Chapter 2

Out in the Hyrule Castle courtyard, Link practiced his swordsmanship. He had a dummy placed right in the middle, and anyone who was inside the castle that happened to walk by could see him if they looked out of the windows. Plenty of guards saw him. Out of the corner of his eyes, his focus being on the dummy, Link saw them stop and watch him for a few moments, and then continue walking. Link knew that a lot of the guards were envious of his skill with the sword, though none of them would ever verbally belie their envy. No, they were too proud to admit weakness. Link could see it in their eyes, though, when he'd pass them in the corridor or when he'd attend dinner in the castle's Dining Hall.

Ever since the defeat of Ganon, Link gained a lot of respect among not only the people of Hyrule but the castle's guards as well. When he traveled back in time to childhood, it had been like they all knew what occurred in the future. Before he set off on his next adventure, everyone at Hyrule Castle threw a huge dinner party for the Hero of Time. As Link grew older, following the natural flow of time, he found himself frequenting Hyrule Castle more and more, attending formal events, feasts and the like. He also befriended the guards and sparred with them. Despite the guards' envy for Link's sword skills, they had a lot of respect for him.

Link executed a twirling slash, the blade of his broadsword singing as it flew through the air. By the time the move was finished, the dummy had been cut in half. He looked down on the ground at the torso, and then at the blade he was holding in his hand. That last move destroyed the wooden dummy. The castle's blacksmith did a fine job with this sword; too fine from the look of it. The blade reflected the sunlight beaming down on him, and Link could not see any nicks or scratches anywhere on the weapon. He sighed as he looked at the bottom half of the dummy as it stood upright on the ground. He'll have to make another one, but not right now. Practice is over for the day. All that blade swinging struck up a mighty appetite.

He sheathed his sword, and as he picked up the broken dummy a voice called out to him. Not the voice of someone standing near him, if someone was near him, but a different sounding voice; a voice that sounded different yet familiar.

Link. We need you!

He knew who was calling to him. He had heard the voice before, he'd even communicated with her himself via the sound carried through the ocarina.

What is it, Saria? What sort of trouble has befallen all of you there in the forest?

It is Mido, Link! He is very troubled, and will not, cannot, seem to speak!

Okay, Saria. I'll be there soon.

After I get something to eat, he mumbled. It would be foolhardy to travel all the way to Kokiri Forest without something in his belly.

"Busy at practice, I see."

Link turned around at the sound of Zelda's voice. She was dressed in formal attire, wearing her golden tiara adorned with the red jewel in the center, gloves that went all the way up to her upper arms, golden shoulder pads decorated with swirl designs and the Hylian crest hovering above her chest, and that purplish-white dress with the blue sash that had the Triforce on it. Her blonde hair cascaded down her back.

"I was," he replied, "but I'm done for the day. Hunger is calling me, and I must fill my stomach before I travel to Kokiri Forest."

Zelda's eyebrow raised at the mention of traveling to Kokiri Forest. "Oh? If I may ask, brave hero, what is happening in Kokiri Forest? Perhaps you just wish to visit?"

"Saria called out to me. Something is wrong with Mido. She says he won't even speak, and he is frightened about something." Link's stomach grumbled so loud Zelda cracked a smile for a brief moment. "I'm going there to see what's wrong, but not until after I eat. As you know now, I am very hungry."

Smiling again, the Princess of Hyrule said, "Well, my timing is excellent, Link. I was just about to invite you to dinner. Why not fill your belly with our delicious victuals before your departure? Our cook made a new dish he calls Monster Cake. I've had a sample, and it is sweet and very tasty!"

Zelda frequently invited Link to all sorts of events held at the castle. Banquets, feasts, ceremonies and dinners—a lot of dinners, even to morning and midday meals. She apparently enjoyed his company. It had become common for the people who lived in Hyrule Castle to see Link practicing in the courtyard, or attending a wedding or feast. The king enjoyed his company as well. Link's presence created an ambiance of happiness. Without making an effort, he lifted people's spirits.

Link nodded. "Yes, Zelda, I shall take you up on your offer. I would like some of this monster cake for myself. Maybe it will fill my monster appetite."

Zelda chuckled. "Why surely you wouldn't want to eat only that! Rest assured, Link, we have variety. Very well, then. Let us go and be seated."

Link moved a step forward but stopped when he noticed Zelda looking around the place. "Do you remember, Link, that the place in which we now stand is the place we first met?"

Link looked around the circular area, his eyes stopping at a particular window looking into the castle—the throne room. He saw a guard walk past on the red carpet. "Yes, of course," he replied, nodding his head toward the window. "You were looking through that window at an awful man whom I eventually defeated."

"Yes, that's right! Ah, the memories of childhood!"

She turned around and headed out of the courtyard with Link right behind her. "Well then, Hero, let us enjoy some fine food, shall we?"

"Yes, let's."