A/N: I own nothing. All characters are property of Nintendo. 'Words' are thoughts. Enjoy!

CHAPTER 2

The next day, Link and Malon awoke to a rumpus. Or maybe it was a hullabaloo. It was definitely a racket. There was a storm on the way, and the animals were raising quite the squabble. Link and Malon had to get the horses in to the barn, but the horses had other ideas. They were frightened. They wanted out. They needed in, but they wanted out. Link was getting real sick of their nonsense. So, Link went into the house, went to his dresser, got his Bremen Mask, went outside, pulled out his ocarina, and played the Bremen March he learned in Termina. The five horses and two cuccos followed Link into the barn. Epona was the only horse left in the corral.

"How did...what was..." Malon stammered.

"The Bremen March, and no, I had no clue horses were affected by it, but they were pissing me off and I had to do SOMETHING," Link explained briskly. "Now that that's over with, I need to head over to the castle to speak with Princess Zelda regarding wedding business. I'll be back in a couple hours,"

"Ok, Link. Please be careful. There's a storm on the way. Are you taking Epona?" Malon asked.

"Yep, sure am. She cuts a lot of travel time off," Link smiled.

Malon also smiled. "Ok, honey. Safe travels,"

Link played Epona's Song and rode towards Hyrule Castle. About halfway there, the royal courier stopped him.

"Sir Link! I bring you a message from the princess!" Murrol announced.

"I'm heading to the castle to speak with Her Royal Highness, now. Hand me the letter, and I'll read it when I get there," Link replied.

"Here you are. She says it is of utmost importance,"

"Thanks Murrol. I appreciate it. Need a ride back?" Link offered.

"That won't be necessary. I have more messages to deliver in Kakariko Village," Murrol replied matter of factly.

"Alright. Stay safe. We're in for a big storm," Link replied.

"Aye, that we are, Sir Link. You be safe as well," Murrol saluted, then headed towards Kakariko.

Link rode off towards the castle. He reached Castle Town just as the rain started to fall. Honey and Darling ran to their house, the Quarreling Brothers went to their houses, and the market itself cleared out. Link made his way to the castle.

"Well, that was certainly fast...let's get you warmed up and dried off," Impa greeted Link at the castle drawbridge. "We'll take care of Epona in the stables,"

Link was brought to a foyer and was seated in front of a large fireplace, with the flame going strong. He took the letter previously handed to him in Hyrule field, and opened it.

Link,

It is of utmost importance that you read this letter as soon as possible. It is my duty as Princess of Hyrule to inform you that your services to Hyrule are no longer required. Do not look at this as a termination, but rather as a potentially permanent suspension. Obviously, if Hyrule truly needs their Hero, we shall call upon your services. As of right now, Hyrule is at peace. There is no need for a Hero or Champion at this time. As such you are hereby relieved of your official duties. You have served Hyrule honorably and valiantly, with no regard for your own well-being, for many more years than any other soldier in the whole of Hyrule's army. Thank you for your service. May the way of the Hero lead to the Triforce.

May the goddesses protect you on your life's journey,

Princess Zelda

"I'm...obsolete?" Link wondered aloud.

"No. You aren't obsolete. You need a break from action. You've worked so hard, for so long, that I'm giving you your life back," Princess Zelda explained, seating herself next to Link on the sofa.

"Well, Malon will be happy to hear that, at least...but..."

"No. No buts. You need to live out the rest of your life. Get married. Have kids. Raise the next generation's Hero. Your generation no longer needs a Hero. Live your life as a civilian for a while. If we need to reinstate your service, we will notify you. For now, rest. Work the farm. Make your living. You've more than earned it," Zelda clarified.

Link smiled. "Ok, Princess. I will do that. I actually came here to ask you a favor..."

"Oh? What can we do for you, Link?" Zelda asked.

"Well, the thing is...Malon and I are getting married in a month, and we need a carriage driver. I was wondering if Zongo would be available?"

"Link, that's great news! Yes, Zongo will be available...but why Zongo in particular?" Zelda replied.

"Because I think he's the only Royal Chauffeur who looks good in a tuxedo and top hat," Link replied. "I mean, his goatee and round glasses and handlebar mustache make him perfect for weddings!"

Zelda laughed. "Yes, I suppose you are right about that. You'll be taking your own carriage, I presume?"

"Of course! But, we'll also need a white horse, and all the white horses in the kingdom are yours..."

"Zongo can ride one of our horses to Kakariko, hitch up to your carriage, and take you to the Temple of Time..."

Link interrupted. "Oh, we aren't having the wedding at the Temple of Time, heavens no! I want the Kokiri to be in attendance, and they can't leave the forest!"

"Oh! So, where is the wedding being held?" Zelda asked.

"Um...the Forest Temple?" Link replied hesitantly.

"The Forest Temple? But, Link, there's no way to get in..."

"Medigoron is rebuilding the stairs as we speak. Should be done soon,"

Zelda pinched the bridge of her nose. "Link, you can't just remodel a Royal Army Fortress without permission..."

"The Great Deku Tree said I could. So does the law, and I quote, 'Any building initially built by Hyrule's Royal Family on land claimed by one of the tribes within Hyrule that sits abandoned for more than 24 years is no longer owned by Hyrule's Royal Family and is assumed to be under control of the tribe which that land has been claimed by.' Now then, the only thing that's confusing here is, how long has the Forest Temple been abandoned? I was ten, and it had been disused for nine years. I aged seven years, and it had been abandoned for sixteen years, then I was sent back seven years and aged another eleven years...so, how long has it really been abandoned for?" Link retorted.

"Well, um, I don't..."

"You don't know? Then let's just assume that the Great Deku Tree has jurisdiction over that property. Because if my math is correct, that property has been abandoned for 36 years!" Link proclaimed.

"Ugh, alright fine! I'll let you off on this technicality. I'll have to tell my father that rule 56c from Article II as it pertains to Royal Property Ownership needs to be revised. What a pain in the ass!" Zelda complained.

"Not MY fault the timeline got screwed up..." Link muttered.

"I heard that, Link! I may have missed a few minor details..."

"Princess! The storm has worsened! The wind speed is currently 80 miles per hour!" A Sheikah interrupted.

"Oh my! Where's Murrol? Has he returned?" Zelda asked worriedly.

"Negative. We assume he has sought shelter in Kakariko. I would advise against Link leaving until the storm dies down," the Sheikah replied.

"I concur. Link, follow me. We'll get you set up in a guest room," Zelda ordered as she led Link through the castle.

"Wait...this is the West Wing..."

"That's right, Link, but don't get any ideas. I'm putting you in the room directly across from mine. Everything you need is in here, including a bathroom suite. I'll have Impa bring you some sleepwear..."

"Oh, don't bother with that. I sleep naked," Link stated matter of factly.

Zelda blinked at this revelation. "Oh, well, then...I'm sure that's quite the sight to behold...um, right then, I'll just...take my leave," Zelda left the room and abruptly closed the door.

Link fell back on the bed and laughed to himself. "Sometimes it's just too easy!"