Manga Maid's Notes: I AM SOOOO SORRY! I haven't updated in almost a year! This is terrible! I am soooo sorry! I am so, so, so sorry! Please forgive me! Please, please, please forgive me! I am sooo sorry! I had the chappie almost done, saved it on a stick (AKA flash drive), lost the stick, never got it back, had to rewrite from scratch, got brainblocks, etc., etc. Anywho, here's Chapter 4.

Zelda looked up at the man as suddenly fear filled her body. She was such an idiot! Even if he did look like Link, that didn't make him Link. For all she knew, he could be a hallucination, a monster, or a creation by Ganondorf to catch her. She bit her lip, looking up at him with fear.

The man's eyes narrowed and became guarded. He looked at her as if trying to see under her hood. Lifting his hand, he pushed back the cloth, and began to search her face. Then, he frowned and glared at her. "Who are you? And how did you know my name?"

Zelda felt a little stung, hurt by the fact that even though this was Link, he didn't recognize her. She then realized what he was probably seeing. A girl who looked like she had been starved, with sunken features on her face, and hair so dirty it was brown. Looking down, she didn't answer.

Link's eyes narrowed even more and his voice came out in almost a growl. "Answer me!"

Zelda looked up at him and took several steps back. Not noticing the slope into the deeper part of the spring, she began to fall backwards. Her arms flailed, as she tried balance herself. But try as she might, she failed to regain her balance and fell.

Link instantaneously reached out for her and grabbed her cloak. Tugging at the fabric, he pulled her from the edge and into him. As she hit his chest, he wrapped his arms around her, keeping her away from the treacherous edge, while she clung to him. His hands came to rest on her back as he froze, seemingly shell-shocked.

Zelda closed her eyes, expecting pain to come, but it didn't. Surprised, she peered up into Link's face and saw his eyes were widened in shock and seemed to be far away. Figuring it was because she had clung on to him, she stepped back quickly. "I'm sorry!"

Link stood there for a moment, blinking. Then, his eyes seemed to come back to the here and now as they cleared. Then he pinched the bridge of his nose as if he was irritated. He turned away, shaking his head.

Zelda hesitantly stepped forward. "Um…" She bit her lip. "Are you all right?"

He spun around quickly and looked down at her. "Your name."

"Huh?"

"Tell me your name."

Zelda stuttered and stumbled on her words for a moment. "M-M-My na-name? Oh… it's, uh, it's… um… Ma-Marin." She froze. 'Why did I say Marin's name?'

Link raised his eyebrows. "Marin, huh?"

"Yep… That's my name… Marin."

Rolling his eyes, Link turned away and walked to the gate on the edge of the springs. Zelda watched him leave, wondering quietly to herself what she should. 'Does he expect me to follow him? Or is he leaving me behind to stay here?'

As she stood there, watching him go, he suddenly turned around. "You coming?"

Zelda started in surprised. "Oh! Yes, I'm coming."

"Well then, hurry up."

"Right." Zelda sloshed through the spring, accidentally tripping on a rock on the bottom. As her face hit the water, she realized how murky the water was. It was clean, yes, but the Light Spirit seemed… dead. Plus, there was darkness in the water. Gasping in shock, she stood, horrified.

Link sighed in annoyance. "Something wrong?"

"The Spring… It's… It's… dead."

"Obviously." He began to walk away. "Now, c'mon, we don't have all night. But hey, if you want to get attacked again, stay put. I'm sure the Bulblins would love to have you for dinner."

Zelda pulled up her cloak and patched up skirt and began to walk towards him. As she did, she realized vaguely that she was still wearing her prisoner's outfit. Feeling self conscious, she pulled the cloak tighter as she caught up to Link. "So," she started off, "Bulblins get in this far?"

"Sometimes, they get all the way to Ordon," Link said, not looking at her.

"Wait, Ordon's not destroyed?"

Link stopped and turned to look at her. "Who told you it was?"

"Uh… Well, all Hyrule's heard about the attack on it. No one believes it's standing. "

Link stared at her for a moment. Then, his eyes seemed to linger on something behind her. He then turned back to the path and began to leave her behind. "Whatever."

Zelda picked up her skirt and cloak again and ran to catch up to him. As she caught up to him, she panted, out of breath from having to drag heavy clothing. She walked with him as she was lead into Ordon.

Ordon was not as she remembered. Before, it had been a cheery little town, but now it seemed to be a ghost town. The houses that Zelda recognized had been scorched black by what had obviously been a fire and there were some that were completely rebuilt. Planks of wood were propped against some houses to keep them standing and ropes were tying them down. There were no children running around, and all was quiet. The only signs of life at the moment were the lights in the worn buildings, signifying someone lived there.

Link grabbed Zelda by the shoulder and steered her over on the path, going on the right fork in the road, passing two bridges, and led her up to the house up on a hill in the back right. He paused at the door before giving it three sharp raps.

The door creaked open to show a woman's face staring out of it. She had short blonde hair and blue eyes that seemed a bit frightened. As soon as she saw who it was at the door, she opened the door, revealing she was very pregnant. She wore a long sleeved white shirt, a green shoulder sash, a coral wrap, and navy pants. "Link! It's almost sunset, what are you doing here?"

"Sorry Uli…" Link said, "But…" He pushed Zelda in front of him. "I found this girl in the woods."

Uli looked at Zelda, seeing her in all her destitute state, and said, "Oh, my! Come in, dear, you look like you've been in a war." After ushering Zelda in, she turned to Link. "I'll take care of her, Link. Don't you worry."

"Thanks Uli," he said, sighing with relief. He looked away for a moment. "Now, I have to go. Good night!" He turned and ran off.

"Link!" she called, "I don't want you to go on patrol tonight! You need sleep! Promise me! I want you to… Oh… That boy… He's going to get himself killed one of these days..." She turned to Zelda. "Now, let's take a look at you dear." Pulling Zelda in front of her, it only took a moment before she said, "I think a bath is what you need." Turning to the other person in the house, she said, "Colin, you can take your bath tomorrow."

Zelda heard a small cheer of "yes!" and turned, to see Colin sitting on the couch. He was wearing a white vest-like shirt, teal leggings, a grey wrap, and a yellow belt. Zelda instantly recognized the clothing to be Link's old clothing from childhood.

Uli turned back to Zelda. "What's your name, my dear?"

"Oh… Marin."

Uli turned to a whistling kettle that was sitting on the fire. "Marin… That's a lovely name. And where are you from?"

"I lived by the ocean…" Zelda said, feeling the lies stick to the roof of her mouth.

"Where?"

Zelda felt her blood turn to ice. She didn't know much about the geography of Hyrule. When she had been younger, it had always been Rusl or Mayor Bo who had left Ordon to either get supplies or drop something off. Searching her brain for places Rusl had mentioned, she finally remembered one.

"The bay that receives the supplies from Koholint Island..." Zelda said, trying to keep her nerves under control.

"Oh," Uli said, taking the kettle off the fire and pouring the steaming contents into a metal tub full of water in the corner. "You mean, the Great Bay?"

"Yes," Zelda answered, relieved.

"My, no wonder you look so ragged and worn. That's a long journey. Took my husband, Rusl, nearly two months to get there and back. And that was when everything went well and there were no delays."

Zelda spoke softly, knowing she had to ask this question, unless she wanted to seem strange. "Where is your husband?"

Uli paused as she stood. "You won't see him… He and most of the men… were… taken by Ganondorf."

Zelda glanced at Colin, who was suddenly looking at his feet with sudden interest. "I'm sorry."

Uli turned. "Don't worry about it, dear. It's not your fault. And you didn't know. Anyways, the bath is ready." She threw a long sheet over a simple line that was strung from a wall to the adjoining one hiding the tub from view. "I'll be helping Colin get ready for bed. If you need anything, don't hesitate to ask. Ok?"

"Ok… Thank you…"

"Don't mention it, Marin. We all must stick together in these dark times. Colin, can you place the stool beside the tub for Marin to place her clothes?"

"Yes, Mom," Colin said, carrying a stool to sit near the tub.

Zelda smiled at both of them and then disappeared behind the curtain. As she undressed, she felt a bit glad that her hometown hadn't been destroyed, but torn as she thought of how hard it must be for the people losing family and loved ones. Shaking her head, she took her bandage off and placed it beside the tub so that she wouldn't lose it.

As she stepped into the warm water, Zelda felt as if she was in heaven. The Gerudo back at the prison camps had only allowed freezing showers once a month to keep away bugs and parasites until two years ago when some magicians working for Ganondorf had come and cast upon the prisoners spells to repel bugs and parasites, effectively keeping bugs and parasites away from the prisoners, but keeping them from having to stop work for a shower day.

Zelda looked at the bright red scars staring up at her from her arm, reminding her of everything Ganondorf had done. She reached for a bar of soap sitting on the rail of the tub and scrubbed away the dirt, muck, and grime. She watched as the tan tone her skin had taken on from dirt washed away, revealing it to be much paler. As soon as she was finished, she started on her hair. Soon, the dark, muddy brown changed to blonde.

While she scrubbed, she listened to Uli put Colin to bed. Then, Zelda stood up and out of the tub, dried off, and noticed her clothing had been changed to a long white dress with long sleeves, similar to a nightgown. After she was dressed and had rewrapped her bandage on, she checked to see it the long sleeve covered the bandage, which it did, and left from behind the curtain.

Uli looked at her, startled for a moment. Shaking her head, she smiled, "It seems I was right about you needing that bath."

Zelda smiled. "I guess. What should I do about the tub water though?"

"Don't worry about it." Uli said, walking over to Zelda and placing a hand on her shoulder. "I'll have Link take the tub out and dump it in the morning, when he comes by to bring firewood." Holding out a brush to Zelda, Uli continued, "Now, why don't you brush your hair and I'll get you something to eat. You look like you haven't eaten in days"

Nodding and taking the brush, Zelda did as she was told. She watched Uli go over to the table, take a loaf of bread and cut a chunk off, cut a slice cheese from a wheel, and then she poured goat milk from a pitcher into a cup. Walking back over to Zelda, Uli led her to the table. "It's not much, but I hope it'll tide you over until morning."

Zelda smiled, "Thank you so much." She ripped the chunk of bread into two, placed the cheese slice in between it, and bit into her sandwich. It had been such a long time since she had had fresh bread or any form of cheese. Prisoners rarely got bread and if they did, it was stale. The most they had were vegetable and meat soups, which were very watery and had few good vegetables and mostly meat. The purpose was basically keeping them healthy enough for work.

As such, Zelda savored the taste of fresh bread and cheese in her mouth and polished it off with the milk. It was even better than she remembered it. After finishing her meal, Zelda realized it was one of the first times in all of her years since captivity that she finally felt full. She looked to Uli who smiled at her.

Feeling full and warm, Zelda yawned rubbing at her tired eyes. Uli handed her a quilt. "We only have one bed, so you will have to sleep on the couch if you don't mind."

Zelda looked up at Uli with tears in her eyes. "How can I ever thank you?"

Uli shook her head. "There's really no need, Marin. Now get some rest, I'll see you in the morning."

Nodding, Zelda went to the couch and placed the covers on it. Crawling beneath the covers, she let the warm of the fire touch her while Uli went to put it out. "Ms. Uli, ma'am?" When Uli turned to her, she said, "Thank you… again…" As she finished, sleep, warm and peaceful, took over pulling her away. She didn't even see or hear Uli smile and say, "You're welcome."

...

Zelda awoke to the sound of knocking on a door. Her eyes shot open, she was late! But… wait… This wasn't her tent. After blinking a bit, she realized she was in Uli's home and closed her eyes, hoping to get more sleep.

Soft footsteps treaded lightly on the wooden floor. The door creaked open and Zelda heard Uli's soft voice speak. "Link! Good morning."

"Morning Uli. I brought you firewood."

"Oh, thank you. Come bring it in, Colin and Marin are still asleep."

Uli's footsteps were followed by heavier ones. A thump sounded that Zelda could only guess was the firewood. Then Link spoke, "Do you need anything else Uli?"

"Actually, Link," Uli said, "I need you empty the tub for me, if you could."

"No problem." A few footsteps sounded as Link moved. "Uh, Uli… The tub's has muck at the bottom. Colin wasn't that dirty was he?"

"Oh, no. I had Marin take a bath, she was filthy being caked in mud and grime. Colin's going to be taking his tonight instead. Also, speaking of Marin, I need you to go to Pergie's for me. See if she has some old clothes she's not using."

"Why?"

"Link, did you see the way she was dressed?"

"Not really, she hid under that cloak of hers."

"Well, here's what she was wearing." The sound of cloth being picked up met Zelda's ears. "She was dressed in rags, the poor dear. She must have been scrounging around for clothing for a while. I'll sew her some new ones."

Link said nothing. Zelda could imagine the look that might've crossed his face when he saw the tattered, patched up, sewn loosely together, dingy outfit that had been her prisoner's clothing. It wasn't a pleasant thought. Finally, Link spoke. "I'll go see Pergie."

The footsteps moved and water being dumped outside sounded. Then, there were more footsteps and a metal thunk. Link said, "I think I'll get Ilia, too. You obviously can't bend over and I don't think she'd mind helping you out."

"Thank you Link."

Link must've nodded, because both footsteps moved. Then the door creaked open and close, and then Uli's footsteps were left. As Uli bustled about, Zelda laid still, breathing as if she were asleep. But within moments, she was back to being asleep.

...

"Marin… Time to get up. Marin… honey…" Uli's soft voice penetrated Zelda's thoughts and Zelda felt herself being shaken. Opening her eyes, she saw Uli's face and a girl's who looked about her age. The girl had blonde hair in a short, flip-like hairstyle and was wearing a pale white sleeveless shirt and tan pants. But what got to Zelda were her familiar green eyes. Ilia had obviously grown up.

Sitting up, Zelda rubbed her eyes. "What's going on?"

"Well… Marin, is it?" Ilia said. "Uli said you needed new clothes, so we were going to make you some."

"Oh…" Blinking sleepily, she stood. "Ok… What do I need to do?"

"Put these on," Ilia said, holding folded clothes. "They're from another woman in the village, Pergie, she doesn't have any daughters and consented to letting us tailor her old things for you."

Zelda blinked, staring at the cloth. Taking it, she walked over to where the sheet that Uli had set up the previous night was and changed behind it. After she had changed, she felt rather small. Pergie was much larger than her in stature and Zelda was so thin the clothes hung off her frame. Pergie's sleeves nearly covered her hands and the pants covered her feet.

When she stepped out, Ilia covered her mouth to keep from laughing, while Uli gave a surprised 'Oh my!' Looking down, Zelda blushed, deeply embarrassed. Uli walked over to her. "Don't worry about it, Marin. We'll tailor it."

Ilia walked over to her and nodded. "That's right." She pulled out pins, a needle and thread, scissors, and a seam ripper. "We'll fix it to fit you." She moved Zelda over onto a small stool. "Stand on this."

Zelda obliged and stood still while Uli worked on her shirt and Ilia worked on the pants. As they did, Ilia said, "So, how did you come into Ordon? We never have any visitors."

"I… I got attacked."

"By?" Ilia asked.

"Bulblins."

"What happened?" Ilia asked, looking up surprised.

"That young man, Link, saved me."

"Oh…" Ilia said, looking up. "Well, what do you think of Link?"

"Uh? What?" Zelda asked.

"What do you think of Link?" Ilia asked, curiosity in her eyes.

"Oh… I don't know him well enough to make decisions… But, it was kind of him to save me and bring me here." Zelda flushed, "And one can't deny, he is handsome…"

Ilia grinned. "He is…" She sighed. "I can't wait for Spring."

"Spring?" Zelda asked, startled.

"Oh… Sorry. I haven't properly introduced myself." Ilia said, smiling. "I'm Ilia. Link's my fiancé."

Zelda was startled. Link was her what? Her heart stopped and then plummeted. "Oh… Congratulations."

"Thank you," Ilia said. "I have to admit, I was surprised when I found out he and my dad arranged it. But it was a pleasant surprise, you know? It was as if things had fallen into place at that exact moment and after that things went so smoothly."

"Oh…" Zelda felt like crying. The Link she remembered hadn't ever gotten along with Ilia very much. But, after four years, she supposed things had changed.

Ilia began to gush about why it had been such a big surprise. "I was shocked, you see, because we never really knew each other before. Link always hung around this other girl, Zelda, and I figured he would have married her if she hadn't left."

"Left?" Zelda asked.

"Yes…" Ilia said, her lips tightening. "She was the Princess of Hyrule, you know. I suppose that she decided that her life here in Ordon wasn't good enough for her and decided to leave."

"Ilia!" Uli said, shocked. "Zelda didn't leave by choice if you remember."

"Hmph," Ilia said. "Well, if you remember, she seemed eager to hand over the throne to Ganondorf. I bet you she wasn't expecting him to throw her in a prison camp and have her executed later." Turning away, she muttered, "She deserved it."

Zelda bit her lip as Uli said, shocked, "Ilia! That was uncalled for."

Ilia said, defensively, "But, Uli! You know that it's Zelda's fault for Link being the way he is now! When she left, all she left him with was a broken heart! He's never been the same since."

"That may be so," Uli said, as she pinned a sleeve. "But Zelda was a kind, sweet girl. You and Sera judge her too harshly. Besides," she continued. "If anyone had a right to say anything unkind about her, it would be Link. But, I've never heard Link say a callous thing towards her, so why should you?"

Ilia pursed her lips together and went back to pinning the pants. Finally she looked up. "Anyways, where are you from?"

"The Great Bay," Zelda said, lie at the ready.

"That far?" Ilia said, raising an eyebrow.

"Yes…"

"Well, how did you get chased by Bulblins here?"

"My companion and I were heading to Ka… I mean, Kokiri Woods."

Ilia looked surprised. "Why would you go there? You could get lost. I mean, the Kokiri don't like anybody coming in anymore. I think Link is one of the few they let come and see them now…"

Zelda was saved by Uli intervening, "Ilia, Marin has had a long journey and we're still strangers. I don't think she's going to disclose all of her business to you."

Ilia nodded, slightly embarrassed. She looked back at Zelda, "Sorry."

"S'ok…" Zelda murmured. Her thoughts were sad as she thought about what Ilia and Uli had just said. So, Ilia and Sera didn't like her and by the sound of it, that was putting it lightly. And knowing how close Pergie and Sera were, it was a good guess that Pergie probably didn't like her. She bit her lightly, trying to keep her thoughts positive. At least, Link and Uli didn't sound like they hated her.

After an hour, Ilia and Uli both stood. Uli then put her hands out to Zelda. "We're going to take the clothes and sew them for you."

Nodding, Zelda went behind the sheet, took off the pinned clothes, careful not to move any pins, and changed back into the nightgown. Stepping back out, she handed the clothes to Uli and Ilia, when suddenly there was a knock on the door.

Ilia went to the door and opened it to see a woman standing there. She was heavyset, wearing a white shirt, a pink wrap held by a yellow sash, and purple pants. Her brown hair was set in a flip and her turquoise eyes landed on Uli. "Oh, Uli! There you are! I was worried! It laundry time and you haven't come out to talk to me and Pergie yet. I thought that- Oh hello there!" She interrupted herself as she saw Zelda. Her eyes widened a bit and she said, "Um… Who are you?"

Uli spoke, "This is Marin. She's from the Great Bay."

"Oh really?" Sera said, looking at Zelda. "I've never been there myself! I hear it's a wonderful place with all that sun, the sea, and the sky! I wish I could go there, but no one here really leaves Ordon. That was Rusl's, Uli's husband, dear, job when he was here and now it's Link's. Speaking of which, have you met Link, m'dear?"

Zelda started, "Oh… the Hylian boy?"

"Why yes! Such an extraordinary young man! Shame what happened all those years ago… Speaking of which…" Sera trailed off looking at Zelda. "What was his reaction when you… met?"

"What do you mean?" Zelda asked, as both Uli and Ilia turned to look at her.

"Was he… Surprised? Elated? Infuriated? Though, I don't really think that'd fit the occasion… Was he defensive? Aggressive? Ordona forbid he act aggressive to a woman! Anyways, m'dear, you must tell me! And details! Leave nothing out!"

Zelda flustered, "Uh…" She looked at Uli, who looked mildly exasperated. Then, she turned to Ilia, who had a cross look about her face. Zelda finally came up with a word. "He looked… indifferent?"

Sera looked disappointed. "Really? I would've thought he would've reacted. After all, you look a mighty awful lot like Zelda."

Zelda froze. Uli and Ilia suddenly turned back to face her. As they looked at her, Uli tilted her head to the side, while Ilia stared at her, drinking in her every feature. After a while, Uli spoke.

"Now that you mention it…"

"You're right," Ilia finished.

Before anyone could make anymore comments, there were several sharp raps on the door. Everyone looked at the door as the person on the other side said, "Uli, it's Link. Can I come in?"

Ilia, Uli, and Sera all looked at each other and exchanged nervous glances. Zelda suddenly wished she could disappear while they glanced at her then at the door. Finally the silence was broken by Link's voice.

"Uli? Is everything okay in there?"

"Um… Yes! Everything's fine!" Uli said, snapping out of her anxious state. "Uh… C-Come in!"

The door opened to show Link. It was then Zelda noticed his clothing. He was wearing a white sleeveless shirt with a light forest green sleeve on his left hand, signifying he was a warrior-in-training. He also wore light tan pants with a piece of dark forest green cloth wrapped around them at the waist, a blue wrap held by an orange sash. Under the wrap was piece of cloth that held an insignia on it that all men of Ordon wore. His was light brown and the insignia was an oak leaf. His forearms were wrapped up with long strips of white cloth.

Zelda felt her cheeks flare to life and her mouth go dry as she saw the ghost of silhouettes of muscles under his shirt. Link had always been active, that she knew, but she hadn't realized he would be so robust when he grew up into a man. She looked down at her feet, blushing madly.

"There you are, Sera," Link said, as he saw her. "I saw your laundry outside and I was wondering where you went."

"Really?" Sera said. "Well, I had gone to look for Uli. She hadn't come out to talk to us and I was worried that her baby had come early! Imagine if it had!"

Link shook his head. "I'd rather not. Anyway, what were you talking about?"

"Oh, nothing. Just the usual, boring, everyday, old town gossip!" Sera said, though her tone sounded mildly too happy. "It's nothing you'd want to hear about."

"Really?" Link said, slowly. "Because I thought I heard you mention Zel-"

"Link, really!" Sera said, interrupting him. "Us gossiping about a dead woman! What kind of women do you take us off for?"

Link sighed, closing his eyes and shaking his head. "Anyways, Uli, Fado and I were wondering if you were-" He stopped as his eyes landed on Zelda. Zelda looked up as she felt eyes on her and saw his eyes widen as he caught full view of her face. They looked at each other for a few moments before he turned away suddenly.

Uli said, "Link? You were wondering if I was…?"

Link spoke, not looking at anybody. His voice was awfully quiet. "We were wondering if you were low on goat's milk…"

"Actually, Link, I am running a little bit low for three people," Uli said, trying to look in his face. But he didn't meet her eyes.

"Ok… Ilia? Sera? Are you covered?"

Ilia nodded. "I'm ok…" Her voice was soft as if trying to comfort him.

"Ok… Sera?"

"Yes. I'm fine, Link."

"All right." He then turned and quickly left the house. The door creaked shut and there was silence in the room for a while. Finally, Sera broke it.

"Well," she said, "I, for one, am rather shocked."

"Hmm?" Uli said, looking to her.

Sera turned to Ilia. "You might want to keep an eye on Link, m'dear, if you know what I mean."

Ilia looked confused. "What do you mean?"

"Well, isn't it obvious?" Sera said. When no one answered, she continued, "He was shy when he saw Marin! If you don't watch him, m'dear, she might steal him from you."

"What?" Ilia looked at Zelda, who shook her head rapidly.

Zelda said, "I would never-!"

"That's not what your face said, m'dear," Sera interrupted. "You blushed redder than a ripe tomato when he came into the room."

"I didn't… I mean… Well…"

"See, Ilia," Sera said. "If I were you-"

"HE REMINDS ME OF MY HUSBAND!" Zelda blurted out. The room was silent as the words rang in the air. 'Why did I say that?' Zelda mentally scolded herself. 'That was the lousiest, stupidest lie I have ever said.'

Finally, Ilia spoke. "Your husband?"

"Yes." Zelda said, her tone clipped.

"Well, where is he?" Sera asked, suspicious.

"He and I were traveling together when we got chased by Bulblins. My father didn't approve of the marriage, so we were leaving for Kokiri Woods so that we could be far enough away so we could decide what town we were going to without interference from my father. We got separated when I fell in the river." Zelda tried her best to look saddened by hiding her face behind her hair. She hoped they would buy it.

Sera then spoke, "Oh, you poor thing! Do you have any idea where he is now?"

"No…"

"Oh my!" Sera said, her eyes shining with tears. "What was his name?"

"I'd rather not talk about it…"

"Well, that's fine, m'dear. Perfectly fine." Sera turned to leave. "Just beware, Marin. Link might try to seduce you."

"SERA!" Uli said, shocked. "You know that-!"

Sera interrupted her. "Well, I must be on my way. I need to talk to Pergie, you know. I'll see you in a while. Goodbye!" With that, she left.

Uli sunk into a chair. She said to Ilia, "Pay no attention to it, Ilia. Sera's going off on one of her crazy gossip sprees again…"

Ilia nodded. "I know."

Uli sighed, "Well, by noon at least, Link will have heard about it and it will all get settled. Now then, let's get started on sewing these clothes." Ilia nodded and both sat while Zelda watched them.

As with most things, Uli was right. Sera had spread the rumor so quickly that by eleven o'clock, the only ones who hadn't heard it were Link, who had stayed up in the pastures with the goats, far away from Marin, and Colin, who had decided to help Link with milking the goats.

Both Link and Colin were in the barn. Colin was milking while Link held the goats steady so they wouldn't be frightened and either kick the bucket or kick Colin. As Colin finished, Link said, "Well, that's the last one." He let the goat go after Colin picked up the bucket and was a safe distance away and herded it in back in its pen. As he closed the gate, he heard Fado's voice.

"HEEEEEEEEEEY! LINK!"

Link and Colin looked out toward the door as Fado came running in. "Fado? What's wrong?"

"I… heard…" Fado said, gasping. "The strangest… thing." He glanced at Colin and Link got the meaning.

Link walked over to Colin and knelt at his level. "Colin can you take the milk to your mother?" Colin nodded and walked off with the milk in hand. After he was gone, Link turned to Fado. "What did you hear?"

"I heard from Pergie who heard it from Sera that you were planning to seduce Marin, who is a married woman by the way, and run off and have ninety-seven kids with her."

Link's eyes narrowed dangerously. "Excuse me?"

"It's just what I heard."

Link frowned, and folded his arms in front of him. "All right. First thing, I'm engaged, Fado. I'm not about to run off on Ilia and leave her for anyone else. Second thing, having ninety-seven kids isn't possible. And the third thing, I didn't know Marin was married, and that didn't even matter because I am not attracted to her in the slightest."

"Come on, Link. You and I both know that's not true," Fado said.

"Oh?" Link said, glaring. "Why is that?"

"I saw her today. She looks just like Zelda."

"How does that matter?" Link asked, forcing himself to keep his voice level.

"Zelda meant a lot to you." Fado replied, simply.

"Oh, really? How do you figure that?" Link said, his voice monotone though Fado could hear the pain.

"Because, on the day she left, you were going to ask her to marry you."

READ THIS BEFORE YOU DO ANYTHING! Ok, you may be thinking 'What on earth! Link was going to propose when she disappeared? But he was 15 when Zelda disappeared and she was only 14!' Let me explain. Link wasn't going to marry her right off the bat, if they had been engaged it would have been like about three year engagement period at least. And in Ordon, it wouldn't be awkward for people to get engaged that early but they would put off the marriage until both people were adults. So don't freak, please.

Ending Comments: I'm sorry for this being so late! But please review! I'm going to try and be better at updating! I promise!