"Prophetic"

Go so far away that you stop being afraid of not coming back.
-Eve Ensler

"Why do they keep staring at you?" Link was bewildered by the fact that nearly everyone in the dining hall had turned just to look at the two of them, as if they'd never seen the princess in their lives. Zelda smiled, and gave everyone a light wave. Most nodded, and went back to their business, but some still gazed their way. The hero was a little but wary, but tried to look as confident as possible at her side, as he would not be respected otherwise. He still subconsciously shifted in his boots, and hoping that he did not stumble in front of so many.

"I don't believe they are staring at me, Link," she spoke to him under her breath. His eyes widened slightly at the news, wondering why they would be looking at him, especially with the princess of Hyrule in the room. Link's stomach churned, and all of the sudden, his appetite disappeared without a trace. He'd never been good in front of large crowds. She laughed, and the hero knew it was due to his awkwardness.

"Why would they stare at me?" he inquired, plucking up his courage to give those that still watched a light smile. He was surprised at how many of the Hyrulians responded. They either beamed confidently, which befuddled Link, as he'd never before seen someone grin like that at someone they didn't know, or shied away; averting their gaze, as if he'd intimidated them. Zelda let out another laugh, and he was amazed at how refined she was in front of people.

"Some of these people were surprised that full-bloods even existed when my parents were placed as king and queen… and besides meeting us, most of them have never seen another Hylian, especially one that isn't a royal. Therefore, they can hardly believe another Hylian exists in this world," she paused for a moment, "and the others… especially the palace maids, find you very pleasing to look at," she worded it carefully, and Link barely blushed this time, as he'd heard it not long ago. Still, a lump in his throat made him incapable of speaking.

He kept his eyes on her, and wondered aloud.

"Then why shouldn't they stare at you?" he saw her golden hair shine as she spun her head towards him, "you are very lovely as well."

The moment he said it, he clamped his mouth shut. He realized how his compliment may be taken, though he didn't mean to. Her face lit up for a second, and she looked back to the mass of people, who were still observing them. He watched her face for signs of her thoughts, but only found worry in her eyes. At that moment, he knew something was wrong.

"You are kind, Link. Shall we sit?"

The hero nodded, and she led him to the table.

Zelda admired Link's buoyancy, and how it wasn't overly done. He held his shoulders high, and sat directly upright. He had seemed just as secure when they spoke alone about their troubles. Breakfast was served upon their arrival, but the princess's mind was far from her hunger. She watched as Link ate, slowly and deliberately, as if he was frightened. It alarmed her a bit, for she didn't want to run him off, he was the closest thing to a friend that she had. Also, she needed him. She needed for him to hear what she had to say after breakfast, as soon as they were alone…

No one spoke for a very long time, and Zelda noticed that while Link was sitting pleasantly, his eyes were flitting about the room nervously, as if he were waiting on someone to attack him, or something of that nature. Zelda sighed, and placed her hands neatly on her lap, trying not to think of what had been troubling her. There was nothing that could be done at the present time without causing a scene, which would more than likely upset the hero more than he was already.

"Link, are you alright?" she whispered under her breath, and the hero flicked his eyes over to regard her. She could see something in his eyes, but could not tell what it was. He nodded slightly, but the princess was wise and did not believe a word of what he was saying. The remaining minutes of breakfast still felt awkward, and both the hero and the princess were glad when it was over. Zelda motioned for Link to follow her, looking a little bit wary. While she was glad to have him attend the ball with her, and planned to knight him, there was another reason for the invitation…

The hero was confused, but tailed her as she wished down several elaborate corridors. She led him to a library, and locked the door once they were safe inside. He was still puzzled on the reason behind this, it was as if she was … afraid. They had a seat at a nearby table, and she folded her hands atop its surface. Link waited an explanation for her bizarreness, and impulsive behavior. Her eyes jumped around the library, as if she was concluding that there was no one else in the room. When she was satisfied that there wasn't anyone, she met his eyes.

"Something is happening in Hyrule…"

Link knitted his eyebrows together, and rubbed his hands on his legs, as it was rather cold here.

"What do you mean?"

"What happened in the Gerudo Desert was not as secret as originally thought. Someone… or maybe something, was watching us. They saw the Mirror of Twilight break, Link," she took a breath, "and they saw how it affected Hyrule, I just know it. Even you have to agree that the hour of twilight is very strange these days."

Link nodded, waiting to know where it was all going.

"I've been having… strange, possibly prophetic, dreams lately. Link, I think there are more mirrors…" she told him, "connecting different worlds to this one… Supporting this world while we support theirs. I know that I sound completely daft, but my dreams tell me that someone is trying to find these mirrors, for some purpose. I know not why, only that it is not good," she was staring at the table now, and Link fought the urge to swallow.

"What does that mean for us?" he asked her.

"I do not yet know," she whispered, sounding defeated, "but it can't be good, Link. I can feel it. Something dangerous is headed our way. It's best we stay on our guard, and watch out for anything weird," her eyes burned into him like a frightening picture. Strong fear, more than he'd ever seen, was present in her gaze. Link was once again bound to duty, and nothing but bravery flickered within his, and Zelda admired this.

"What would you have me do, princess?" he asked.

"Stay here? I'll offer you a spot within the ranks of my guards when I knight you the day after the ball. Our powers are stronger if we're together, and maybe that might help my dreams a bit. I know this is probably one of the last things you want to do, Link, after your trials against the Dark One, but this is precarious," she turned away to look around at the room again, and then back at the hero, "What say you?"

Link did not smile.

"I will stay here."

She nodded, and was quiet for a moment before they both stood.

"I'm sorry for this, Link. I don't know how I'll ever repay you for all of your endeavors. If there's anything you need or want… I am not only bound to you by the Triforce, I am also your friend. If there's anything…" Link laughed a short, humorless laugh, and cut her off by placing two fingers gently on her mouth, letting his power flood her for a moment before stepping back. When he raised his hand, the Triforce emblazoned on the back of it glowed with a brilliant light. However, it was not the insignia that caught her attention; it was how the gleam lit his eyes. They were feral, and she could almost see the Twilight Wolf sketched in them. He thrust down his hand and got exceedingly close to her, absorbing the princess with his steadfast stare.

"Never ever forget who I am."

She shook her head, agreeing with him, slightly surprised that one so kind and endearing could be so intimidating. He backed up, and took her in for a second. She stood as stiff as a sculpture with a serene look plastered on her face. Link let his face go blank, and Zelda immediately recovered. With an unexpected sharp breath she folded her hands together. Link spoke again.

"I was born to be the Hero of Time, not the ranch herder, made only for the purpose of aiding the Princess of Destiny at all costs. There is nothing in store for me besides my job. I am doing the task I was assigned to do. I am not offended that you called on me, Zelda, nor will I ever be… I will always protect you."

"Link…" she called to him as he turned away.

"I will see you tomorrow at the ball."

She balked at him as he walked out, not sure what to make of his words. Never before did he seem like he believed he was only a hollow shell as he just implied. Then again, Zelda got that exact feeling at certain times. She was only a piece intended to play a part in the world, and then she would die. The princess finally walked out herself, not wanting to think about it. Even as much as she tried; however, she wondered if she'd ever be happy. In her life, she'd seen genuine smiles, and sincere emotions, but had never felt them for herself. After all, she was a princess. She'd been through enough finishing school to know that her life would be filled with half-hearted gossip and small talk. She also knew that no laugh would ever be authentic.

Once she walked out into the hall, Girehen (A/N- pronunciation: Jyre-In), one of the sentinels sent to fetch Link from his home, joined her. He immediately took notice of how upset the princess looked, and placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. The rough callouses made his hands feel strong and secure, and Zelda could feel the roughness of his skin through her light blue dress.

"Princess?"

His tone held an inquisitive edge to it, and she knew immediately what he was about to ask her.

"I'm quite alright," she murmured, not sure if she was horrified by the blandness of her life, or that something could possibly be threatening them again, and so soon after the invasion. Zelda assumed it was the latter, so she didn't say much more on the subject, as there was no need to worry the Hyrulians when it wasn't a sure threat. He did not walk off, and she shot him a curious glance. He shifted a little, but remained at her side.

"Is there anything else that you need, sir?"

He smiled at her.

"Yes. I mainly just wished to tell you that you have excellent choice in your companions. Link is a suitable man, and an incredible warrior. Hyrule is very lucky to have one of such skill," Girehen complimented, and this made Zelda smile a little bit, "He was able to best me in a spar, and… other things. Alled doesn't much like him though… Pity…"

With that word, the guard walked away.

Zelda was baffled at how anyone could not like Link. Perhaps not Ganondorf, or Zant, but a regular guard from her Palace? As far as she knew, he was treasured by all who spoke to him. The princess scoffed a little bit; Alled had no inkling on the amount of things Link had done for him, and everyone else. The servants watched Zelda as she stormed down the hall, and they seemed to be whispering more than usual. However, she barely cared about their gossip, especially now that Link knew that there was a possible crisis on their hands. Zelda had somewhat hoped that the hero would tell her she was only paranoid, but the fact that he believed her scared her all the more. She took a deep breath, trying to ease her mind, but her efforts were exceedingly futile.

"Not again," she spoke to herself lightly.

On her way back to the throne room, she wondered exactly what would happen if the mirrors she dreamed of existed, and what effect they might have on Hyrule. She knew that they must have a large one, after the ordeal with the Mirror of Twilight. Zelda also pondered on where they might lead. As far as she knew, the Twilight Realm and Hyrule were the only lands supposed to exist, and she only found out this prior to the attack on their country.

"At least I don't know anything for sure yet…" she muttered, glad that no one could hear her speaking to herself. They would surely think her to have lost her mind. To be honest, the princess felt that she might have misplaced her sense somewhere within last years' time. Link stepped out in front of her at that very moment, and it startled her.

"But you do."

(A/N- now you guys are beginning to get the feel for the plot … but so far, you're only dipping your toes in the water ;) )

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