Greetings from chapter seven! I really enjoyed writing this chapter, and I hope you enjoy reading it. Thank you to my reviewers since my last update- adrian-air-fire; The Al Bhed Princess; Infernal Flame Zero; N; sasukeuchiha180; lilykat14; Sheik's twin; Omega87; Belle89; and Ericketiting (for six reviews). :)

Enjoy!

Disclaimer: I do not own the Legend of Zelda series, in whole or in part.

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"Good-bye, Father. Have a wonderful trip," I said, kissing my father's cheek.

"Thank you, dearest. I will see you when we return tomorrow evening, okay?"

"Yes, Father."

I waved good-bye to the suitors as I saw Link in my peripheral vision getting onto Epona. I can't believe he nearly saw me half-dressed this morning. Too bad Impa was there... Wait a second! I can't keep thinking this!

As the horses turned onto the road, Link allowed Epona to fall behind slightly, so he could say a more personal good-bye to me.

"So, I guess I'll see you tomorrow," I said as cheerfully as possible. I was sad that he was leaving, but at least those stupid suitors would be gone, too. "Try not to kill any of those idiots before you get back."

"Oh, so you don't want any 'accidents'?" he said with a chuckle.

"No... I don't want to get in trouble with my father if one of them gets hurt or something, because somehow it'll all come back to haunt me. Besides, it'll be much more fun for them to come back safely, so I can get rid of them myself with my mischief," I giggled.

"That's my Zel," Link smiled. "Stay out of trouble while I'm gone, alright?"

"Okay, Dad," I teased.

"Ha ha. Just make sure the guards keep a good watch. When we get back, I'm sure we'll all want to be greeted by your beautiful, cheerful face, instead of a scared one." With that, he leaned over slightly, holding the saddle horn to help balance himself. He took my hand and went to kiss it, like the true gentleman that he is.

"Ahem," Impa interrupted, tapping her foot.

Darn it, can't a girl and a guy get some privacy around here! I mused. "Uh, so, have fun, okay?" I stammered as Link let go of my hand. "Bye, Link. You be careful out there."

"Aren't I always?" he grinned, urging Epona into a gallop.

I watched as Link waved good-bye- and my father looked back with an incensed look on his face. Oh, great. Good thing he'd have the next two days to cool down.

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"There, finished at last," I proclaimed as I watched the guard hammer the last of the stakes into the ground. He and another guard had spent the last hour trying to pitch the tent, refusing to allow my help. Now that it was ready, I could finally start.

Impa helped me finish setting up, before she and the guards hid in an area sectioned off by a curtain, in case any trouble should arise. I eagerly sat at the small table, consisting of a large crate flipped upside-down. Within five minutes, my first customer arrived, a young man who looked to be about my age.

"Good morning, young man. Come, sit with me," I said with a fake accent, drawing out the last word slowly. He sat on the opposite side of the crate. "And why is it that you visit Madame Hexe?"

"I want to know if a maiden in town has an interest in me."

"And what is your name?"

"Conrad."

"And what is her name?"

"Gretchen."

I rubbed my crystal ball and squinted at it, pretending to have a vision. "Ah, yes, I see. I have channeled mystical powers, and I must advise you to simply ask Gretchen. It is hard to know what is in her heart. You must approach her."

"But how?"

"Perhaps through a common interest. What is it that she likes to do?"

"Well, you see, I work with a blacksmith, and she often accompanies her father when he delivers our materials. She is actually quite skilled in sword fighting, or so he says."

"Then I suggest inviting her to the sword fighting tournament held on the castle grounds at the end of this week. I saw many signs for it when I reached town."

"But how do I ask her?"

I cackled. "Oh, my, Conrad. You must figure that out for yourself, young man. Even I cannot tell you how to do that. But trust me, the right words will come to you. Just listen to your heart."

"Thank you, Madame Hexe," he said, standing up and shaking my hand.

"Anytime, young man. Best of luck."

"Thanks again." He headed for the tent opening, stopping to drop a blue rupee into the basket for his payment before leaving.

I smiled happily, hoping all my customers would be so friendly. I stared out at the people passing by the tent, wondering who would come in next. I ended up with ten customers total, not bad for a mere three hours of work. As I was packing up for the day, one last customer entered, one of my dearest friends.

"Malon!" I almost gasped, before catching myself. This was definitely not a good time to give away my identity.

"Please, be seated," I prompted her. "And what is your name, dear?"

"Malon."

"And how might I help you, Malon?"

"Well, there is a young man that frequents the ranch where my father and I live, because he loves Lon Lon Milk. I tell him I can deliver it to him at the castle, but he insists on coming to our ranch in person," she explained.

"Ah, yes, tell me more about him," I said, wondering who it could be.

"Well, he is just amazing. He is tall and thin, but very strong. He is about my age, but he has done and seen so much already. He has this thick, golden hair, and cerulean eyes. And he always seems to wear the same outfit, as if it is a uniform. I've asked him before if it is, but he says he cannot discuss his job. Oh, and I hear he is wonderful with the sword."

I swallowed hard. It sounded just like Link. But Link liked me, right?

"Well, what is it you wish to know?"

"I want to know how to get his attention. I mean, I have no problem speaking to him as a friend, but when I try to flirt with him, all I do is blush and feel like an idiot."

Good, he's not yours anyway, I thought. "Well, dear, maybe you should find out what he likes to do, and try to do it with him," I suggested, knowing Malon was quite prissy for someone that had to care for animals. She was my opposite- people expected me to be the prissy one, being a princess and all, but Malon hated getting dirty, and also scared easily.

But she had something I didn't have. Okay, well, a couple things. For one, beautiful red hair. And for another, cleavage. Sure, I was developed, but she made me look small. Not that she was huge, but she "filled out" younger than me, and I just never quite caught up to her.

Malon sighed longingly. "I don't know. I mean, he doesn't seem to mind going around town in dirty clothes, or chasing down strange creatures, but I... let's just say I'm more of a homebody."

"But if you like him, you must try to do things a little outside of your comfort zone."

"I've always been told to be myself."

"Trust me, young one. If you want his attention, you must be willing to change for him." Wow, you've really outdone yourself, Zelda. Even you wouldn't be stupid enough to take your own advice in this case.

"Well, you're the expert, I suppose," she said. "Thank you, Madame Hexe." She, too, paid me upon leaving.

"You're welcome," I answered with a smile. "Best of luck, dear."

As she left, I felt happy, but that quickly turned into worry. What if Link liked her back? As Impa and the guards help me finish closing up for the day, I was lost in thought, trying to determine ways to convince Link that she wasn't for him, without letting on what happened.

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