Zelda POV

I shouldn't have walked out. That was rude and I wasn't dismissed.

He wouldn't hurt me, would he? Not that I couldn't handle it, but no, he seemed like a genuinely nice person. Oh, what did I know? I hardly knew him at all, I just met him. From this morning he seemed sincerely worried about how I felt when he startled me, and after watching him train it seemed that he was respectful, disciplined and hardworking. Although I have learned that I shouldn't make judgments on how things seem.

I was pacing in my room and chewing my bottom lip nervously. The room was bare, I had no possessions, but it was my room. It was comfortably small with a soft bed with a few blankets, a dresser – though I had no clothes to put in it- with a handheld mirror lying on the top, a small closet, and a small circular window. The roo—my room wasn't much, but it was more comfortable than anywhere I had been before, and it was somewhere that I felt at ease. A sudden knock at my door pulled me from my thoughts, I jumped slightly and bumped into my bed causing it to hit against the wall. I went to the door quickly, not wanting anyone to wait on me.

Link POV

I stepped out of the shower with a towel around my waist and went over to the mirror. I looked over myself, my body covered with a few scrapes and numerous bruises, some old and some newly formed, but they made me proud. These marks on my body showed how hard I had worked, and it was certainly something that filled my chest with a fulfilling warmth.

I shook my hair out, though it was still wet after, and got dressed. I made sure my shirt was straightened out before heading out, hoping my hair would be dry by the time I found Zelda.

I knocked on her door, hoping she was in there because it would make things much more difficult if she were somewhere around the castle. I heard a thud; well there was definitely someone in there. Just a few moments later the door opened and there she stood, rubbing her leg.

Something about her caught me off-guard and all I could sputter out was, "H-hi."

Zelda POV

I opened the door and there stood the prince, he looked slightly taken aback. He stuttered out a greeting with a goofy grin. His usually golden hair was a few shades darker and slightly sticking to his face, his shirt was fitted enough to show he had a nice build and it seemed to be the perfect color of green for him.

Din, he looked good.

NO. No, no. I can't be thinking that. He cleared his throat and I realized I hadn't said anything yet.

"I know, I said I would show you around the castle, but…" his eyes were looking at the room behind me before he looked me up and down. "Would you like to go into town first? We could get you a few things to put in your room, and some more clothes for you and something nice for you to wear at tonight's dinner."

I would have loved to see what the town would be like, but I had no money. Thoroughly embarrassed, I looked away. "I can't pay for—"

"You don't need to. I can take care of that."

"I couldn't possibly have you waste your money on me!" I tried to protest, but he would have none of it.

"It certainly wouldn't be a waste. Please? I want to do this for you, as your friend. I want you to be comfortable and happy here."

I sighed in defeat and I saw a smile light up his face.

We were walking through the doors to get into the courtyard when a voice called out

"Link." We both turned to see Impa leaning against the large doorway. "Be careful." She said, her eyes moving to me and then back to Link, "Take care of her."

Link nodded. "I will, Impa. There are plenty of guards scattered around the town, and besides, you know better than anyone that should a problem arise I can take care of it."

"We should hope so." She said playfully

"Impa…" Link whined.

"Have fun." She said before turning around and heading back into the castle.

Our first stop was the Castle Town tailor shop. When we walked inside I stayed a few steps behind Link. A man was sitting at a desk, working on a piece of grey fabric, looked up and stood immediately when seeing us.

"Hello there, my young prince! What can I do for you today?" he said enthusiastically, walking around the desk to shake Link's hand.

Link turned and to look at me while he spoke, "Well I thought to get something for –"

"And who is this lovely young lady you have with you?" The man interrupted.

"This is my friend, Zelda." He said with a smile. "I thought I could get her a few things here and something special for tonight."

"Ah, yes! A very happy birthday to you, Link."

"Thank you, Arlyn. How is your wife?" Link said politely, but earnestly

"She's doing just fine. I'll call her out here so she can get some measurements going." The man – Arlyn, turned and went to the back of the shop. He came back moments later with a slender woman beside him.

"It's nice to see you again, Your Highness." The woman addressed Link before heading towards me. "Hello, my name is Daena." She held her hand out to me and I shook it.

"I'm Zelda."

She smiled and nodded. "If you would step up right here," she pointed to a small circular platform a few paces away, "Then I will take your measurements."

I stepped on the small platform as the tailor measured and wrote down my various sizes. My attention went back to Link and Arlyn.

"Yes well, with measurements being taken, what can I get for your pretty friend over there?" The man asked.

Link had a finger tapping his chin, "Let's see, a few comfortable outfits for working around the castle, a couple things to wear while not working, a light dress, something to wear while riding, and finally a dress for tonight but," he twisted back and looked me up and down before turning back to the tailor, "a dress that could rival her beauty." He said it quietly to the tailor, but I still heard him. I must have done something to get his attention when I heard him say that because he abruptly turned to look at me, my eyes wide. His expression went from worried and concerned to shocked and fearful while his cheeks began shifting through various shades of pinks and reds. Link turned back to the chuckling owner.

Link POV

Oh Farore, did she hear me?

Her surprised expression and nearly falling off the small platform were enough to say, yes, she heard me.

"That's a pretty high standard for a dress, my prince." He said with a smirk as he nudged me.

I composed myself and cleared my throat, "Do you think you could have it made before tonight?"

"Anything for you, Link. We will begin working on it immediately."

"Thank you, it is a privilege to have the best tailors in all of Hyrule so close by."

Arlyn laughed, "You have always been a sweet talker."

He took me over to look at various fabrics that could be used for Zelda's outfits. Once the fabrics were narrowed down to a few, I left the final decision to Arlyn and his wife. We began discussing prices, he tried to take no money but I insisted I pay him.

"Arlyn, would you like for me to have someone come by later to pick up the dress?"

"No, either Daena or I will bring the dress to you personally. I wouldn't want something to happen to our soon to be masterpiece as it was brought to you."

"That's really not necessary. I'm sure it would be safe with one of the guards."

"I insist." The man said with a smile. I knew he wouldn't budge so I accepted his offer to deliver the dress. We decided that he would have the rest of the clothes brought to the castle by one of the guards in a few days.

There was a light tap on my shoulder and I turned around to see the two women standing behind me.

"Are you ready?" Zelda asked.

Zelda POV

"Um, Daena? This dress that you'll be making…" My eyes were downcast.

"Ah, do not worry. I will personally make sure that you will be the most stunning person at the dinner." She said with full confidence.

"No, no. It's not really about that. Will the dress be...revealing?" I was playing with the fabric of my shirt nervously.

She raised an eyebrow at me. "Do you want it to be?"

"No, it's just that…" my voice trailed off, I didn't know how to say it.

"You prefer to be a modest one?"

"Not exactly." I chewed at my lip again and looked over at Link, making sure he was still talking and not looking my way. I had never talked to anyone about the bruises and scars, and I didn't really want to. So instead of speaking, I showed her. I pulled down the neckline at the back of my shirt, showing my left shoulder and part of my back and just a portion of the markings. I let go of the shirt and suddenly found the ground to be fascinating.

I knew she was staring at me. "I can assume it was not the prince that did that to you?"

"It wasn't him." I said quietly.

"Does he know?"

I shook my head, still avoiding her eyes. She lightly grabbed my chin and gently forced me to face her. Her brown eyes were warm and sympathetic. She let go on my chin and placed her hand softly on my shoulder. Her eyes were now more firm, certain. "You will be safe with our prince. He is an honorable man." Daena moved back a bit. "And don't worry about the dress; I am sure you will both be happy with it." She said with a smile. "Sweetheart, if you feel that you can't say something to Link, but you need someone to talk to, then you know where to find me. Your secret- if it is a secret- is safe with me."

I smiled to her, her words filling me with a sudden warmth, "Thank you." I said quietly.

We walked over to Link and Arlyn.

I tapped Link's shoulder, and when he turned around I asked him if he was ready to go. We were at the door about to leave when I stopped. Link turned to me with a question in his eyes.

"I'll be right back, I just want to thank them for helping." He nodded and I went back to the couple.

Arlyn turned to me with a smile on his face. "What can I do for you, Zelda?"

"I wanted to thank you both, but I also wanted to ask for your help with something."

They both nodded.

"Well, it's Link's birthday and I was wondering if you could help me get some things that I could use to make his gift."

"Of course, dear, what do you need?" Daena said.

I smiled at them both, telling them what I had planned for him and listed off a few things and listened to their suggestions before heading back to Link.

Link POV

I was leaning up against the wall outside of the tailor shop waiting for Zelda. I kept my head down, trying not to be recognized by too many people. I wasn't trying to avoid anyone, I love my people and I greatly enjoy talking with the crowds, but I didn't want to overload Zelda on her first visit in town.

"Psst, Link." A voice sounded beside me.

I nearly jumped; I hadn't noticed someone had joined me against the wall. I looked over to see a pretty girl, about my age, with long flowing red hair. She wore a cream colored shirt with blue marking on the sleeves, a long purple skirt with a brown front covering and leather riding boots.

"Farore, Malon. How long have you been there?" I said trying to slow my rapid heart.

She smiled at me." Not very long."

"What brings you to Castle Town today?"

"Just had a few things to deliver, I was on my way out and then I saw you leaning against the shop. Why are you just standing around her, Prince-boy?" As distasteful as her nicknames for me are, it always makes me a bit happy that Malon is comfortable enough to joke with me.

"I'm waiting for my friend—" I began to explain

"Thanks again for everything!" Zelda called back with a wavy as she walked out of the shop. Her attention moved over to me and Malon, the smile on her face dropped a little. "Oh. I'm sorry, I didn't mean to interrupt…" she said uncomfortably.

I pointed to Zelda, "I was waiting for her."

Malon pushed off from the wall and walked over to Zelda who looked somewhat nervous.

"Hi, I'm Malon. A friend of Link's is a friend of mine; it is nice to meet you." She said, holding her hand out to Zelda.

The blonde girl shook her hand. "Um, hello. I'm Zelda."

"Well, I should be heading back. You should bring Epona back for a visit sometime soon, Link. I miss her."

I laughed at her pouting face, "Alright, Malon. Get home safe."

"Thanks, I will. I'll see you sometime. Have a nice day, birthday boy."

When Malon walked off I suggested that we go walk around town a little bit more and then head back to the castle.

I scratched the back of my head, "Sorry about that. Malon can be a bit much sometimes, she's a bit assertive but she's a really great person and one of the few people I can call a friend."

We continued walking around the town, stopping at my favorite bakery to get a few sweets. I pointed out a few fun places we would have to go to sometime.

"Link?" She used my name!

"Yes?"

"Earlier, Malon mentioned Epona. Who is that?"

"She's a mare that I got for my tenth birthday. Malon's family owns the ranch just outside of town and Epona was born there. That's also when I first met Malon; when my family went to look at the horses." I could talk about Epona for hours on end, she is an incredible companion. "She's a magnificent horse. We could go riding sometime." I looked over to Zelda, she had a shy smile.

"I've never been on a horse before." She said quietly.

"I could surely teach you. I can think of a very docile horse that we could put you on. He would be a great horse for a first time rider." I said as I took a bite of a sugar powdered honeybun.

"O-okay, that would be nice."

Zelda POV

After Link had finished showing me a few of his favorite shops and the other hidden treasures of Castle Town, we were almost back at the center plaza when he walked a few steps in front of me before abruptly stopping and turning to face me. He had his hands behind his back, a cheeky grin on his face and he leaned forward, a little too close to my comfort.

"Zelda." He started, "would you like a tour of the castle now?"

I found his theatrics to be a bit funny.

"Sure." I said with a smile.

We veered to the right and I looked over at Link. He noticed me watching him and turned to me.

"Trust me." He said, "You'll enjoy this detour."

With that he was facing forward again and leading the way. We were at the outskirts of Castle Town and walking along a very old looking stone walkway. All the shops and building of Castle Town were now far behind us as we walked through a small pass of greenery. The trees were large and tall, their branches and leaves entwining with each other and some even dipping down far enough that Link had to push them aside. Still following the path, we made it out of the few trees. I noticed Link had stopped walking; he had a small smile on his face, his eyes filled with wonderment. I turned to look at what he was staring at and nearly gasped. I was stunned. A large ornate building stood before us. The building had spires, engravings, sculptures, stained glass windows, and would render any view speechless; it was incredibly beautiful.

Link's voice brought me out of my reverie. "Let's go in."

"Can we?" I looked over at Link, my eyes alight. He nodded.

There was a large gate that was accompanied by two guards, they opened the gate and we walked up the steps to the front of the building. Before entering, I looked up and suddenly felt very miniscule against the building. There was a quiet thud, followed by a soft scraping as Link pushed open one of the massive doors.

"Zelda," Link said as he held the door open for me, "Welcome to the Temple of Time." I walked in with Link following me, and again, I was speechless. This place looked amazing on the outside, but the inside was even more breath taking. The ceiling was very high, chandeliers hanging with adorning crystals that glistened beautifully in the natural light streaming through the numerous windows. Tapestries and cravings garnished the walls. Our footsteps echoed in the soothing silence of the temple. My eyes wide and trying to absorb the beauty of what I was seeing, I was completely and utterly awestruck.

Link POV

I was enjoying watching Zelda as she walked through the temple. She had a goofy grin on her face that she probably didn't even realize she had, and her eyes had an excited glint to them. I continued watching her walk through the Temple, trailing behind her.

Zelda was slightly bent, looking at the inscription on the base of the mantle just below a small set of stairs. "What's this?" She said quietly, I wasn't sure if she was talking to herself, but it was quiet enough in the temple that I was able to hear her

I thought I'd answer her question, even if she was talking to herself.

"It's an Ancient Hylian text that describes the purpose of the gems on the mantle." I pointed to the three gems.

She straightened up and looked back at me, she still had a happy glow about her, "This place is incredible, Link." She said with a smile, before looking about the temple again.

Zelda trotted up the few stairs and looked at the set of large doors curiously. She put her hand to it, "Is there something behind here?"

"Yes, two of the greatest treasures Hyrule has ever known rest behind those doors."

She looked at me amazement in her sapphire eyes. Nayru she's beautiful, I mentally scolded myself; a prince cannot fall in love with a common girl. Well, that doesn't mean I can't take notice of how she looks.No! Do not start anything.

It was then I noticed Zelda's concerned stare, she placed her hand on my shoulder.

"Are you well, Link? Please tell me more of these treasure's I'm interested in Hyrule's history."

I nodded "Yes, Zelda I'm fine, thank you for asking. Well the first and most important treasure behind this door is the power of the sacred realm called the Triforce. The wars that ensued because of this power have cost me and Hyrule so much. The Gerudo's began the war for the sacred power, but my father, the king, managed to defeat the Gerudo General, forcing the rest of the troops to retreat. My birth father, Traye, fell in battle to protect me and my mother. My mother was shot in the back with an arrow but managed to find my protector, Impa, before passing on." I was on the verge of tears as my voice trailed off.

Zelda saw this and gave me a comforting hug; "Link…" she seemed at a loss for words for a moment, "that's terrible." She rubbed my back tenderly speaking words filled with compassion. "I'm so sorry, if you ever need someone to talk to I will always be here you, have my word both as a servant and as friend."

I blushed, finally realizing how close we were together but I didn't dare move it felt so right, her body fitting perfectly against mine. I had a moment of pure bliss before coming to my senses and ended the embrace; Zelda had a look of disappointment in her eyes, feeling bad I explained about the second treasure behind the large granite doors.

My face becoming serious "Zelda the second treasure is a blade of unfathomable power it is said it has the power to destroy evil and will only accept one master every one hundred years, it is said that the one who wields it will become the mighty Hero of Time and will banish the evil ones threatening to steal the Triforce."

Zelda stared at the door with utter shock "But Link, wouldn't such a powerful weapon be a colossal weight to bear for this hero? I also wish to know if this legendary relic has a name for the hero's enemy's to utter?"

"Yes Zelda, the burden would be very difficult to bear, but in the sacred texts the wielder will have the courage and spirit to face this burden with his weapon in hand, the weapon's name is The Legendary Master Sword."

A/N

Thank you everyone for reading this story! If anyone has any input on the story please review! Feedback is great. We want you all to enjoy reading this story and your reviews will only make it better. If you have any ideas of something you might want to see or a specific scene or situation, review and it might happen! No promises, but you never know. Would you guys like to see some action and adventure in this story or just a nice fluffy story? For any adventure voters, don't worry there will still be fluff and plenty of it, but the story wouldn't revolve around that. Leave a review for which way you want this story to go! Thanks again, and sorry for the somewhat long A/N

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~SwordvsShield and hoozemy