A/N: To Unknown in regards to your review:

Yeeeaaaaahhhh... this story is really, really old, and it kinda embarrasses me and I can't even read it... I've learned a lot about writing since I finished it. I appreciate your honesty! :) I know some writers have a hard time taking constructive criticism, and I used to be that way, but I've come to learn, among other things, that I'm going to make mistakes as a writer and most of the time, other people can see those mistakes better than I can.

You did inspire me to make a shorter, alternate ending, which I actually kinda like better 'cause it's angsty and feelzy and painful and has tons more sequel possibilities... *cough* so here it is.

Being younger as I was, I didn't think the other ending had issues, buuuut looking at it now, it totally does... it has lots... the whole story has lots... I could rewrite the whole thing, but I'm not that ambitious. XP

Characterization: Yes, I didn't do well with that at all... Back when I started this, I knew very little about Legend of Zelda. I still haven't played the games myself because of a few minors qualms with the story world (personal qualms; I like the concept and characters and stuff), and I don't think I'd attempt to write Colin again until I researched a bit more. But I'd like to think that I know a little more about it than I did then... I'm still not claiming to be an expert, though.

Christianity references: I won't deny that I replaced the 'three goddesses' with one God on purpose. I, as a Christian, don't feel comfortable writing other gods as if they're real and active when I don't believe in any deities other than my own. It's just a personal conviction of mine. I will admit, I had not mastered the art of tact in my writing back when I wrote this and it was very preachy... I don't even like preachy books myself, so like I said, it's almost painful trying to reread this now... So I apologize if I came off as pushy or preachy; that wasn't my intention when I wrote it. My only intention was to give my God glory, as I aspire to do with all my writing. I don't always do it right, though.

Again, thank you for your honesty! :) Sometimes, it's nice to get more than squees and 'omgosh i love this's. I like getting reviews like yours, because it means that I made you think. Even if I did manage to annoy you a bit... :P And you took the time to review and explain the problems you have, and that helps me to know how I can improve in later fics (I would certainly hope that I already have... I've written so many more fanfics since I ended this one, it'd be a little worrying if I made the same mistakes in all of them as I did here). So I assure you, I don't feel offended. I'm actually amazed that even with those things going against my story for you, you still read all the way to the end! I commend you! It's not the best piece of fiction around, not in the least.

So, don't worry. I'm not gonna rage or tell you that you're gonna die for saying negative things. I'm glad you seemed to semi-enjoy it and give it 6 out of 10. :) And thank you for taking the time to explain how you felt about the story as a whole! I hope that maybe, even though this fic might've disappointed you, maybe you'll eventually read one of my better ones... XP God bless!

~Penelope

Alternate Ending:

Caine stayed beside the mast as the king went to the captain, and presented him with the papers that were his tags. The documents that stated in writing, sealed with the royal emblem, his charge of treachery, and his punishment. Upon their arrival in Termina, Caine was ordered by law to keep those documents on his person at all times, for the rest of his life. It had to be presented to potential employers, partners, and anyone else of importance before any further business was done with them. If his brand didn't warn them, those papers would.

He jumped when the king appeared in front of him, and began unlocking the chains that bound his wrists. Caine kept his eyes downward as the man did so, unable to look at his face. If he did… what would he see there? Sorrow? Disappointment? Perhaps hatred… Or even pleasure at seeing this dirty criminal finally punished. Whatever the case, he was too afraid to find out…

The weight of the chains fell away, and he felt himself grow three inches. But he still did not look up.

"I'm sorry, Caine."

The softness of the king's voice startled him, and his gaze snapped upward. Though he regretted it, he was surprised to find a sadness in those blue eyes so deep, he could have drowned in it. The king of Hyrule looked down upon him, not with disdain, or enjoyment, but with a sorrow, as if the king himself was the one being banished. Caine nearly took a step backward in his surprise.

The man attempted – and failed – a reassuring smile, gingerly patting Caine's shoulder before turning back to the boardwalk. He had reached the edge of the deck when the prince finally reacted.

"Dat."

Those broad shoulders stiffened, and he stopped, but didn't turn. Caine couldn't blame him; he had even surprised himself, letting that word blurt off his tongue after so many years… It felt foreign to him, now. But it had worked, nonetheless.

Slowly, very slowly, the king turned, brow furrowed in confusion. Caine could have sworn he saw his eyes glistening. His own throat tightened as he gingerly stepped closer to him, and he sunk to one knee, in a bow of respect. He lowered his head, closing his eyes as they burned.

"I'm sorry…" His tongue seemed content with those words, and decided to give in to the shudder in his voice. Two lone tears fell from his eyes, one dropping to the back of his hand, and a slight, strangled sob wrenched itself free of his throat. "I'm so, so sorry…"

Those floodgates broke. And for the first time in a long time…

He felt again.

But it hurt. It hurt so bad, it jerked the tears from his eyes, and closed his throat so he couldn't speak, save for choking out those same words: "I'm sorry."

But no response came. The king was utterly silent, that he wasn't sure what hurt more, the silence, or his own anguish. And as footsteps proceeded off the ship, Caine could only kneel there, unable to speak past his own tongue. He didn't move as the steps retreated down the gangplank, and after a few more moments, the plank was removed, the anchor lifted, and the ship underway.

So that was it. It was done.

Caine would never see Hyrule again.