in doing this."

Hylia sighed, ready to drop this subject entirely.

"I told you before, some things are better left unsaid. If Link no longer is worried about Midna, why should you be?"

I didn't know where any of this was coming from, but she didn't seem like the Hylia who had been giving me advice from the very beginning. She seemed consumed with a worry she wasn't willing to tell me about. It was as if she was trying to warn me about something without saying what that warning was. She was acting just like the guardians.

"Because I have my own questions to ask her," I rebutted in mild defiance. "I have my own agenda with the Twilight Realm. I can't just cast that to the side because the hero's priorities have changed."

The goddess seemed more and more upset at my utterances. Well, that was unfortunate. She wasn't the only one. I was frustrated too. I was tired of her speaking in circles when I simply wanted a straight answer.

Why isn't she being honest with me?

"I am being honest with you!" she replied sharply at my thoughts all of a sudden. "And if you really must know, I shouldn't be telling you this!"

I was stunned by that declaration, but that didn't stop me from questioning her.

"I don't understand why not?"

Hylia took a step back. She was done with this conversation.

"Look, I've said all I'm going to say on the subject, you're old enough to decide for yourself. You've been warned… several times. It's up to you whether or not you want to proceed. I can't hold your hand. I will not hold your hanh."

I took a step back and narrowed my eyes at her. I felt like I didn't know who this person was. How could she say these things to me?

"I can't believe you're telling me this right now," I whispered, feeling like I lost my voice of reason. "What's happened to you?"

Hylia stared at me for a moment and wiped her nails on the front of her gown.

"Nothing has happened to me, I'm afraid you led me to it Zelda. You're questioning me too much."

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

Questioning you too much? What else was I supposed to do?

I didn't care if she read my thoughts now. I turned away from looking at her, completely at a loss for words. I felt like I was losing my best friend and my greatest ally. Who could I trust if I couldn't trust her? She was making it seem like I didn't have a right to know anything. There was an insightful, but tense silence that followed us. Finally, Hylia sighed and put another smile on her pretty face. I could tell she was preparing a segue.

"Let's talk about something else."

Her simplicity was uncomfortable. I just stared at her.

Something else? How in the world am I supposed to focus on something else after what just happened?

Fully expecting her to interject at my thoughts, I continued to stare at her not knowing what to say. Hylia then got up and picked up the blouse and skirt Link bought for me. She casually fitted them up against me to see how it would look.

"This flatters you." She was acting as if nothing happen.

I cut my eyes from her with quiet restraint. I was annoyed that she was pretending there wasn't an issue here. I was aggravated that my concerns weren't a concern of hers.

"It's important for you to have fun tonight Zelda my dear. You need to tell Link you love him."

There was an eerie earnestness to her tone. My throat tightened at her words and I didn't reply.

Love is the last thing on my mind right now Hylia. I hoped she read my mind.

Apparently, that was the case, because Hylia sighed again and put my clothes back down.

"Zelda you need to stop worrying."

I still didn't reply.

How can I not? I did not understand her recourse.

Hylia pursed her lips together seeing that our dialogue was strained.

"Well… I guess that's that. Go get dressed, Link is waiting."

I cut my gaze back to her, not able to believe that that was all she had to say to me. My feelings on the subject obviously didn't matter, because when our eyes met, she returned my stare with a steely blue gaze. This was the other side of Hylia. This was the all powerful goddess of legend. This was the warrior that sealed away Demise from long ago. I had never seen her this way before. Her stance even made me bow out of respect. Although I was upset, I never forgot who she was.

I have to just let my anger go. She is the mother of the royal family. I have to believe she wouldn't steer me in the wrong direction.

I went to pick up the clothes, when suddenly Hylia took hold of my hand. I was surprised at the gesture. She stared intensely in my eyes.

"Zelda you trust me don't you?" her voice had a hint of desperation.

I stared at her taken aback, not sure anymore.

"Of course I do," I said anyway.

Hylia's grip tightened.

"Tell Link you're in love with him tonight. Even if you feel nervous, just do it."

I was alarmed by her inflection. Why was this so important? I couldn't help myself but ask.

"Why?"

Hylia's eyes searched my face. She paused and looked away.

"Because why do it tomorrow, when you can do it tonight?" she answered in a way that didn't explain anything at all.

I was disappointed. We were back to circles. And though I didn't understand it, there was something off putting about Hylia's nature right now. She seemed deceitful, cunning, and it was making me uneasy. I trusted her and followed her advice implicitly, but after this display, I wasn't so sure if I could anymore.

"Alright ancestral mother," was all I said in reply, "I'll tell him."

Hylia hesitated to let my hand go, but eventually she did, and then shooed for me to get dressed.

"Good." She forced a grin. I could tell she sensed the tension between us. "Now go get dressed, I can't wait to see how you look."

I nodded without much of an argument and went to the dressing area in the room. I put on the clothes and unbraided my hair. When I came back around, Hylia smiled.

"You look perfect, absolutely stunning. Like a Gerudo gypsy girl."

I smiled at her compliments, but didn't give a reply. Hylia got up, wanting to mend the rift that was apparently between us. She came up to me and took hold of my shoulders.

"I apologize for my behavior a moment ago Zelda, but you have to understand, I only want what's best for you. Can you try and see that?"

I nodded, still not answering. Hylia then took me in her arms and gave me a tight hug. It felt awkward on my end.

"I love you my sweet little Zelly," she whispered in my ear. "And I'd do anything for your happiness... anything."

I closed my eyes and finally hugged her back, knowing I could never stay angry with her. I loved her too much. Hylia really was like a mother to me.

"I know that," I whispered back.

Relieved that she got a more amiable reaction, she pulled back.

"Now," she wiped a couple of tears from her eyes as she stepped back, "you have fun tonight. I know you're focused on the shard, but I want you to take advantage of seeing the festival from a non royal point of view."

I smiled when she said that.

"I'll do my best."

Hylia then touched my hair and lips. My dark locks turned into big waves of curls and my lips reddened instantly.

"There, now you're perfect."

Afterwards, we stood there a few moments longer taking in each other's presence before Hylia finally decided it was time for her to leave. She stared at me for a long time before she spoke up again.

"Tell him Zel, don't let the opportunity pass you by like before."

She was right about that.

"I will."

With that, Hylia snapped her fingers and disappeared. When she left, I stared at the space she just inhabited in bewilderment. That whole interaction with her left me disturbed. I didn't know what to think. Why was she so different? Why wasn't she being honest about the ninja? What did all this truly mean? In any such case, I couldn't dwell on the matter. Hylia was right about one thing, Link was waiting for me. I looked at myself in the mirror one last time before I left the bedroom. The woman looking back at me was as beautiful as ever. I hoped she could be a little brave tonight. Afterwards, I wasted no more time heading back downstairs. As I reached the bottom rung, I was greeted by shocked and surprised faces.

Ashei's mouth became agape, but then she wolfos whistled at me.

"I was wondering what was taking you so long, but now I see." She was not being able to help herself. "My goddess your majesty-" she shook her head for a moment, "you look absolutely stunning."

I smiled and blushed.

"Thank you very much. That's very kind of you."

I then glanced over at Link waiting for his reaction, but he was too busy being speechless. Our eyes locked for a moment. I finally walked up to him and turned to model for him.

"Well…" I said anxiously with a smile, "what do you think?"

Link looked me over several times, completely awestruck.

"You look-" he then stopped himself and redirected, "you look perfect, you look absolutely perfect."

I blushed again and smiled more after hearing that.

Perfect... just what ancestral mother said.

"Thank you," I said with a slight curtsy, and saw that Link was cleaned up and changed himself. "You look wonderful also."

Link glanced down at his humble wear and shrugged.

"Oh, yeah, I guess."

Link was wearing a loose fitting, long sleeved, white cotton woven shirt with a bow, or widened, neckline, and an interlaced braided fabric down the front of his shirt acting as a lattice. It helped to keep his broad muscular chest from showing too much, even though in my humble opinion, he could show off more. He complemented, not complimented, the shirt with a pair of simple light brown cargo slacks and boots. Link looked very handsome. I came up to him and put on my cloak.

"Shall we get going?"

He smiled at me and nodded, not really saying very much, as he was just staring now. Ashei caught that, and I saw her give me another knowing look out of my periphery.

I know Ashei, between you and ancestral mother, I don't know who's worse.

With that, Link and I left the snowy cottage and headed to Castle Town. It was going to be a long trek.

~SSS~

Meanwhile in Ordon Village, the villagers prepared to leave, Ilia

I was just about finished getting ready, when there was a knock at the door prompting me it was nearly time to leave. I placed the brush down I used to style my light blonde hair and looked at myself in the mirror. Having to be satisfied with my simple wears, I realized this was as good as it was going to get. There was a pretty woman staring back at me, not glamorous or sophisticated like a noble, but simple and pretty.

"Come in!"

Punctual as always was Beth. She came in dressed in a nice pink dress her mother sewed for her and her brownish red hair was pulled up in a bun. She looked lovely and something told me she was doing it more than for the festival. I complimented her as soon as she came in.

"Beth... you look breathtaking. Colin isn't going to know what to do with himself."

She blushed immediately when I said that.

"What are you talking about? I'm not dressing up for Colin."

I raised a brow and smiled at her.

"You know that isn't true. You've been buzzing for weeks about how you couldn't wait to wear your new dress for the festival."

She didn't see my point.

"So what does that have to do with Colin?"

I gave her knowing look.

"You know very well what that has to do with Colin. You've been seething ever since he encountered that woman Miss Elga."

Beth crossed her arms over her chest.

"You're one to talk. Weren't you just complaining to me the other day about how upset you were that Link wasn't going to be able to take you to the festival because of that 'stupid' pumpkin delivery as you called it?"

I frowned at her obvious lack of propriety, but shouldn't have expected anything else from Beth.

"I wouldn't say complaining."

She grunted.

"Don't lie. You were pissed, you nearly popped a blood vessel when Rusl said he wasn't going to be here in time for the festival."

I turned from looking at Beth and tried to keep my composure. It was no secret that I was angry that Link failed to keep his promise in taking me to the festival, but it wasn't a wound I wanted to pour salt in. Somehow I knew this was going to happen. I didn't understand how a simple pumpkin delivery turned into an excursion that took over five months to complete. I had a suspicion from the very beginning that that woman was nothing but trouble. From the moment she stepped into this village yelling after Link, I knew she was more than she seemed. She was probably an old flame from Link's past and he didn't want to make that fact known to me. She was definitely pretty enough to be... maybe too pretty to be honest. She just came out of nowhere, and above all things, asked to have a pumpkin delivered to her village. Who did that when pumpkins were easily harvested in Castle Town? To add insult to injury, there was a salacious rumor going around that Link was married. I heard about it from Rusl, but that was only because he bought a copy of the Hyrule Historia. He read it like the gossip he assumed it was. I was a little more concerned about the rumor considering who he was traveling with, but I knew it had no merit. What was wrong with Dr. Boreville? I was trying not to be jealous, but that was proving difficult. Link and I had our own history we needed to address. Those demons from the past weren't simply going to go away. Even so, it didn't help that Beth was bringing this up now. I really wanted to focus on having a good time tonight, not things I couldn't control.

"Look, that doesn't matter now. What's done is done. Link isn't taking me and I've gotten over it."

Beth gave me an offhanded look.

"Are you sure?"

I was tired of this conversation already.

"You just focus on getting back into Colin's good graces, I'll worry about Link."

Beth rolled her eyes and shrugged.

"Fine, whatever. We'll see if you still have that same attitude if you happen to bump into him tonight, especially with his so-called 'wife'."

Now she was just being silly.

I shook my head.

"Link isn't going to be there Beth. Are you hard of hearing?"

Beth grunted again.

"We'll see about that," she headed back for the door, "I'll try to adopt your logic Ilia. Link is gallivanting around Hyrule with a drop dead gorgeous woman and nothing is happening between the two of them... nothing at all, not even a kiss."

Her sarcasm was more than apparent.

My eyes narrowed when she said that.

"Beth..." I warned.

She didn't feel threatened in the least bit.

"Don't forget your mask. You better hurry, we're leaving in five minutes."

With that, Beth went outside and waited for me by the end of the dirt road with the others. I was troubled when I thought about everything she said. Even though I didn't want to admit it, she did have some good points. That Miss Elga was extraordinarily beautiful and she was traveling with Link. There was no telling what could have happened between the two of them over the course of five months. Something about their first encounter seemed all too familiar. It was like they knew each other or something already. I knew one thing for sure, if Link did show up suddenly tonight, especially with that girl, I was not going to be happy about it. Rusl clearly stated from his own letter that Link said he would not be able to make the festival. If the hero somehow made an unorthodox appearance after swearing he couldn't, he was going to pay dearly for it. How could he lie to me about such a thing? He knew how much I wanted to go to the festival with him. He knew how much it meant to me. I shook my head, trying not to think about it. I didn't want anything else to sour my already sullen mood.

I looked at my reflection once more. Afterwards, I hurried to catch up with Beth outside. When I met up with her, she was busy talking to Talo, Malo, and Colin. Colin, who greeted me with a smile, did look very handsome in his navy blue tunic and matching pants. His blonde hair was slicked back and stood out significantly amongst the dark colors. He was almost like a little Link with his stature... almost, they looked too different to make the summation as a whole. I sighed when I realized I was going to have to enjoy many of the romantic aspects of the evening alone tonight. Who wanted to watch the fireworks display by their self? It was bloody ridiculous to think a person would want to do so. However, as it stood, I had no choice, I was going to have to force myself to enjoy the evening alone.

Colin took note of my solemn expression and inquired of it.

"Are you okay Ilia?"

I nodded, having to remember I was everyone's chaperon for the evening.

"I'm fine, I was just thinking about something."

Beth had more to add.

"No she's not, but whatever," she interjected. "She was thinking about how many ways she wants to kill Link when she sees him."

Talo and Malo both looked from her to me surprised.

"Is that true?" Talo asked. "Is something wrong with Link?"

I just looked at Beth and shook my head. I didn't expect the boys to understand what she was trying to divulge completely.

"No, he's fine. Seriously, let's just get going, we have a long ride."

Still, no one was convinced.

"Ilia..." Colin trailed.

I attempted to smile to quell everyone's worries.

"I'm fine, let's go before it gets too late, we're borrowing your father's wagon, remember?"

Colin looked at me reluctantly and nodded.

"Yes I remember," he then gave me a not so subtle look. "If you need to talk just know I'm an ear."

I smiled at his genuine concern. He was so considerate.

"Thanks Colin."

Afterwards, we all headed towards Colin's home and loaded up in the wagon. A few moments later, we were off to Hyrule Castle Town. A night of fun and fireworks awaited us, or so I hoped. I looked towards Beth, who was furtively making her way to the front to sit next to Colin. He had no qualms about it, and the two of them made me smile, wishing I had the same thing with Link.

Maybe one day. Maybe one day.

~SSS~

Dusk at Hyrule Castle Town, Zelda

It took four hours on Epona to get to Castle Town from Ashei's home via the cave. I was tired, but I was ready and eager to get the evening started. However, before we went inside the south gate entrance, Link stopped me for a moment.

"Did you bring your mask?"

I held up the royal blue and black burlesque fixture. It was beautiful.

"Of course."

Link then took out his own tan Venetian one and put it on.

"Put yours on."

I chuckled at the sight of his covered eyes and quickly did as he ordered.

"See, there you go. Now you don't have to worry about anyone recognizing you as the queen."

I couldn't lie, it was liberating to be free to walk amongst the citizens of Castle Town without being recognized. There was no fear of being found out.

"Indeed." I then added. "I'm going to have a good time tonight. I know we're after the last shard, but let's make sure we go do some of the attractions! I've always wanted to be a part of a peasant festival!"

Link laughed at the way I said that and smiled at my enthusiasm.

"A peasant festival?" he repeated.

I didn't mean it the way it was said it.

"I'm not being snobbish," I insisted.

The hero shook his head.

"I know that. I was just teasing, and no this isn't the Aristocrat's Ball, but I guarantee you'll have more fun."

I couldn't argue with him on that. I could tell from the outside already that it was going to be a sensational evening. The large colorful banner was evidence of that. I clasped my hands together excitedly.

"Ooh! I can't wait! I've been looking forward to this for weeks!"

Link chuckled again. I could tell he was glad I wasn't being so uptight.

"I agree. You know, you've really grown over these last few weeks," he said admirably all of a sudden. "I've seen you work hard, get domesticated, and not worry or complain about it once. You actually seemed really happy in doing so."

My eyes widened slightly and I looked down after he uttered that.

"Yes well…" I reverted back a little to my shyness, "I've enjoyed this time with you immensely Link. You've turned out to be quite a surprising person since I've gotten to know you informally. You're actually pretty sensitive and caring for such a brawny hero."

Link chuckled at my words.

"I'm not sure if that's a compliment or not, but I'll take it as such."

I smiled in return, while his faded a little.

"You know something else. Colin was right, you... you really are something."

Now my smile faded a little and I looked down again. There was a brief silence between us.

"He did say that, didn't he?" I said more to myself than to him. "I just hate the thought of this all being over."

Link didn't answer right away.

"You act like it has to end. It doesn't have to end Zelda. We can still be friends when you return to the castle."

I didn't let it show, but I was slightly disappointed in hearing that. I certainly hoped for more than friendship at this point, but I wasn't going to be greedy. I looked up at him afterwards and did what was characteristic of me now, I smiled. I took his hand in mine and squeezed it affectionately.

Friend... is that all he wants? If so, I'll take it. That's better than nothing at all, and I don't want to lose him again.

My smile broadened.

"I would love to be your friend Link... forever," I said just above a whisper.

Link stared into my masked eyes for a moment before his smile left his face completely. He squeezed my hand back and broke his gaze away from mine.

"Zelda..."

I didn't say anything in reply after he uttered my name. Honestly, I didn't know what to tell him now... except one thing. And, if he didn't feel the same way, then it would be of no use to speak on it. It would be a lot of needless refuse. Link paused again and looked like he was going to utter something else, but soon reneged on it. Instead, he just shook his head and pulled out a little scrap of paper from his back pocket. On it looked like a rough drawing of Castle Town with some directions and an itinerary written on it.

He cleared his throat before he spoke again.

"Let's go over this before we go inside shall we?" he cleverly changed the subject.

I paused, but eventually nodded in agreement. I wanted tonight to be as needlessly dramatic as possible.

"What is that?"

Before answering Link handed it to me.

"It's a map along with a scheduling of the evening's events. If you get lost, I want you to refer to it and meet me at the next location."

That was a smart idea, but then I looked at him puzzled.

"Why would we get separated?"

Link shrugged and explained anyway.

"It can happen. These festivals can get pretty wild."

I looked at him surprised and nodded at what he said, then turned the paper over and noticed the little scribble of a number.

"What's this?"

He didn't answer right away, which signified to me it was something important.

"Oh," he tried to sound casual, "that's the room number for the inn I rented for us for tonight."

I paused again, understanding why he hesitated the way he did.

"You got us a room?" I didn't look at him.

He studied my face and proceeded carefully.

"I figured it would be too far of a walk to go back to Ashei's, especially since the festival ends after midnight, but if you aren't comfortable, we don't have to stay together. I can get another room for myself."

I didn't see how that was possible, assuming that all the places in town were booked. I wasn't going to be ridiculous and force him into an unnecessary exile.

"Don't be silly. It's perfectly fine. It makes the most sense."

My response seemed to relieve him. I grinned and nodded, thinking about the reasonableness of what he said. I never had to worry about such things in the past. I usually spectated from one of the castle towers and never participated in any of the functions. That was all going to change tonight. Link then took the paper from me and changed the subject again.

"Let's go over tonight's events, shall we?"

I smiled at his taking the lead. I liked that he didn't feel intimidated by me.

"Very well."

He then went on to explain.

"At the start of the evening the confetti dancers are going to come out and greet everyone. Then the Gorons are supposed to be performing throughout the night in a quintet. Then the countdown is supposed to commence at the clock tower before midnight."

It was amusing hearing Link explain a festival that my family normally put together for the enjoyment of the citizens. The interesting thing was, in all the time of the festival's inception, I wasn't aware of what really went on. I just granted the committees funding and let it be. Admittedly, that was not the best way to go about things.

"We need to stay on this time line for the shard. I found out certain prizes are going to be circulated throughout the attractions. The shard is one of them, it was instituted few das ago."

I stared at the hero perplexed by the change.

"Who decided that?"

Link shrugged.

"I was hoping you could tell me."

I shook my head. I had no idea.

"I haven't a clue."

Why would someone do something so silly?

Link tried to make light of a uncontrollable situation.

"Well, there's nothing we can do about it now. We just have to go with what we've got."

I nodded at his conjecture.

"You're right."

Afterwards, Link offered me his arm. I smiled and took it gladly. We then headed for the south gate entrance, but before we entered, I stopped him again.

"Wait a moment."

Link looked at me concerned.

"What's the matter?"

I paused, and searched his masked eyes.

"What about Ilia and the others? What if they see you with me?"

Link was quiet at my question, obviously having already thought the matter through. He didn't have very much to say on it. Instead, he just returned my gaze.

"I'll deal with that when or if the time comes. I can't worry about that right now. I'm with you."

I wasn't too reassured by his direct words. I hated the thought of the evening being ruined over something trivial when what we had to do here was so important. However, I knew he was right.

"I guess that's all we can do."

Afterwards, we got in line and entered South Castle Town. Immediately, we saw that the entire city square had been transformed. The cobblestone walkway was littered with people dressed in festive garb and masks of all different kinds. Concession stands were open with vendors selling roasted cuckoo, candied and caramel fruits, Hylian cakes, tea cookies, and a host of other goodies. Decorated in the middle of the square, was a large banner that could be seen from the outside. It read: 1000 Years of Hyrulean Rule. The banner arched across the entire expanse of the square like an enormous semi circle of hope. Stick dancers and clowns were juggling and telling jokes for children. Large confetti cannons were placed in four specific spots in the square, blowing off rainbow colored spectacles in all different directions. There were dozens of attractions stationed at every corner, but the most popular ones were: the star game, the archery tournament, and Falbi's mini Flight-by-Fowl. He somehow introduced it to Castle Town. It was at these three main events the gifts from the committee were to be circulated. It was these events Link and I needed to be mindful of. It was important for me to keep a mental note.

Party bags were given to each guest as they entered. In them were: kazoos, masks if an individual didn't have one, and more confetti. Balloons were hung up on the highest rafters of the Castle Town spires. They blew gently in the wind but never blew away. The clock tower situated in the center of the square had an array of gifts stationed about it. Larger ones were in the back, while smaller ones were in the front. I couldn't lie, I was in awe of the spectacle. The sights and sounds were enchanting. In my next letter to Shad I needed to thank him for approving such marvelous attractions. What a job well done. As I continued to look around, I noticed a faint glimmer near the back of the clock tower. Clustered in the back were one of the remnants of the twilight mirror.

I couldn't believe it. There it was. I tugged on Link's arm in that instant.

"Link..." I was cautious.

He turned and looked at me briefly, where I nodded towards what caught my attention.

"Over there," I whispered, "behind the clock tower."

At my direction, Link then was able to focus on what I was trying to convey. Soon he saw it too and nodded.

"Noted."

With our quarry in sight, we looked around the rest of the edifice. There was a fireworks shooter situated behind the tower ready to go off at midnight. Afterwards, the hero took my hand and led me off to the side along a wall, as the confetti dancers began taking to the floor. We found a place to watch near the sideline.

Link then leaned over.

"I know we have the shard to get, but let's watch this," he whispered in my ear. "It's a lot of fun."

At his beckoning, I immediately looked on in anticipation. I couldn't wait to see what was to happen next. The confetti dancers were a group of men and women with extensive acrobatic training. The troupe jumped, flipped, and dazzled the citizens of Hyrule with complicated leg routines, and rainbow shooters with poppers. When they took to the floor, the dancers started clapping and getting everyone involved with the celebration. There was one dancer in particular who was extremely enthusiastic.

"You have to have more spirit than that! Show your fellow citizens what you're made of!"

With that she blasted a confetti shooter in the air. Dozens of people cheered as the multicolored spectacle rained down on them. She was getting the citizens prepped for the real show. Soon after, the dancers then went into a rhythmic cadence routine, where leg work and tumbles 'oohed' and 'awed' the crowd of onlookers. When the routine was over, the dancers received a well earned enthusiastic ovation. The dancers then had one order for the onlookers.

"Everyone please enjoy yourselves!" a male dancer called out, throwing more confetti and taking a bow.

I clapped enthusiastically after the artistic display.

"Did you see that? That was marvelous!"

Link laughed at my reaction and nodded.

"It was amazing."

His enthusiasm was more restrained than mine. I looked at him slightly disappointed.

"Killjoy," I said loud enough so he could hear me.

He just grinned.

I was still clapping, when I suddenly caught sight of some festival committee members picking up several gifts at the clock tower. I tapped Link's shoulder and pointed discreetly to what was going on. When he saw that the shard was on the move, he took hold of my hand and followed its eventual pathway.

"That's our cue," he whispered.

Two burly men placed the broken shard on a wagon and headed to west Castle Town where the star game was located. Link and I followed closely, making sure to keep our distance. Upon our arrival, we sensed we had a good chance at winning the shard here since the prize was frowned upon by nearly everyone in line to play. Many of the individuals thought it was a poor prize. Proof again that Elbourne was out of touch. However, the committee told an interesting, but bogus, story of its fictional comeuppance.

"Do not let your eyes beget your hearts ladies and gentlemen," one of the committee members began. "The broken mirror may not look like much, but the prince of Dragon Roost donated it himself after slaying a nest of lizalfos on it with his dracosaurian! It is that kind of bravery that is this mirror's history!"

There was little enthusiasm even after the ridiculous story. The sparse applause stated it all. Many in Hyrule despised Elbourne because of his dragon threats. I shook my head at the ludicrous story myself.

Elbourne you are such a fool.

The committee speaker suddenly got nervous. No one was buying what he was trying to sell them.

"Is that all the enthusiasm we have in this crowd of outstanding Hylians?"

He was welcomed to more silence, then a voice in the back.

"I'd rather have a stuffed tektite!" a woman in a corner called out.

A few laughed at her utterance. It served the dragon prince right. He couldn't donate a broken mirror and expect people to fall for such a silly story. After hearing the less than favorable response, the committee members looked at each other and compromised. They decided as an extra incentive to put another prize with the shard.

"Hylia must be smiling down us tonight!" the first committee member said enthusiastically. "We now have not one but two prizes for you to choose from!"

The incentive worked. The general reaction from the crowd was much more favorable. This was good news for Link and I.

"This is perfect," he whispered to me suddenly. "I've played this game hundreds of times. I'll win the shard with no problems. This is child's play."

I grinned at his confidence, but then felt my smile fade when I looked across the alleyway and recognized two familiar faces. This was not good.

"Speaking of child's play," I cautioned, and pointed to the other side of the alley at Malo and Talo. "Those are your friends from Ordon right?'

Link looked to where I was pointing and saw the two boys. His groan said it all.

"Oh boy. Yeah, that's them."

He then looked around to see if anyone else was with them. After scanning the crowd, he saw no trace of Beth, Colin, or Ilia. This situation was getting too close for comfort. We had to be careful.

"Why don't you wait here? That way, there won't be any undue suspicion drawn to us."

I nodded in agreement at his suggestion. The last thing I wanted was to bring any undue attention to myself or to Link. However, considering Link was one of the taller, more muscular men here, he was already attracting more attention than the average fellow.

"That's fine."

Link then stepped away from me and went to stand in line to play. All the while, I caught Talo's attention and suddenly he was eyeing me from the other side of the stone effacing. I could tell he was surprised to see me by his body language. However, I also think he was trying to determine if I was the same woman who visited his village a few months back. He must have seen me come this way with Link before we separated. It was the most natural assumption. He went from conversing with his brother to walking towards me in a matter of seconds after the spotting. It seemed he was going to find out if he was right or not. Admittedly, I was a little nervous about this.

Act natural Zelda, he doesn't know for a certain it's you.

When Talo made his inevitable stop in front of me, I smiled at him. I didn't want to alert him too much.

"Good evening," I attempted to put a hint of mystery behind my voice.

Talo smiled back.

"Good evening."

I interlaced my hands in front of my skirt, waiting for him to engage the conversation further. I assumed he would.

"Is there something I can do for you?" I asked anyway.

Talo didn't reply right away. He was too busy staring me down.

"You look familiar."

That was what I was hoping he wouldn't say. I chuckled at his words, hoping to thwart him.

"Doesn't everyone behind a mask?"

Talo smirked at my shift.

"True, but not everyone has a face and body quite like yours. You're the most fascinating creature here."

I paused in surprise at hearing that. I stared at Talo stunned. Was this the same young man I met in Ordon?

It looks like Colin's got some competition, I couldn't help but think.

I cleared my throat.

"Yes... well... there are many beautiful maidens here."

Almost as if in tandem with my words, Talo looked around and stopped at an older couple kissing passionately in a corner. It wasn't the most convincing sight.

"Right," he said sarcastically, and turned his attention back to me. "There are lovely maidens here, true, but they don't all come here with Master Link," he divulged. "You'd have to be an extraordinary type of woman to capture him."

I paused again at his sharp eye.

"Master Link?" I pretended ignorance.

Talo smirked.

"The gentleman you walked down the alleyway with to get here. Don't tell me you didn't know it was him."

My deflection wasn't going so well. I shrugged.

"Everyone's masked, so it's hard to tell."

Talo only nodded at that and continued to smile at me.

"Miss Elga wasn't it?"

He even remembered the name I gave. That must have been some impression I left. I smiled once more and nodded. I saw no point in circumventing any further.

"Yes, yes it is."

Talo then smiled like he solved the mystery.

"How's that pumpkin delivery going?"

I didn't answer right away. That was bound to come up. There was no denying it now.

"It's going fine, or... it went fine."

Talon laughed and shook his head.

"Right," he then added, "look, if you two are lovers that's none of my business. Just be mindful that Ilia is here and she's pissed that she's here alone. So steer clear of her if you can."

I stiffened a little when I heard that.

"Thanks for the warning."

Talo nodded.

"I bid you good night O beautiful one."

With that, Talo bowed, turned, and went back to go join his brother Malo in line. I thought about what Talo just disclosed to me.

Ilia's upset? I remembered how she was when she was considered lucid. I'll be sure to take Talo's advice and avoid her.

As the line progressed, I watched as Talo and Malo maneuvered towards Link and got his attention. Malo tapped the hero on his shoulder, and went Link responded he seemed happy to see them. Afterwards, a brief conversation ensued. The three of them chatted before it was Link's turn at the star game. So far no one had been successful. Purlo, the moderator of the game, was a sly looking, greedy, fast talking salesman. And, from the way he was staring at Link, he stood as though he would act as an adversary towards him. It was probably because Link knew how to win this game. I heard stories about Purlo from some of the citizens who complained about his devious business practices in open court. However, as it stood, he hadn't done anything illegal, so there was nothing I could technically do to close his business. Even so, when Link walked up, the instigating had already started.

"Well, well, well," Purlo said to Link, "if it isn't our doting twilight hero. Are you going to conquer the star game like you have half the hearts of the women of Hyrule?"

Link smirked at Purlo and readied his claw shots. That wasn't going to work.

"Just start the timer Purlo so I can win my prize."

Purlo had a grin on his face, until it turned to an immediate frown. The businessman deferred the mind games.

"Do you need to know the rules?" Purlo asked only as a necessity.

Link shook his head no.

"I've won this game hundreds of times."

A few in the audience laughed at that. However, Purlo was not amused. It only served to undermine him more.

"You have twenty seconds to collect all the stars," he instructed dryly.

Purlo then turned over a twenty second sands of time, and afterwards Link took off. I watched and marveled at Link's talent and speed as he shot from target to target. But, it wasn't just me rooting for him. It seemed every woman in the alley was rooting for him.

"Get it big hero!" a slightly inebriated young woman cried out near the front. "Show Hyrule what a true star is all about!"

She was offered more company.

"Yeah Link!" another woman hollered in agreement. "I want some star power baby! Show me some star power baby!"

That poor girl was so intoxicated, that she looked on the verge of tears. I thought she was going to collapse. Still her egregious words weren't the end of the impromptu cheerleading.

"I want your claw shot drilling my target!" still another said. "My TARGET!"

She shouted that last word.

I paused abruptly and had to turn and look at that woman. Those loose lips did not bring her any shame.

Dear Hylia, she almost sounded... angry.

There was nothing I could say that would match any of them. However, their behavior made me determined to do one thing, not drink alcohol tonight. I did not want to sound like a slurred drunk. Though, I had to admit that last lady's comment was quite humorous. I could understand her sentiments. Link was very desirable whether he realized it or not. Perhaps it was better the less he knew. I chuckled at the last woman's words, but then found my glee short lived when a couple of members of the committee abruptly came up and removed the mirror shard from the prize display. I was stunned as to why they were removing the shard when the game wasn't over.

"What are they doing?"

The two men loaded the shard on a wagon and wheeled it away. There was nothing I could do but watch. It was so odd.

Where are they taking it?

The twenty seconds came and went, and of course Link won. The crowd applauded him, including myself, but I wasn't as enthusiastic considering what just took place. Here he was thinking victory was his and now we had a new dilemma on our hands. Link did a slight bow to the crowd when the applause extended and turned back to greet Purlo, who once again was not amused.

The moderator didn't bother hiding it.

"What the hell do you want as your prize?" he asked Link dryly.

Link grinned confidently.

"I want the broken mirror."

Purlo then smirked. It was more like a smile of mild vengeance.

"The mirror is no longer a prize here good sir. It is gone."

However, Link looked at him perplexed.

"What?"

The moderator's eyes widened as he put more modulation in his voice.

"The item is gone," Purlo repeated. "G-o-n-e, gone! Please choose something else!"

Link stared at Purlo not amused. When he looked past him at the display, he saw that Purlo was telling the truth. The shard was gone. With that fact realized, Link chose the prize of potions. Purlo handed it to him without looking at him, and Link went about his way. On his way back towards me, Link was stopped several times by some ladies and other admirers.

"Excellent job hero," a pretty young maiden with red hair said to him, stepping into his path. "You were magnificent."

Link smiled.

"Thank you," he said politely to her, "I appreciate that."

The maiden blushed at his acknowledgement of her. She felt comfortable enough to continue.

"Is... is it true that you're married?" she asked suddenly.

Link looked at her surprised. That rumor certainly had legs.

"Where did you hear that?"

The maiden shrugged.

"Here and there. Is it true?"

Link paused for a moment and gave the woman a quick once over.

"No it's not true."

The maiden looked relieved and suddenly got emboldened.

"That's wonderful news. Do you think you have a dance for me saved from the Goron quintet? I would love it if we could take a turn about the square."

Link sensed her sincerity, but he shook his head.

"I'm afraid I can't, but thank you for asking."

The young lady was surprised at his rejection and looked disappointed.

"Oh... that's too bad, I heard you were a wonderful dancer."

Link tried to ease her disappointment.

"Don't believe everything you hear," he half-joked.

With that, the hero moved on. However, seeing that the first young woman was rejected, another bolder young woman stepped into his path. She was blonde, slender, and very pretty. However, she tried a different approach.

"Sometimes a rumor is all we have to go by," she said, as she walked towards the hero. "It makes the mystery of reality so much greater."

Link halted and studied her for a moment. She seemed more confident than the previous maiden. Something about her tone seemed familiar.

"Come again?"

The blonde giggled.

"You don't recognize me?" she accused.

Link then shored up for a moment.

"I'm sorry... should I?"

The maiden giggled, then pulled up her mask. Suddenly, she wasn't so mysterious.

"Do you think you have time for that drink now?"

Link then immediately recognized the young woman as one of the servant wenches from Hylia's Tavern. She was the same woman we bumped into when we came to Castle Town a few months ago.

"Oh," his smile suddenly broadened, "how are you? I couldn't match the voice for some reason."

She seem encouraged by the hero's kindness.

"That's alright. So what do you say? Since the dance is off limits how about a drink?"

Link looked past her to me in the distance at her offer. I just smiled and shrugged at the interaction. It was completely up to him. I wouldn't stop him if he wanted to go. He then looked back at the young maiden and declined.

"I'm sorry, I can't. I'm with someone special tonight."

The maiden was disappointed.

"Someone special? I thought you said you weren't married."

He shook his head.

"I'm not, but it doesn't mean I'm alone either."

She looked at him surprised, especially regarding the bold disclosure.

"Oh... I see."

The girl immediately looked embarrassed and attempted to walk away, when Link reached out and took hold of her hand for a moment. The maiden was stunned, but I sensed he was trying to let her down with ease. He was so considerate. The hero then lifted her chin to look in his face.

"Please, don't take this the wrong way. You have nothing to be ashamed of."

Her eyes widened slightly in surprise. That was a bold move on the hero's end, but it was kind. However, Link soon after departed before she got the wrong idea. Another maiden thwarted. Even so, the titillating wasn't over. The most unexpected flirt was yet to come. From the side of the roadway, an older woman stepped in Link's path. She was wearing garb that looked too big for her skeletal frame. Her graying hair was disheveled, and she smelled of alcohol. She had no qualms going right up to Link and asking for what she wanted.

"I know I probably weaned a lad like you in your youth, but I still know how to put a smile back on your face." Her voice was deep and raspy, like she had been smoking too many ragweeds for that gravel undertone. She had a pipe in her hand even now. She was looking at the hero with devious green eyes. "Does that claw shot of yours need its springs reloaded?"

I nearly burst into laughter when I heard that. I couldn't help myself. I had to turn away and cover my mouth because of my constant giggle. What an outlandish thing to say, but it was humorous no doubt. I had to admit, that was a good jest.
Link just stared at the older woman. He shook his head and had nothing to say. When he caught sight of me laughing, he in turn started chuckling too. I turned back around and we made eye contact and our giggling continued. Several people took note of this, including the two girls who were previously passed over. They didn't look too happy that Link was apparently with me.

The older woman didn't seem to care.

"She can come too."

Her comment made me laugh more. Link on the other hand simply walked past her. He made his way back to me and it was no denying we were together now.

"Who's she?" the first girl ask the second.

The second girl shook her head.

"I have no idea," she replied to her, "but she obviously knows Link."

I ignored the whispers. I didn't care if they were upset that Link was with me. This was our night. He was here with me. It actually made me feel very special. As he walked up, I saw the look of disappointment on his face. Before he said anything, I addressed his concern.

"I saw them carry the mirror away while you were in the cage. It couldn't be helped."

Link was surprised at the revelation.

"Really? Why?"

I shook my head.

"I have no idea."

He weighed our losses and moved on.

"That's alright, next time."

His optimistic spirit was infectious.

"That's right, next time."

Afterwards, Link grabbed my hand and started back down the alley entryway.

"Come on, let's go."

I nodded and squeezed his hand back.

"Of course."

It would have been a short walk, but the alley was littered with people drinking, those already intoxicated, and those who were not. I was surprised people were this inebriated this soon into the festivities. It hadn't even been a full hour that the festival was open. But, with all the ale everywhere, it couldn't be helped. Link was right. These parties did get wild. Along with the drinking, people were throwing confetti shooters, popped kernels, and candy. The popping sounds along with the festive music made for quite the scene. Link and I slipped past a couple arguing over a mask and then turned the corner. I held onto Link's hand for dear life. Finally, we made our way back to the main square. We were about to head to the next attraction, when Link suddenly stopped us and guided us to one of the walls of the square. I thought something was up. Maybe he caught sight of Ilia. However, I was about to find out it was nothing as troublesome as that.

"Let's listen for a moment. This is one of my favorite music troupes."

Intrigued, I looked to the main square to see what had his attention. Set center in the square were a quintet of Gorons. They were getting ready to play. It was just as the young lady mentioned before. Everyone close by quieted down when the master of ceremonies spoke up.

"Ladies and gentlemen," he announced, "I'm proud to introduce the 'rocktastic' sensation from the mines of Death Mountain! Thhhheeeee Gor Cors!"

I smiled at the name.

"Thank you, and good evening ladies and gentlemen," the lead Goron said to the moderator. "We'd like to dedicate this first song to all the forest dwellers out there. We know living in confines doesn't mean you don't have beautiful melodies."

I thought that was endearing.

"What a wonderful thing to say."

Link snickered at my sentimentality.

"Have you heard anything from Gor Cor before?"

I shook my head.

"I haven't, this would be my first time."

He grinned.

"You're in for a treat. They're wonderful."

Now I was really looking forward to the performance. It would be interesting to now what kind of music Link liked. I was an astute classic music lover myself, but I enjoyed many of the folk songs my grandparents sang and played. When the crowd became quiet, the quintet of Gorons harmonized their instruments and began playing this beautiful melody where the flute and violin were the main harmonies. It was a forest Hylian jig. The cadence was very upbeat. I loved it.

"This is wonderful."

Several members of the audience began clapping. Then the whole square was in tune with the jig. I looked around and saw several maidens take to the square floor and begin to dance. They were marvelous. They had to have been professionals placed in the crowd for hype. I couldn't stop smiling.

"What dance are they doing?"

"A Hylian river dance." Link clapped in sync with everyone else.

As the music swelled, the line of dancers grew. The dancers were extraordinary with their fancy foot work and perfect posturing. It was amazing. The girls formed a 'Z' formation and continued with the wonderful cadence. Soon they broke away and started grabbing members of the audience to join in.

When they grabbed hold of me, I looked on shocked.

"Me? No wait! I can't river dance!"

Link laughed and gave me the added encouragement.

"Just do it! Who cares if it's not perfect?"

The woman latching onto me agreed.

"Master Link is right! It's not about perfection it's about fun!"

Without waiting for an answer from me, the young maiden pulled me out into the middle of the square and danced with me to the number. She twirled around with me until I locked arms with another maiden. Once we were all facing the same direction everyone began to river dance. Well... everyone with the exception of me. I was trying to river dance.

Dear Hylia!

Link couldn't stop smiling at my efforts, and I held my head up high, even though I was missing every other step. Once the number was over, the crowd gave us a thunderous ovation, and many of the young ladies bowed. I had to admit, even though I was terrible, it was a great deal of fun. Link was clapping at me when I returned to him. He even did a slight bow.

"You were marvelous," he complimented.

I grinned.

"I was not, but as foolish as I looked, I've never had so much fun before in my life!"

Link smiled at my enthusiasm. He stared into my eyes before looking around the square and back at me.

"You want to know something."

He had my attention.

"What's that?"

The hero paused and looked beyond me for no particular reason.

"I haven't had this much fun with anybody in a long time."

My eyes widened under my mask and I blushed at his confession.

"Really?"

He nodded and his smile faded a little bit.

"Really. I didn't realize how mundane my life was becoming, until you asked me to do this venture with you. I'm glad you did. I never would have gotten to know you so well otherwise."

I looked to the ground.

"Thank you. I'm glad you said yes."

There was a brief silence between us where Link lifted my chin to look at him.

"None of that," he whispered. "You look too perfect tonight not to own it."

My heart skipped a beat. That was very kind of him to say. And to show him my renewed confidence, I was going to agree with him.

"You're right. I do look perfect!"

Link's smile broadened.

"That's what I'm talking about!" he said with a vigorous fist pump. "Own it!"

I really got into it and raised my voice.

"Confidence is mine!"

Several people turned to look at Link and I, and I covered my mouth embarrassed while Link laughed. I then laughed with him. Afterwards, we settled, stopped and stared at each other. Link reached over and caressed my cheek suddenly.

"I'm so glad you're here with me... Miss Elga."

I grinned at his use of my pseudonym. I surprised him and covered his hand briefly with mine.

"I'm glad to be with you too... Master Link."

Link's smile faded and he stared at me seriously.

I inquired of that.

"What's wrong?"

He shook his head.

"Nothing, nothing at all."

My eyes searched his face.

"So why the serious look?"

He paused.

"I have something important to tell you later," he revealed, "I just keep reminding myself so I don't forget."

"If it's important I doubt you'll forget."

The hero nodded.

"True," he then added, "I just wish..."

He had my undivided attention. I held my breath at his trail. I really wanted him to go on.

"You wish what?" I continued for him.

Link paused at my question. He seemed to be going over the quagmire in his head, but then reneged and acted on semblance instead. Apparently, now wasn't the right time.

"Forget it, I'll tell you later." He then took my hand and nodded towards east Castle Town. "Let's go play another game."

I tried not to let it show but I was a little disappointed when he didn't say what he intended to say. But I wasn't going to make an ordeal out of it. When it was time, it would be time.

"Okay."

Link squeezed my hand affectionately and led the way. I couldn't lie, I never felt so happy, so alive. This night was incredible. Everything was so perfect. Anyway, we made our way through the crowd and down the alley leading to east Castle Town. Set up in the back of the narrow cobblestone foyer was a mini archery tournament. Link and I were just in time too. The festival committee just dropped off two prizes: the mirror shard and the coveted gallon of ancient fruit juice Miss Ashei was so familiar with.

"Here it is again," I said.

Link was about to go stand in line.

"You stay here. I'll go win us the shard."

However, I didn't want to stay behind. I loved archery.

"I want to play too. I'm a good marks woman. Besides, with the both of us our chances are now double."

Link gave me a knowing stare.

"I won't lose. No one here can beat me."

I looked at him taken aback.

Oh really?

I accepted his challenge.

"I can."

Link smirked.

"That's cute," he said arrogantly.

My mouth became agape.

"You conceited brute. How dare you utter such a thing?"

Link had no qualms.

"It's not conceit if it's true."

I pursed my lips together and then decided on a whim to stand in line anyway. I was going to show him.

"We'll see about that."

Link raised his brows and grinned at me.

"Oh really?"

I had great skills too. I wasn't going to be intimidated by him. Link saw how we fought those bandits together.

"Yes, really."

He nodded.

"Fair enough, but don't cry when you lose."

I turned my nose up in the air in defiance.

"I'm not worried about that. I don't plan to."

Link chuckled at me, and soon, out of nowhere, another familiar face turned up. I was scanning the crowd to see how many people were actually registering for the event and spotted Colin. I immediately ducked when I saw him. After my encounter with Talo, I was very leery about seeing anyone else from Ordon. But, it was too late because Colin spotted Link, and I was standing right behind him. Seriously, Link was more popular than a theater troupe.

The handsome young fellow came up smiling.

"I knew you would do the archery tournament for the ancient fruit juice prize." Colin reached for Link's hand and patting him on the back. "How in the world have you been? Everyone thought you fell off the planet."

Link merely shrugged.

"No, I'm here," he said with a grin.

The young protege shook his head.

"How did the pumpkin delivery go? It must have been hell, you've been gone for five months."

Oh dear, I lowered my face so he wouldn't notice me.

"It went fine," Link said.

Colin then looked at him perplexed.

"Why were you gone so long then? And why did you come to the festival alone? I thought you were going to take Ilia."

When I heard that for the second time, I felt even more nervous about running into her. However, Link stood to complicate the situation.

"I didn't come alone." Link boldly pointed to me. "I came with Miss Elga."

I looked at Link surprised, never expecting him to tell anyone I was with him. Colin then turned his attention to me and his eyes widened when he recognized my face.

"Miss Elga?"

I smiled at him. There was nothing I could do about it now.

"Hello Mr. Colin, how are you?"

Colin looked back at Link and then to me once more.

"I'm… fine," he seemed a little taken aback knowing that I came with the hero, "how are you?"

I nodded.

"I'm okay. It's good to see you again."

Colin paused for a moment to stare at me.

"Likewise." He then turned his attention back to Link. "Does Ilia know about this?"

I kept calm, but was getting slightly annoyed at the constant mentioning of her name.

Why does she keep getting brought up? Link is not married to her.

Link hesitated to answer Colin, but said finally, "No, she doesn't know."

Colin gave Link a knowing stare.

"Uh… avoid her if you can. She's extremely upset that you've been gone so long and couldn't take her."

I sighed at the not new revelation. I decided to change the subject. This was going to dampen everyone's mood.

"So Mr. Colin," I began, "how long have you been practicing with the bow?"

Colin looked between Link and I before he answered.

"About seven years. Under my father and Master Link's tutelage."

I wasn't certain, but there seemed to be an undercurrent of irritation in his voice. However, I didn't want to assume anything.

"You must be extraordinary then," I complimented.

Colin didn't reply to that. He simply nodded and took in a deep frustrated breath. I went to touch his shoulder as a gesture of goodwill, but he moved from my reach. I was surprised at that.

What's the matter with him?

"Mr. Colin… are you alright?"

Colin shook his head and sighed.

"I'm fine," he then stepped back, "now please excuse me. You and Link have a good time."

It was only then that I realized what the issue was.

The poor fellow is jealous.

Colin started walking away.

"Colin!" I called after him. "Colin wait!"

I was going to go after him, but Link stopped me.

"Let him be. Men like to be alone when they feel they've been spurned."

I closed my eyes when Link put it that way. He wasn't helping.

"But Link I-"

"Trust me. Besides, we need to worry about winning the mirror. Colin will be fine."

It seemed insensitive, but I knew Link was right. What Colin felt for me was merely an infatuation. It was nothing deep or truly personal. He would probably feel that way a hundred times in his life until he met the right girl. Even still, I felt terrible for being the reason his heart was temporarily broken. Anyway, I needed to focus on the task at hand. The line progressed and we moved in to register. It did seem kitsch that I was going to compete head to head with the best archer in the country, but I didn't care. I wasn't so bad myself. My father trained me and his father trained him. It was in my blood to carry a bow. Speaking of which, I was handed a standard long bow and arrow. I would have preferred a compound bow, but I couldn't expect that kind of complexity from an archery game. My first opponent was an older gentleman. He had prodigious girth and smelled of wine. It seemed the first past time of all the citizens was to get drunk then recreate. The older man was fawning at me with his glazed gaze. He probably assumed I was an easy opponent and blew me a kiss. My attestation was right, because when he took his shot, instead of looking at the target he stared at me. The poor bloke. His arrow missed the bull's eye zone by three markers. All things considered, he did pretty well. It was now my turn. I set my arrow and pulled back on the bow string. I kept both my eyes open and released. Not to sound overblown, but it was like child's play. This distance of thirty yards was for beginners. The target would be simple to ascertain. As expected, I landed a perfect bull's eye. The older man's mouth became agape and several other people took note as well, even the belated Colin.

"Wow," I heard him utter from below the landing.

With my turn complete, I jumped down from the deck so the next competitor could go. I pulled on the thread to tighten the string awaiting my next turn. While I was doing that, Colin approached me.

"That was marvelous shooting Miss Elga," he complimented.

I smiled, grateful he was being cordial again.

"Thank you Mr. Colin."

He seemed nervous in that moment, as if he were anticipating something.

"Master Link is a great man," Colin began out of nowhere.

I paused. I wasn't sure where he was going with this.

"Yes, yes he is."

Colin avoided my gaze now.

"One day I'll be a great man too Miss Elga," he went on.

He sounded so serious. I had a feeling I knew where this was going.

"You already are. You're wonderful Colin."

Colin looked to the ground.

"I mean great like Master Link," he continued. "When you came to the village, you were a huge motivating factor for me wanting to get better."

I grinned as he told me this. I thought that was very kind.

"Was I?" I asked. "Well, I'm honored."

He pursed his lips together just then.

"It was my hope to begin courting you once I joined the royal military," he divulged.

I froze at hearing that.

Oh dear.

"Courting me?"

He still wouldn't look at me.

"Yes, but now that I've seen you with Master Link, I know that that is quite impossible."

I felt terrible for him. He had no idea, but I could empathize with him in more ways than he realized.

"Colin I-"

He fanned off my attempts of comforting him.

"You don't need to explain. It happens all the time. It seems every woman in this kingdom is in love with Master Link."

It must have been hard living in such a great man's shadow. However, he needed to be aware of something else.

"Not every maiden Colin. What about Beth?"

Colin groaned at her name.

"Beth is the worst of them all. She constantly throws in my face how much she dotes over Link."

I grinned when he revealed that.

"There's a reason young maidens act that way."

Colin scoffed and ran a hand through his perfect blonde hair.

"What's that?"

"She likes you. You see, we women are complicated creatures. We think in order for you men to notice us we have to get you jealous."

Colin did seem puzzled.

"Really?"

I nodded.

"Really."

It didn't make sense to him.

"Why?" he couldn't help but ask.

His tone made me giggle.

"Because that is how some of us are."

Colin still didn't get the gist.

"Well, whatever the case, it works. It's the most preposterous thing in the world."

I giggled again and gave him an empathetic look.

"She doesn't like Link as much as she claims. She merely says she does to derive a reaction out of you. She likes you quite a lot."

Colin raised a brow at my saying that.

"No disrespect to you Miss Elga, but how would you know? You've only made her acquaintance once."

His point was well taken.

"Fair enough," I said, "but it was evident to me when I came to ask Master Link for his services. She was quite jealous when you weren't paying exclusive attention to her. She was so used to you doting on her, that when you paid attention to me, it nearly drove her mad."

Colin looked at me surprised.

"Did she now? I hardly noticed. You're pretty perceptive to women's behavior."

I shrugged nonchalantly.

"I'm a woman."

Colin grinned and stared at me longingly in the eyes.

"And what a woman you are. I'm surprised you're not married already yourself. You're one of the most beautiful women I have ever beheld."

I blushed at his comment.

You, and everyone else Colin my dear.

"Yes well… don't worry about me, I'll be alright, but I think you should tell Beth how you feel about her tonight."

Colin raised a brow.

"What?"

I grinned at his reaction.

"Tell her!" I said with growing excitement. "There's enchantment in the air! Tonight is the perfect night to tell the one you love you love them!"

Colin smiled at my enthusiasm.

"Are you quite yourself? You sound rather silly."

I nodded, but then did sense a strange essence about the air. It seemed to be permeating all throughout the square.

What has gotten in to me? I then turned to watch the hero shoot and destroy the target across from him.

Link was such a showoff.

"Yes, I'm quite myself." I turned back to Colin.

Colin grinned at me.

"It sounds like you might want to take your own advice," he perceived. "You sound like one of those girls from the story books."

I giggled at his tease.

Perhaps I will. Perhaps I can be a little brave tonight. Perhaps I can tell Link at...

"The fireworks show at midnight," I whispered to myself.

Colin gave me an offhanded look.

"I beg your pardon?"

What a wonderful idea.

"You should tell Beth at midnight during the fireworks show!" I said directly.

Colin looked at me surprised just then.

"You know what… that's not a bad idea."

My conviction was growing, not just for him, but for myself too.

"You should! You should tell her you're in love with her tonight!"

Colin laughed.

"I do believe you're right. Now would be the perfect time for me to confess because I'm leaving for the royal academy in a month."

My eyes widened at his disclosure.

"You weren't kidding when you said what you said."

Colin nodded.

"I got my conscription notice today."

"Really?"

He nodded.

"Really."

That was fantastic news. No one deserved to enter the Royal Academy more than this young man. I was so happy for him that I jumped into Colin's arms and gave him a tight hug. He was surprised by the gesture, but he hugged me back.

"Miss Elga," Colin chuckled, "you are quite the woman."

I hugged him tighter, but then my smile faded for a completely different reason.

Oh no.

The festival committee was at it again. Two men were packing up the mirror and loading it onto a wagon. What was going on here? Who instituted this ridiculous idea? I then released Colin and kept up my guise. I didn't want to alert him, so I forced a smile.

"I'm so proud of you," I whispered.

Colin grinned.

"Thank you Miss Elga," he whispered back.

At the same time, I was tapped on my shoulder. I turned to see it was Link.

"Are you done flirting? You and I are the last ones standing."

He was one to talk. I put my hands on my hips.

"Not quite, but since you interrupted I'm going to have to be."

Colin looked between the hero and me.

"Go easy on her you brute," he joked, "she's a nice lady."

Link raised his brows at Colin's tone and grinned.

"Don't worry, I will."

Afterwards, I held my bow in the air.

"Root for me Colin!" I climbed back onto the deck. "I need your support."

Colin laughed and bowed.

"I am at your service."

I then gave the moderator and Link my attention. I was ready.

"Take your marks!" the moderator sounded.

Link and I pulled our bows back.

"And… go!" the moderator shouted.

The arrows plucked through the air like the twang of a string. Both our arrows landed in the bull's eye target, but Link's was directly in the center. I lost by less than half an inch. Less than half a damned inch. I couldn't lie, I was annoyed by that outcome.

"Damn it," I muttered.

Colin looked at the target then back to me and nodded.

"For what it's worth Miss Elga," he commented anyway, "that was a damn good shot."

I didn't look over at Link, because I already knew what his facial expression was. I would not live this down.

"Get your bloody prize so we can go," I said dryly, and jumped off the landing again.

Link snickered at my reaction and turned looking for the mirror. He hadn't seen the festival committee carry it off. When he couldn't find it, he looked at me confused.

"It was here, wasn't it? I don't need to seek asylum, do I?"

I clued him in.

"The committee took it away again."

Colin looked at the both of us taken aback.

"You were playing for the mirror? The ancient fruit juice is worth a small fortune."

Colin's reaction was only natural. He had no idea what the significance of the mirror was. Even so, the moderator handed Link the gallon flask of ancient fruit juice. Link took it and held it up as the crowd watching cheered at him. Colin was still perplexed at Link's foregone decision.

"You really wanted that mirror?"

Link grinned at his long time friend.

"It doesn't matter."

Colin stared at the flask.

"If you don't want the ancient fruit juice, I'll gladly take it off your hands."

I giggled at his offer.

"He wants it Colin. He just wanted the mirror more."

Afterwards, Link hung the flask around his shoulder and jumped off the landing. He took hold of my hand, ready to go to the next attraction.

"We should get going."

Colin stared at Link's and my interlocked hands. He was trying to keep the sadness from his eyes. I wanted to encourage him.

"Tell her. Don't let the night be over without doing that."

Colin smiled.

"I will."

I then got dragged off by the hero. We hurried out of the east Castle Town back to the square where the Goron quintet was playing a lovely waltz. But Link didn't stop to listen to the music this time. He led me back to south Castle Town where the other major attraction was. He was going so quickly. I didn't understand the rush.

"Where are we going?"

Link didn't answer right away until he caught sight of what he was looking for.

"There it is," he said more to himself than to me.

I wish he would share his thoughts

"There 'what' is?" I asked.

Link was looking up at a mini version of a familiar experience: Falbi's Flight-by-Fowl. Falbi had set up shop by renting one of the vendor's two story stations. Suspended in midair were these holographic images of rupees. How Falbi managed that was a mystery to many. The premise of his attraction was seductive: pay twenty rupees to potentially win much more. Most of the time people won like five or ten. Falbi generated tons of profit from the enterprise.

"This Flight-by-Fowl game here, I'm sure the shard was shifted to this attraction next."

My assumption of his behavior was correct. He just wanted to get here before the shard was gone. We continued down the alley, but then suddenly Link stopped and turned around.

"Come on," he started hurrying in the other direction.

I was taken aback at the sudden shift. What was going on?

"I thought you wanted to play that game."

His grip on my hand tightened.

"I did, but now there's been a quick change of plans."

We were heading back to the square. He didn't offer me an immediate explanation, but I knew there had to be a good reason why. I looked at him concerned.

What's gotten in to him?

~SSS~

South Castle Town by the Flight by Fowl, Ilia

I thought my eyes were deceiving me, but I was certain they weren't. I tugged on Beth's arm in the process.

"Did you see that?"

She looked around the crowd.

"Did I see what?"

"The tall fellow that just walked this way, but then quickly turned around."

Beth shrugged.

"I didn't see anyone."

I did, and I think I knew who that was too.

I grabbed Beth's arm without waiting for a cue from her.

"Hey!" she protested.

"Come on," I said without paying much thought to her words.

I dragged her towards the main square to see if my first thought was right.

I know that was him. I know it.

~SSS~

Castle Town Square, Zelda

Link led me to the middle of the dance floor and held me close. I didn't understand why he was acting so erratic. It didn't make any sense.

"What's the matter?" I asked him finally.

Link made sure his mask was on his face.

"I just saw Ilia. She's here with Beth. That's the last thing we need right now."

I suddenly completely understood. Ilia was not going to be pleased if she saw us together. Everyone else was already warning us of that.

"What about the shard?"

He shook his head.

"We'll get it. We just have to wait until it's closer to the clock tower."

I wasn't too sure about that. There was always a chance someone could win the mirror as a prize. A horrible prize, but a prize nonetheless. However, beggars couldn't be choosers. Even so, it was in this moment I realized how lovely the waltz was the Gorons were playing. The music was melodic and beautiful. I looked up at Link, who was leading the dance very well, but still looked concerned. I attempted to preoccupy him with better thoughts.

"I didn't know you could waltz."

Link then looked down at me and grinned.

"Ilia taught me. She actually taught me for the ball years ago, but I never got to dance with you that night. The dragon queen however complimented me on my lightness of foot."

I chuckled.

"Did she now? Well, it's a job well done."

Just then another couple came to the square. Well, the young woman was dragging the poor fellow she was with.

"Rinoa I can't dance!" the young man complained.

"Shut up Squall!" she snapped, putting his hand around her waist. "I'm going to teach you."

Link and I watched as the young couple made a scene. They struggled at first, but after a few turns about the floor they looked like lords of the dance.

I giggled at the sight.

"I can't believe he learned to dance that quickly."

Link merely grunted with a more cynical notion.

"He was pretending," he accused. "He knew how to dance. There's no way you get that good, that quickly."

I giggled again at Link's summation.

"I suppose you have a point."

Link grinned.

"I do, that guy was a sleeper."

Link's cadence was full of humor. And, even though the circumstances forced it, I was glad to be in his arms dancing with him like this. I could sense he felt the same way. This was wonderful. The night couldn't have gotten better. There was a brief silence between us where we were staring in each other's eyes. I finally decided to break it.

"What are you thinking about?"

He didn't reply right away.

"I was thinking about how much I'm going to miss seeing you sweep up trash when this is all over," he half joked.

The smile on my face waned a little when he said that.

When this is all over...

"Yes… yes that will be difficult."

I didn't have very much to add. I avoided his eyes for a moment.

Do I have the courage to tell him I love him?

I was about to test that notion, when Link spoke first.

"I need to tell you something in private," he stopped our dance and led me off the floor.

I followed him surprised, but didn't object.

"Alright."

We went down an alley and managed to find a small clearing where we could have some privacy. I couldn't lie, I was nervous and excited all at the same time with why he wanted us to be alone.

"What is it?" I saw him pausing for a long period of time.

He didn't answer me right away. Instead, Link lifted up his mask then slowly lifted mine. He stared into my eyes for a long moment. It made me a little anxious, but my anxiety all went away when he reached up and caressed my cheek.

"You are so beautiful," he whispered.

I blushed.

"That's very kind," I whispered back.

His forefinger circled my lips.

"It's very true. I just want you to know you're a special kind of woman Zelda. You're patient and wonderful with a giving soul. I hope you always know that."

My eyes widened a little at his words.

"Thank you," I whispered back, "you're special and amazing too Link... especially to me."

Link nodded at my utterance, then got quiet. He avoided my eyes for a moment and took in a deep breath like he was nervous. It was in that instant I realized what he was preparing to say.

Oh my goddess! Is he… is he going to say he loves me?

He continued looking down, but then stopped himself and met my gaze again. It was as if he made his resolve in his head. I think this was it. He was going to say it.

"Zelda…" he started in a whisper, "I…"

I waited for him to go on, but he suddenly stopped himself. My heart was pounding a million times per second.

Come on, don't stop now!

"You…" I continued for him, but he still didn't go on.

It was only then that I noticed his eyes were now cast to the right of us and he was staring at something else, or someone else rather. I turned my head to see who now had his attention. I gasped quietly.

Oh no.

There, staring back at Link and me with a fiery green gaze was Ilia. She looked indifferent, but I knew a storm was brewing behind that stare. She didn't hesitate to express immediately what was on her mind. It seemed to come naturally to her.

"Hello Link," she said softly, "how was the pumpkin delivery?"

Part two of the Hyrulean Festival will be up soon.