Author's Note: Sorry about the long wait. I have other projects that I was "trying" to work on, and my latest bout of writers block definitely didn't help. So, Enjoy!


Location: Hyrule Castle

Year: 2238 AP (After Plauge), Early Morning

King Sparkles stood on the very balcony where he stood years ago, the night that his beloved daughter was born. It was his favorite spot, and he often came here to ponder the events of the day. The balcony gave a breathtaking view down the vast valley in which the Kingdom of Hyrule was the plains of the rolling valley, a crystal lake in the distance reflected the light of the brilliant sun as it rose, casting a beautiful halo upon the river that ran into it. Sometimes he would spend hours doing nothing but gaze out across the beautiful land and think.

This time, however, he was not alone, nor was he here solely to admire the scenery. Standing beside him, stood his young daughter Zelda, now eight years old. It was the first time she had set foot on this balcony.

"Can you see it?" He asked in a whisper, "Do you see how the sunlight strikes the lake and illuminates the whole valley?"

"Yes," She replied, awed by the beauty, "Its beautiful."

"This world is filled with beautiful things, like this valley Zelda. Life itself is a beautiful thing. This world, this valley, you and me; each and every one of us is unique. Notch and his brothers created us all, from the lowest of Villagers and peasants to the deadliest Enderman. Each of us is graced with intelligence and free will, and unique and inherent beauty that is different within each of us."

"Yes, father."

"Everything within this valley is under the protection of Hyrule. As king, it is my duty and responsibility to preserve the beauty that is held within the boundaries of my kingdom. I must watch over the land and protect my subjects from any threat to their safety, and ensure that both justice and mercy are satisfied in the I am gone, this burden will fall to you, and the responsibility to protect the kingdom of Hyrule, and the Triforce will fall into your hands."

For a moment the King locked eyes with his young daughter, his deep blue eyes meeting the unflinching gaze of the her emerald orbs. Slowly, He saw a clear understanding begin to dawn inside of her. Zelda, as young as she was, was wise for her age. She understood perfectly.

"When the time comes." She replied solemnly, even as she turned to gaze out over the lake.

A few moments passed away in silence as the pair watched the sun rise, but the peaceful moment was shattered as a servant burst through the doors.

"Your Majesty," He said, kneeling to the ground, "We have visitors… from the Great Southern Desert!"

"Gerudos?" King Sparkles asked, pivoting sharply in surprise, "What could those bandits possibly want?"

"They seek to speak with with both you and Princess Zelda immidiately," The servant replied. " The guards tried to turn them away, but they were… insistant that they be brought straight to you."

Why would a group of bandits request an audience with me? King Sparkles thought. And why would they specifically request that my daughter be present?

"Why?"

"All they said was that it was of a life or death matter."

This makes little sense. The King thought. He was about to tell the servant to turn them away, when Zelda suddenly spoke...

"Tell them that my father and I will be there shortly." Zelda suddenly spoke. Her voice had assumed a tone that the King had never heard before... one that even he dared not to use.

"But… your highness…?"

"Do it." Zelda said, a hint of iron coming into her voice.

King Sparkles watched in amazement, as the servant stood up and left, without any further protest. His mind was blank, and his thoughts were scrambled. His eight year old daughter, had just superseded his own authority!

What in the name of Notch's bloody beard...? He thought, trying to get his thoughts back together.

"What… was all that about?" He asked, was the first thing he said after his thoughts became coherent, "Why did you just speak for me? You know nothing about the Gerudos."

"You said that I needed to be a just and merciful ruler." Zelda replied, almost innocently.

The response took him off guard. He studied her, curiously. Something was different now. She seemed slightly taller, more regal, almost as if... the intelligence that he knew lurked beneath the surface of those emerald eyes had suddenly matured. It was then that he noticed that the ancient rune of wisdom was etched upon her forehead, glowing faintly with silver light.

"Well then," He said, almost in a daze, "Since you felt it was… wise… to grant the boon of these… guests. It wouldn't do to keep them waiting, now would it."

"Yes, father," Zelda said, the twinges of a faint smile now upon her lips.