Chapter One:

Moment of Right

"The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.

He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.

He restoreth my soul:" ~ Psalm 23: 1-3a

What were stars? Truly?

So wondrous, so breathtaking… so awe-inspiring. And yet… so distant. They knew not of the troubles dealt to the people of this small, inferior planet, nor did he imagine they cared. Giant, floating bodies of gases and flame, fixed in their orbits, never changing, always moving, according to the time of the year. What did they have to concern themselves with the hardships of this mere country?

No, no, they held no true power. In a way, he wished his gaze could travel beyond the inky blackness that was the night sky, and to the light of the kingdom beyond. But all who bore the mark upon their hand knew that that kingdom was unreachable before death. Until then…

The buffets of this world had much control. Lord, deliver our people…

He felt his wife's fingers tighten around his, and he was pulled from his reveries. He turned his head toward her, reveling the feeling of the thick grass against his cheek. It had been much too long. Much too long since he enjoyed the tugs of the spring breeze on his hair, the cool of the midnight earth, the unearthly glow of the full moon…

But a feeling he enjoyed most was the feather-light brush of her soft lips against his. The kiss brought a smile to his face as she rested her head on his chest, and he inhaled deeply, savoring her scent of sweet honeysuckle. When was the last time he had taken the time to simply bask in her presence? The last time he'd been content to hold her close, to stroke the silk of her hair, to touch the satin skin of her face, to fold his arms about her and feel their beings mesh together like matching puzzle pieces… Much too long ago.

"What are you thinking about?" came her voice, hushed as the lone hoot of an owl sounded over the field.

How could he sum it up in one word? His thoughts whirred about his head like so many feral horses; he swore he could almost hear the thunderous roar of their pounding hooves, and it was beginning to drive him to distraction.

"…Everything." He gently stroked her back, feeling her chest expand with each breath. A short laugh chimed from her lips, and he cherished the sound. It had been a while since she last laughed…

"Care to elaborate?"

He blew a deep breath out his mouth, absently combing his fingers through her coppery locks. Where could he begin? And without worrying her on this, their night to be alone in their companionship…

"I wish there was more we could do. And I know the rest of the country shares my sentiments… I fear that every day that passes with no sign of rain chips away at the confidence they have in us."

With her cheek against his chest, he could easily feel her expression change, tense. She propped herself on her elbow, gazing down at him with those enchanting eyes as blue as a tropical sea. But their beauty was spoiled by the deep furrowing of her delicate brow. She rested her other arm over his chest, her tapered fingers trailing over his jaw.

"You have no way of predicting the forces of nature… What makes you think they'd blame you – us – for something we have no control over?"

The simple loving touch of her hand on his face, and the quiet of her voice, did wonders in shooing away the doubts that plagued him. But still… Thoughts lingered.

"People are fickle… They set their full trust on things that often can't live up to their expectations… like other people." Another breath escaped him in a heavy sigh.

"Link…" She spoke his name with a hint of compassion stirred in with something like reproach. Her fingers moved to toy with the ornery mop of sandy hair that hung over his forehead. After a moment of studying him, she allowed herself a wry half-grin. "You really must stop this habit of taking the responsibility for everything."

He couldn't resist grinning in return. "I'm the Hero of Time. It's my job."

The smile reached the other side of her face as laughter bubbled its way out of her throat. The sound made his own smile broaden. Oh, how he loved it when she laughed… How blessed he was.

She caressed his jaw, and his chin, before ever so subtly leaning down to capture his mouth in a kiss, slower, and more tender this time. Something in the depths of his being seemed to ignite, as it always did when they touched. Every emotion he felt for her projected in stark contrast to all others, and pushed away the thoughts of the drought, the unrest, all of it. Exileration, awe, reverence, unworthiness, courage – the Triforce on the back of his right hand shot a tingling sensation up his arm – and, of course, love. Love so deep, and vast, and unending, he wasn't even sure how it was possible for such a deep commitment and affection could exist in one mere man's heart.

Managing to pull herself closer, she rested her hands firmly on his chest and gently pulled apart from him. He attempted to follow, not wanting the kiss to end just yet, but she pushed him back, and he resignedly relaxed against the grass. He found that his arms had snaked around her waist of their own accord, and he lifted one hand to trace over her face – her pixie-like nose, her long-lashed almond-shaped eyes, her supple lips.

"What did I do, in all my days, to deserve such a jewel as you, my Zelda?" said he, his voice breathlessly low. His finger feathered over the slight pucker of her lower lip.

That brought a subdued smile to her face, not at all like the last one. This one seemed to echo the sentiments expressed in his words. She took hold of his hand, interlocking their fingers, and brushed her lips over his again.

A rather loud snort cut their kiss short. A velvet muzzle lipped at Zelda's hair, and Link peered over her shoulder. A laugh escaped him.

"Epona's feeling a bit jealous, I see," Zelda muttered, groping at her hair to wipe away the horse foam. She made a face and rid her fingers of the slime on the grass beside them.

He only laughed more, and stole a last kiss from her before attempting to sit up. His wife rose with him, but stayed within his embrace. Link's chestnut Shire stomped a hoof and nickered, tossing her blonde mane.

"We're coming; we're getting up, don't you worry." Link laughed as his horse simply returned a blank stare and a swish of her tail. He gave Zelda a gentle, loving squeeze and brushed a kiss over her forehead. She closed her eyes, leaning comfortably into him. He didn't blame her for not wanting to go quite yet; the duties and responsibilities surely wouldn't have left the castle in their absence. They would all be waiting for them when they returned.

He turned to the stars once more, and shook her slender arm when he saw a streak of light. "A shooting star, love. Make a wish."

She chuckled against his chest, her fingers exploring over the light fabric of his shirt. "I wish it could be this way all the time. Just you, and me, and the children, in the peace of nature – no monsters to vanquish, or villains trying… to kill you, and kidnap me."

Link's smile turned sympathetic; he knew all too well what she meant. It seemed that things would only get settled when some dastardly character emerged to make a show of attempting to steal the Triforce, or some other despicable plan. He wasn't ungrateful for the life he had, but there were times he wished it could be a bit less complicated…

"What do you wish for?" Zelda's fingers had undone the laces at the neck of his shirt, and were gently roaming over the skin at his collarbone. He suppressed a shiver at the sweet caresses of her chilled fingers.

"Rain. A lot less intricate than yours, I know, but… That would help a lot of things right now…"

He felt her lips press against the dip of his collarbone and lovingly made their way up his neck. He swallowed involuntarily, beginning to lose ground to his train of thought.

"Link, don't concern yourself over this… No one blames you for the drought. Especially not the people; they look up to you, they adore you. No one could wish for a better king." She came to kiss his lips teasingly before shifting to pull herself into his lap. Clasping her hands behind his back, she leaned into him, craning her neck to look up into his face.

He tried not to let the anxiety show in his expression. "I know, but that's just it… They look up to me. They rely on me, but…"

"But you can't do everything. You're only human."

A breeze flew over them, ruffling her hair, and admiration tugged his mouth into a soft smile. How beautiful she was… both inside and out. He truly didn't deserve such a woman as her.

A hard, square-ish head nudged him between the shoulder blades and he grimaced, while Zelda laughed. She slid from his lap and rose to her feet, grinning down at him. He did his best to hide his disappointment as her warmth left him. With a quiet sigh, he playfully shoved Epona's heavy head away from him and rocked to his feet as well.

"To the castle, then?"

Her eyes twinkled in the starlight. So beautiful…

"I suppose we must. Estel has had enough work for one evening; it's time we headed back." She let her hands and eyes drift over his chest one last time, pressed one more succulent kiss to his mouth, and pulled away to approach her Hwesta. The grey mare lifted her head eagerly as her mistress neared, her big doe-like eyes shining in the moonlight.

Both swung into the saddles of their respective horses and reined them in the direction of Keskus. The distant lights of the central city shone like a beacon through the darkness of the surrounding night, the golden aura warm and welcoming. The castle stood proudly on the crest of the hill, creamy walls accented by the cozy lights in the windows.

For the longest while, they simply savored each other's company, listening to the rhythmic plodding of the mares' hooves.

"I hope Caine didn't give her any trouble." Zelda broke the quietness, and Link turned to throw her a sidelong glance.

"I wouldn't doubt it. You know how he doesn't think he needs nurse. No, he's much too 'mature' for that." He chanced a wry grin in her direction, and inwardly smiled at the aghast expression of amusement on her face.

"Link Taurë, you shouldn't speak of your son like that…" Nevertheless, he didn't miss the grin that stole away the seriousness of her scolding. She stared down at the horn of her saddle to hide her mirth.

"Well… Probably not. But you know it's true; you can't deny it. He's had a headstrong attitude since day one." He maneuvered Epona behind Hwesta and around to her other side. Neither Hylian objected when their knees brushed against each other.

Zelda smiled, but didn't comment further.

The rest of the return trip was spent in companionable silence, with neither thinking, nor wishing to say anything. Both were content with the other's company, and the desirous looks his wife kept shooting him were enough to make the color rise to Link's face.

The gates of the Outer Wall opened without their bidding, the sentries having expected their king and queen's return. The city streets were empty and peaceful, with most folk asleep in their homes at this hour. Torches flickered shadows over the fronts of the buildings lining the main streets, and the couple wove their way through the levels, up the incline toward the palace.

Even the palace seemed to be at peace. The gates were opened immediately following their hail, and a stable boy fetched the horses to the stables whilst they adjourned into the castle. Only the necessary guards, who remained faithfully at their posts, greeted them and the lack of overwhelming reception was refreshing.

They made their way up two flights of stairs to the royal chambers, which sat adjacent to one another all along one floor of the great structure. Link and Zelda did their best to keep their steps quiet in the marble halls, and succeeded mostly, until they reached the doors of the children's rooms. Zelda eased open the first door.

In the bed at the opposite side of the room, their middle child slept contentedly, the covers pulled tight about his neck. His cantankerous head of sandy blond hair was not only strewn about his head, fanned over the cotton surface of the pillow, but his bangs hid his eyes, making it appear as if it were only the crest of his head peering out from under the thick blankets.

Young Aybll was the deepest sleeper of them all. Zelda claimed he was just like his father. Link smiled at the thought.

The next door revealed a room similar to Aybll's, but much more sophisticated, lacking the vibrant colors and numerous wooden toys adorning every shelf. Books were the rooms main inhabitant… particularly since the owner of the room was nowhere in sight.

Link watched as his wife frowned, and peered around the door. Her body relaxed a bit, and she grasped his hand, pulling him forward.

Caine stood on the small balcony outside his north-facing window, his teenage frame outlined by silver light, and a wind – which was stronger here than in the fields – playing at his long, black locks. His youthful face was tight in deep thought. His piercing gaze, which never wavered, seemed to stare at nothing.

"Caine?"

The eldest prince jumped, whirling around and letting his hand fly to the hilt of the dagger on his belt. He calmed only slightly when he took in the sight of his parents studying him.

"Yes?" Link couldn't miss the edge in the young man's voice.

"It's late," Zelda soothed, stepping further into the room. "Shouldn't you be in bed?"

For a moment, it looked as though the fifteen-year-old would argue. But he clamped his mouth shut, swallowing whatever it was he had been planning to say.

"Yes, ma'am… I'll go to sleep in a few minutes." He glanced back, almost longingly, at the night abyss outside.

"Please don't sleep in your clothes again. You have night clothes; might as well spare the maids the trouble of removing wrinkles." As she spoke, Zelda went to Caine's wardrobe and pulled his night clothes out herself. Caine grimaced.

"Mother…" He was about to continue, but his sharp eyes darted to Link, who stood against the door, watching. Though Link didn't move, Caine stopped as if he'd scolded him, and stood erect once more.

"Yes, ma'am."

Link couldn't help but be concerned with the way his eldest son narrowed his eyes as he stared at the floor. There was a mild venom to his glare, but he couldn't be sure whether or not it was directed at his mother.

Once Zelda was finished, Caine lifted his gaze to rest on her as she stepped back to Link's side. She offered their son a warm smile.

"Sleep well, love." She approached him, and bent to kiss his forehead. Something in Link clenched when Caine moved his head to avoid his mother's affection. Though it seemed he had forced respect for a few moments, nothing in Caine had truly changed.

Not that they should have expected such.

Zelda let her shoulders slump ever so slightly, backing away from the boy. "Well… goodnight, Caine." She returned to Link again, glancing back when their boy didn't reply.

"Caine?"

He'd already turned back to the window, face lifted to the moon.

"Goodnight."

There was a curtness, and a dismissing tone to Caine's voice that Link knew the boy ought to be scolded for. But Zelda was tugging at his hand, beckoning him to follow as she strode for their own chambers. Link cast his son a last scrupulous glance before closing the door, and hurrying to follow after his wife.

They walked in silence, again keeping their steps light to minimize the noise until they reached the wooden floor of their room. With the door closed behind them, Link watched Zelda go to the bed and sink down onto the edge, her hands clasped in her lap and her gaze on the floor before her. The white, wooden cradle only a few feet caught his attention, though, and he strode over.

Erulissë lay with her golden curls piled around her head, her chubby thumb stuck in her mouth. Her smooth, porcelain-like skin reflected the moonlight and created a subtle glow about the three-year-old's countenance.

His first daughter. The most perfect baby girl in all of Hyrule. She was barely old enough to walk, and could only squeal the occasional half a word, and yet she still had somehow managed to have her father wrapped around her finger.

Arms wrapped about him from behind, and Link easily recognized his wife's tender embrace. He laid his hands gently over hers, leaning away from the cradle and sighing in contentment at the feeling of Zelda's body fitted against his. Taking her hand in his, he eased around to face her, tugging her closer and draping her arms around his neck. His hands settled themselves at her waist.

"I have to be the happiest, most blessed man in Hyrule, do you know that?" He leaned his forehead against her, closing his eyes at the smoothness of her skin. He felt her lips brush his.

"Come to bed?" She fiddled with his still-loosened collar.

She didn't have to ask twice.

~- LoZ -~

The boy's eyes were closed. But his unseen audience did not move, nor did it even twitch until the gentle, even rise and fall of his chest beneath the covers ensured that he was, indeed, asleep.

With a flutter of fibery wings, the shadowbat, keeping its scales tilted in their reflecting position as not to be seen should anyone else enter, or should the boy awaken, alighted on the headboard of the bed.

The prince did not stir. After a particularly deep breath, a lock of his black hair fell into his eyes.

Then, and only then, did it creep down onto the pillow beside the Hylian's head, and lean close to his ear.

"They don't love you like they love him…"