The Glow of Wisdom

Most Hylians viewed a new week as a new beginning. Any mistakes would be labeled not a thing of the past, but a lesson well learned, and in this way every week was an unpredictable adventure. This was true for all but Zelda, and it went well beyond her royalty title. For the past few years, Zelda's week began with a visit from Truce. His visits were so consistent that Zelda might have opted to use his visits as a calendar. However, she was not so foolish to come to depend on a man she despised, even for something as simple as keeping track of the passing weeks. Thus Zelda had not been exaggerating when she told Truce they had discussed marriage a hundred times. Unlike most suitors that valued their dignity enough to surrender to Zelda's stubbornness after the second or third refusal, Truce would not relent. Zelda quickly came to see that Truce's stubborn nature matched hers, and it was almost a game to see which one of them would bend first.

Well I'm just as inflexible today as I was years ago, Zelda reminded herself as she observed Truce entering the courtyard.

Zelda raised her head and crossed her arms defiantly, her usual greeting for Truce, but she couldn't help but notice that something was different about today's visit. It wasn't in the environment for they always met in the courtyard. It wasn't in the company for it was just him, her and two sentries posted by the courtyard entrance. It was when Truce came within thirty feet that the answer hit her like a wave of frigid, treacherous and shocking water. It was him, and not just his mannerisms, expression or appearance. It was everything.

His stride, which normally resembled a headstrong lion ready to devour her the moment she let down her guard, was now cool and aloof. He walked aimlessly as if he had no destination but where his legs carried him. As he moved closer, Zelda was met with his aura that was not only different, but unfamiliar. She felt she wouldn't have recognized him if she weren't expecting him. She was next taken by his vacant and apathetic gaze, serving to replace his usual knowing and smug expression.

When Truce finally stopped in front of her, Zelda's concern was so great that she asked a question she thought she would never feel compelled to ask him. "Lord Truce, are you alright?"

Zelda knew that Truce could easily take this question as a concern on his behalf, but her curiosity was so intense that she was willing to accept the consequences.

"Yes," he curtly replied.

Not the expected, "How nice of you to ask." Or even a daring, "I'm but a kiss away from being alright." It was simple, mysterious and terrifying. This is how their conversation progressed, and at one point she even asked if he still wanted to marry her to which he merely replied, "Yes." He never asked her a single question, never uttered a word not prompted by a question and still responded in one or two words even to open-ended questions.

Zelda could not recall a more strained conversation, and to add to the awkwardness, Truce wore a leather glove on his left hand. Every so often he would clench his left fist and squeeze his eyelids shut as if in deep prayer or severe pain. When Zelda finally had nothing more to say, the two parted ways and Zelda was so engrossed in Truce's uncanny stride that she did not notice the Triforce of Wisdom glowing.

"It was so weird, Link. It was so weird..." Zelda concluded the details of her morning visit with Truce.

Link had not interjected a word or even an acknowledging nod the entire time she recounted her visit. One might have mistaken Link's motionless silence as apathy, but Zelda knew him well enough to recognize it as deep consideration. As soon as she finished, he blinked and broke out of his thought.

"That is strange, but I wouldn't worry about it Zelda. He was probably just having a rough day..." Link reasoned, but even as he said it, his doubts were aroused.

Zelda possessed the best judge in character he had ever encountered, well beyond the necessary amount required of a princess. While her ability to foresee a liar before they told a lie was remarkable, her true ability shone with her reading of the suitors. Anytime Link was skeptical, he had only to wait until word got around revealing stolen money, fraud or ruthlessness of said suitor. That was why Zelda's agreement surprised him so much.

"You're right...that was probably it." Why isn't he worried?

Link did his best to mask his shock. "But I would be careful Zelda... After all, you do have the eerily accurate ability to read people."

"Yes, Link. I will be mindful not to completely drop my guard...thank you for listening." She paused to collect her thoughts. "How are you enjoying Lon Lon Ranch?"

As soon as she asked the question, Link's eyes glimmered, lighting his entire face. Zelda listened patiently as Link told her of his first week at the ranch. Though his words did not seem to express significant excitement, his tone conveyed everything she needed to know. Even as Zelda realized that she had never witnessed Link so excited, his eyes relaxed tenderly when he mentioned Malon. Zelda twiddled her thumbs to distract herself from the oncoming pangs of jealousy. Yet, despite not meeting his eyes, nothing could prevent his affectionate tone from entering her ears. Zelda considered covering them, but realized the explanation for such an act would be far more difficult than dealing with her jealousy.

Link is so happy right now...why can't I be happy for him? Even as she asked it, she already knew the answer.

"Truce, you fool, I told you not to visit her! Did you ever think what would happen if she noticed her Triforce glowing?" The elderly man asked, his raspy voice doing little to conceal his rage.

Truce merely nodded as if too fatigued to utter a single word.

The man, unperturbed, answered his own question. "It would have been over. She would have known and you would never have her. Is that what you want?"

Truce, in the same fashion as before, shook his head.

"Good, then listen to me from now on. One more challenge to my authority and I will leave you as you are," the man paused, then in afterthought added, "Know that if I do, you will never speak and probably never walk again."

Truce's eyes widened in fear at this new information, and though he could not speak more than a word, his mind was perfectly functional. What have I gotten myself into?

Lifting two jugs of milk was a difficult task, but each successive trip made the chore easier. Her arms were now finely toned, and at first Malon feared her arms had become too burly, but she felt reassured as the castle guards and servants continued to glance at her. For awhile, she felt complimented by such stares, thinking that the men were simply being friendly. That ended the day she read a novel that portrayed acts she never fathomed. The next time she delivered milk, her cordial smile transformed into a disgusted scoff. She could not believe she had been so naive nor could she believe the audacity these men had to objectify her so openly.

What pigs! I can feel them undressing me with their eyes, Malon thought as she quickened her pace.

Finally she reached the storage room, and her knees buckled after she set the jugs down. Allowing herself a moment to rest, she propped against a barrel behind her. Malon swelled with pride that she successfully journeyed to the castle. She could hardly believe that just a month ago she was assaulted. The memory caused her to shudder, and suddenly she wished Link were here to ride home with her. He had offered without a second thought, but she felt this was something she had to do on her own lest she never feel comfortable traveling alone again. Link understood and promised to search for her if she did not return before dark.

I have nothing to worry about, Malon reassured herself. Link is true to his word. He-

Malon's thoughts were interrupted as she suddenly noticed Princess Zelda standing in the doorway.

"Oh!" Malon exclaimed and immediately rose. "I didn't realize-"

"It's alright," Zelda interrupted and smiled cordially at Malon. "I apologize for startling you. I just noticed you as I passed by and you looked familiar. If I'm not mistaken we met about a year ago. It's Malon, right? How is Lon Lon Ranch doing?"

Malon beamed, seemingly pleased that the princess remembered her. "The ranch is doing very well, my lady. It is thoughtful of you to ask."

"That's good to hear. Link tells me that you have doubled the number of horses and nearly quadrupled the chickens. I am quite impressed," Zelda spoke with a hint of admiration.

"Ah, you know Link, my lady?" Malon asked. Nice Malon, she just said that.

Zelda nodded. "Link and I have known each other since childhood. There is no one I trust more..."

Malon heard no more of Princess Zelda's words. Her focus was on the look that passed over the princess' face, which in reality lasted only a second, but in Malon's mind was ingrained. It was a look as tenderly as one gazes upon a baby chick and as amorous as the look shared between a pair of newlyweds. The princess was in love with Link, and judging by the intensity of the gaze, had been for some time. Suddenly Malon was ashamed. What right had she to have desires on the princess' lover? What was the punishment for such a terrible transgression? Malon shuddered at the thought, and quickly regained her composure as she noticed the princess' eyes boring into hers.

"I-I'm sorry, my lady..." Malon stammered softly. "Something has come to my attention and I must depart. Forgive me..."

Zelda smiled. "Think nothing of it Malon. I am sure we will meet again."

Malon curtsied quickly before hustling from the castle.

Link, having finished the last of his chores, was content to watch the sunset from his perch on the fence. Relaxation overcame him, and for a moment he was able to forget his concern for Malon. He glanced around the ranch admiring the barn door he fixed. It took him almost the entire day to remove all of the rotting wood, but he succeeded and he could not wait for Malon to return and lay eyes on his accomplishment. Malon... Link gazed again at the sun, which was fighting to retain its place over Lake Hylia.

Where is she? Link wondered with growing concern.

As if seeking the answer within himself, thoughts of Malon and Lon Lon Ranch swept his attention away. Every day of the six years since his return from Clock Town had been a chore to find his meaning and purpose. He had come to depend on his role as the Hero of Time so much that it defined him, and when he decided to return to Hyrule, a people who did not know him as the Hero of Time, he felt his self-worth diminish with their memory.

And then there was Malon. Link found it amazing that in all of his travels and all of the thousands of individuals he encountered, not one of them had the degree of humility, compassion or benevolence that was inherent in Malon. She approached everyday not with resigned duty, but with a sense of adventure, a sense so remarkable that a trip to Hyrule Castle made her glow as if she'd traversed the world. When she spoke, her voice was melodious, resonating a depth and sincerity that drew those ranging from the beggar that sauntered aimlessly in the market to the self-important sentry. Her true beauty radiated from within, the window which was contained in her emerald eyes that revealed a faith and optimism that many mistook for naivety. Just a glance from Malon made an individual feel they were as important as the royal family and as precious as an infant. It was that look that imparted a flood of affection, tenderness, admiration and delight as it escaped from the confines of his memory.

For a moment, Link was brought back to the horse track as he and Malon conversed about the past. The same glance was shared between them then, and Link's initial reaction of confusion was now replaced with an astonishing intuition. He was in love…in love with Malon.

This epiphany made him lose his balance on the fence, and he barely managed to catch himself in an awkward stumble. He had not been prepared for such a discovery; the intensity of which terrified him more than he had been upon seeing the destruction Ganondorf wrecked on Hyrule years ago. Suddenly, just as if the terror had never passed, desperation overcame him. He had to see Malon! He had to share his feelings with her! Then, before Link had the opportunity to be blanketed by the protective fear that would summon consideration for Malon's own feelings, Malon rode into the ranch. Link excitedly called to her, but instead of the cordial smile he had grown accustomed to, he was met with the sight of Malon entering the barn without so much as a glance his direction.

Odd, Link thought, maybe she didn't hear me...

Link followed her into the barn and waited for her to face him.

"Malon, did you meet any trouble?"

Though Link attempted to meet her eyes, she again turned away. Malon did not reply for many moments causing Link to shift uneasily. Just as he was about to say something, she spoke so softly that Link was grateful he hadn't spoken a second sooner.

"No, there was no trouble. Thank you for waiting up for me," she said without meeting his eye.

She started to exit the barn, but Link stepped in front of her. "Malon, please tell me what is going on."

At this, Malon gradually lift her head, causing her scarlet hair to draw from her face as curtains are drawn from a window. Link met her eyes finding within them a hint of disappointment and resignation. He did not have time to ponder before Malon suddenly nodded, simultaneously erasing her expression.

"I'm sorry Link. I can't talk about it now," she paused in thought, "but I think you should visit the princess tomorrow. I..."

"Zelda? Is she alright?" Link exclaimed.

"I encountered her in the castle and she seemed a bit flustered. It's just my intuition, but I think she could use your company."

Link nodded. "She has been a bit stressed lately. Thank you for letting me know."

Malon forced a smile. "Of course. I should be getting to bed now, but thanks again for keeping your word."

At Malon's reassurance that Zelda was alright, Link's pressing confession returned. "Malon, th-there actually is som-something I'd like to tell you," Link stammered, feeling his tongue knotting again.

Malon held up her hand. "Let's wait until tomorrow, Link. I'm sure you are exhausted now and I want you to be well rested for your visit with the princess. We can talk as soon as you return..."

That is, Malon finished in thought, if you still feel the same.