I woke up to screaming.

"What? What is it?" I exclaimed, jumping up and looking in every direction.

Zelda looked frantic, I practically tripped myself up as I ran to her.

"What's wrong?" I asked, having my hand firmly on my sword, ready to fight off whatever was creeping around.

Zelda pointed straight in front of her, which was the direction I came from. I looked at her, puzzled. And turned around.

It was a frog. I measly, little, green frog.

I looked back at her, opening my mouth to say something but couldn't.

"Well?" She exclaimed. "Get rid of that awful creature!"

I sat there, confused. "Zelda... it's a frog."

"And?"

"And... it's not going to hurt you. It can't hurt you, and it won't hurt you. The least it would do is jump on you." I carefully explained to her.

"Which is exactly why I want it dead!" She demanded.

I chuckled. What I wouldn't given to see her face when she woke up to a frog on her.

She crossed her arms. "It isn't funny! I'm not like you commoners! Able to face all nature and sleep outside! I am much more delicate than that!"

I laughed. "Whatever. If you really want me to get rid of it for you, I will."

"Thank you!" She sighed with a relief.

I walked over to the frog, picking it up. I heard Zelda screech as I held it in my hands, and all I could do was laugh silently. How is she ever going to survive this next few weeks? I asked myself. I definitely have a lot of work on my hands, with just her being around now.

After I had rescued the damsel from the evil frog that jumped on her, I began packing up our camp site.

"Where are we going now?" Zelda asked, getting up from the bed mat as I started to roll it up to place on the side of Epona.

"We're making a short stop back in Castle Town to get some breakfast, and I figured around lunch time would could go to Kariko Village and-"

"No!" Zelda exclaimed. "I cannot let my people see me like this!"

I rolled my eyes. "Fine. Then we're going to have to savor what little we'll have after our stop in Castle Town, since we can't stop anywhere else until we get to Ordon Village."

This is going to be a long month...

As we were leaving Lake Hylia I said my goodbyes to my good friends the Zoras. I could only hope Prince Ralis was doing better since the last time we had spoken. Once we left Lake Hylia and came back into the field of Lanayru Province, we headed towards the eastern door to Castle Town. I got off Epona, opened the doors, and took hold of her reins to guide her through the doors.

I paid the Stable boy like I had always done to look after Epona while we were in town, and Zelda and I were off to find some breakfast. Finally... I don't think I've ever lasted this long with out food. I thought to myself. If Zelda weren't so damn difficult... I would of sliced a Boar in half and ate that. But of course, I have to think about the damned princess. I rolled my eyes.

"So where do you want to eat? I assume not Telma's bar."

"Well where is the best place for someone like me to eat?" She asked.

I sighed. She was digging a very big hole into my wallet. "Well, we could always go to the cafe'. It's a bit pricey... but I'm sure that doesn't concern you."

Zelda walked happily over to the cafe doors. We both took our seats as a waitress came up with a pen and paper.

"What can I get ya?" She sighed, seeming bored of her job.

I looked at the menu that had already been on the table. "I'll have some coffee, black with two cubes of sugar..." I studied the menu again. "... and four pieces of smoked sausage and some oatmeal."

The waitress nodded, writing down my order. Than turned to Zelda.

She studied the menu for a moment, but than answered. "I would like a glass of water, and a sliced apple please." She handed the menu to the girl.

"Is that all?" She asked, looking at us both.

I nodded my head, and she walked off.

I looked at Zelda. "A sliced apple? You make me take you to the most prices place in Castle Town and you order a sliced apple?"

Zelda rolled her eyes. "If it must concern you to know, I am a princess. And as all princess' are taught, we must maintain our elegance figure. I can't walk around eating like you do."

I played with the salt and pepper shakers that were in the center of the table. "A little meat on your bones wouldn't hurt ya... probably make ya even more sexy..." I winked.

She glared at me. "Remember who you're talking to, hero."

I sighed. "I wish you wouldn't call me that. I like it much better when you call me Link."

"As savior of Hyrule, I must respect you. As you do with me being your princess, it's only a matter of good manners... which you are flawed in having."

I smiled. "I'm so sorry, princess." I stood up, walking towards where she sat kneeling down and taking her hand, kissing it softly. "I didn't mean to be so UN-mannered." I teased her.

"Link!" She scowled. "Stop it! You're bringing not wanted attention!"

I smirked, still laying my lips on her hand. "But princess..." I looked up at her. "It is only respectful."

She rolled her eyes. "I get it! Okay? Will you just cut it out?"

I chuckled, getting up and heading back to my seat.

I could see her flustered face glaring at me, even though I was hiding behind the menu to piss her off even more. We sat in silence for a couple of minutes until our breakfast came.

"Here's your coffee, smoked sausage, and oatmeal sir." She placed them gently on the table as she spoke. "And for you ma'am, a sliced apple and water." She smiled. "Can I get you two anything else?"

I smiled back at her. "No thank you."

The waitress nodded and walked off.

We ate in silence. I was beginning to wonder if she was that pissed of at me. I mean come on, no one noticed her in those clothes.

"Princess?" I asked.

She looked at me while nibbling on some of her apple. "What?"

"I didn't mean to hurt your feelings," I apologized, twisting my thumbs. "I thought you might have had more of a sense of humor."

She rolled her eyes. "It's not about having a sense of humor," she told me. "It's about respecting your Princess, Link. You may be the Hero of Hyrule, but you still need to realize that I am not common at all. You can't just treat me like your friends, okay?"

I looked down. "Yeah..." why is she so uptight all the time?

We finished breakfast, I paid the Waitress along with a five rupee tip for her kindness, and we headed outside to get Epona.

"It took shorter to eat than I expected." I said, surprised that little time had passed since we entered the restaurant. "We might not have to make any stops."

Zelda was quiet. She didn't seem to be too interested.

I shrugged, Walking Epona up to her holding my hand out to help her up when she slapped it away.

"I can do it myself..." She muttered.

I sighed. "If you're going to be this difficult all morning than fine, suit yourself."

I tried not to chuckle as she made her way up on Epona, seeming to have trouble. But none the less, we made our way towards Ordon Village.

It was again silent as we rode through Hyrule Field. Even the field that was once filled with so much noise, was dead to sound.

I began to remember my journey to save the Twilight Realm and Hyrule. I wondered if Midna was doing okay... if she was happy with her decision about breaking the Mirror... and if she missed me.

"Link? … LINK!"

I quickly snapped out of my day dreaming, looking around, and seeing if something was actually wrong this time.

I looked back at Zelda, confused. "What?"

She rolled her eyes. "You're going the wrong way..."

I looked, and thought for a moment. I was going the wrong way. I quickly gave myself a mental slap on the head, turning west.

"Thanks," I chuckled. "If it weren't for you, we'd probably would of fallen off a cliff in the direction we were heading."

"I wouldn't of let that happen." Zelda said silently. "Especially if I would have the same fate as you."

"Well then..." I acted hurt. But Zelda didn't seem to care. I wonder what's been going on with her today. I mean, by nature she's a bitch... even though I would never say that to her face... but more so today than ever.

"Hey..." I gestured towards her.

"What?" She asked.

"If something's on your mind, you know you can always talk to me about it, right?"

She was quiet for a moment, than finally answered my question. "Thank you Link. But everything is fine. Despite the fact that my town was attacked the other night by Bulblins, and my whole kingdom might be in danger now I'm fine."

I then decided to stop making conversation with her the whole way to Ordon.

After it seemed like forever because of the silence, we finally made it to the entrance to Faron Woods. It was nearly Afternoon by now, and I didn't know about Zelda but my stomach was grumbling for food.

I finally decided to break the silence and said, "We will make a stop in Faron Woods, I'm sure my friend Coro will be glad to fill our stomachs with food and water."

"Who is Coro?" Zelda asked.

"He's a good friend of mine," I said. "He used to help me out all the time with lantern oil and food when I was just passing through a while back."

"I see..."

As we reached Coro's cabin, it seemed like he was expecting us. There was already a huge meat of boar and tea in a kettle cooking over the fire as we came up.

Coro smiled. "Well hello there! I figured you'd be coming my way soon, seeing as you never returned last night."

I smiled back. "Yeah... there were some things I needed to take care of in Castle Town."

Coro nodded. "Come, sit!"

Zelda and I jumped off the horse and went to join Coro by the fire.

"Oh, and who is your lady friend?" he asked.

I looked at Zelda, she gave me a look and I knew what to say.

"She's... my cousin! I had to wait for her in Castle Town last night... she's visiting."

"I see..." Coro nodded. "Strange though, you look nothing a like and she looks a lot like the Princess."

I smiled sheepishly. "Yeah... she gets that a lot."

Zelda nodded, making it a mental note not to speak. Her well tamed accent would give her out anywhere.

We ate, drank tea, and talked for about an hour. Than it was clear it was time to head to the Village. I said my goodbyes to Coro, well Zelda gestured them.

"Doesn't talk much, does she?" Coro asked.

"Nope," I chuckled. "And even if she did, trust me, it's annoying."

Zelda immediately smashed my foot as the words came out of my mouth, but it was worth it.

Coro laughed. "Well, take good care of her. She sure is a looker, if you know what I mean," he winked. "I'm sure all of the Village boys will have their eyes on her."

"Oh don't worry, I'm good at taking care of her." I smile.

With Ordon only a few miles away, the feeling of being close to home started hitting me. It felt nice. Even if I most likely wasn't going to be here for a while.

We stopped at Ordon Spring for a few minutes so I could bathe Epona in the warm, rejuvenating water. It was amazing how dirty she got from just two days of no grooming, but of course Ilia does most of that so I wouldn't know.

We got back on Epona and headed straight for home. Getting there was no trouble, considering it was just a mile away from the spring. Zelda and I got off Epona. And I gave a Epona a pat on the back for being such a good sport on the way. She really was a good companion to have, not to mention a child to me.

I led Zelda up the ladder to my door, even though she was bickering the whole time about me needing to build stairs if she was going to be staying here long. I rolled my eyes. If it would make her shut up, than I probably would.

"This is your home?" Zelda asked.

I nodded.

"Hmm... kind of small."

"I like small places." I said. "Especially since I've been having to sleep in huge open fields lately..."

Zelda chuckled. "Well I suppose this will do. Where is your bathing quarters? I would like to take a bath."

I pointed towards a certain on the left back side of the room, as she walked towards and opened it, I wasn't surprised with her displeased sigh.

"There's no faucet?"

I shook my head. "You're in the country now... we don't have the things you have in Castle Town, or your palace."

She let out a heavy sigh. "Then how am I supposed to take a bath?"

"You need to boil some water, when the temperature is to your liking, you pore it in the tub." I explained.

"That seems like a lot of work..."

"Well unless you want to stink the whole time you're here... than I suggest you'd get to boiling some water."

She rolled her eyes at me. "Fine!"

I smiled. "Bucket's over there. You can borrow some of my clothes until I can find some that are suitable for you in town."

"You're going to town?" She asked.

I nodded. "I need to check if everyone is okay... I haven't talked to them since the night of the Bulblins attacked."

I walked over to the door and opened it. "Oh, and Princess... don't burn my house down."

I shut the door before I could hear a scowl from her, but I'm sure I'd get an ear full later. I took Epona by the reins and walked her towards down.

"I'll take you to Ilia girl." I told her. "She'll get you all cleaned up."

Town was rather quiet than usual when I walked through. But not surprising seeing as everyone seemed spooked the night of the attack. The first place I needed to go was Rusl's, so I made my way towards his house.

I didn't even have to knock on the door before Colin opened the door right on Que and came running towards me.

"Link, Link!" He exclaimed. "You're all right!"

I knelt down as he jumped into my arms. "Of course I'm all right!"

"I know you weren't dead! I just knew it!" He hugged me tightly.

I smiled, embracing him back. In most of the years I've lived her, I've never became so attached to someone like I have Colin. He was like the brother I've always waned, but never had. Growing fond of him in such a short time wasn't hard to do either.

He let go from our long hug, pulling on my shirt. "C'mon!" He pulled me towards the door. "My Dad has been worried sick about you!"

We both walked into Colin's together, and I noticed the house as a lot more spotless than it usually is. No doubt Mrs. Uli was cleaning her life away, worried about me. She was also like the Mother I never had, and Rusl the father. I guess you could say that they felt like my family. And they were.

"Mommy! Dad! Look who's back! It's Link!"

Uli came running towards us. "Link!" She cried, embracing me in a tight hug.

I hugged her back, smiling.

She then let go, and began to scowl me. "Don't you EVER scare us like that again!" She demanded. "We were all worried sick about you! The whole town!"

I smiled again, but this time sheepishly. "I'm sorry Mrs. Uli. I would have been here a lot sooner... but I had to bring some baggage with me."

"And what baggage are we talking about now?" I heard Rusl's voice as he was entering the room.

I smiled at him.

"Good to have you back, son." He put one hand on my shoulder.

"Good to be back! I got a lot to tell you."

Rusl nodded, knowing what I meant. That being the code name for "Colin can't hear what I'm about to tell you" he sent Colin out to gather some milk from the goods store.

The two of us sat at the table, while Mrs. Uli began making us some hot tea.

"So I'm assuming this bagagge is... not small." Rusl said.

I chuckled. "Not by the least. It's the Princess."

He raised an eyebrow. "The Princess aye?"

"Yes sir," I reassured. "I was told to watch over her for the time being. Seeing as the attack happened in the Castle... the guards are uneasy about her being there... at least until we figure out what's going on."

Rusl nodded. "Any idea why those dammed Bulblins attacked"

I shook my head. "Not at all... although one of them did say something awfully suspicious... it said they were working for someone... but not the name of the person."

Rusl nodded again. "I see... that might take some time to figure out."

I sighed. "Yep."

"Which means... the princess will probably be here for a while."

I sighed again.

Rusl nodded. "Well, we obviously can't go around telling everyone the princess is staying with us... there would be huge commotion..."

"Exactly... and I'm unsure of how to keep it a secret... even with the clothes she's wearing... she's still recognizable."

Rusl thought for a moment.

"Why not dye her hair a different color?" Uli suggested.

I rolled my eyes. "Like she'd ever agree to that."

"She's going to have to." Rusl said. "In order to keep her identity hidden."

I nodded. "I can try and convince her... I've told a few people she was my cousin visiting..."

"So she'll have to have blonde hair!" Uli exclaimed.

Rusl nodded in agreement. "It's the only way."

"And the makeup, we need to make her look as plain as possible!" Uli said, as she sat our tea in front of us.

She's going to kill me

"That's settled then!" Rusl stood up with his tea in hand. "We won't tell anyone about your arrival today... we will wait til tomorrow. Til' then, keep Epona in your stable. In the morning, Uli will come by, and fix the princess up." Rusl downed his tea, feeling a tad bit confident in his plan.

I nodded. "Okay then!"

"I won't keep you any longer," Rusl told me. "Go on home, get some rest. We have a big day tomorrow."

Walking out of the house, I felt a little bit awful... deciding all of these things without Zelda being there to defend herself... but she really had no choice. This had to be done. And it was going to.

I made my way to the house slowly, knowing I was going to get an ear full when I walked in the door.

I couldn't help wondering if this was the right thing to do... keeping Zelda here. She'd probably be better off in her Castle, with all her servants and guards. Out here, you don't have any of that. It's just you, and nature. And that's something she was not used to.

I sighed as I opened the door, realizing I didn't hear screaming yet, I looked around seeing no sight of her. I then climbed up to the second floor, finding her curled up in my bed, sound asleep.

I smiled. She looked so pretty when she was sleeping...

Because her big mouth is closed. I chuckled to myself.

I decided to take this opportunity to take a nice, hot bath. Considering I hadn't lately. Even though I was used to being dirty for long periods of time, if there was a bath near me, I was going to bathe.

I shivered with delight as I stepped into the hot water, taking my time getting down so I could let the warmth spread through my body calmly. This was definitely paradise to me.

Finally, sinking all the way down in the tub, I looked outside and saw dusk was coming.

I'll have to cook dinner soon. I thought to myself. I wonder if I have anything Zelda would eat...

Though I hated how picky she was, I didn't want her going hungry.

I wondered what tomorrow would bring, if it was going to be easy telling Zelda she'd have to practically change herself from the outside... no one would want to be told that, for whatever the reason.

And even though my thoughts were exploding, I couldn't help but hear the curtain be pushed to the side.

"Link I really don't thi-"

I looked up, seeing the princess stair down at me. And we stayed like that for five more seconds until she finally screamed, quickly closing the curtain.

"I... I am so sorry!" She said frantically. "I... I wasn't thinking! I didn't even think you were taking a bath!"

I chuckled to myself. "Why else would I be in here?"

"I don't know! Cleaning, maybe?"

"I never clean, princess."

"That's disgusting!" She scowled.

"Let's not forget who decided to be peek in at me while I was bathing!" I shot back as I got out of the tub, wrapping a towel around my waist.

"You're impossible!" She called back.

I laughed, opening the curtain.

She looked at me again for a moment, the same look she gave me when she had opening the curtain.

"See something ya like?" I winked at her.

Zelda gave me a look and turned her head. "Not at all."

I laughed. "Sure, sure."

"You should really not be wearing such little clothing around a Princess, I could have you put in prison for public nudity."

I rolled my eyes. "In the comfort of my own home? I don't think so. And besides, you've seen everything now anyways."

I could feel the blush forming on Zelda's face, and smirked to myself, climbing up to the second floor.

"I'm going to change. Don't peek, unless you want to." I turned back at her, and winked again.

"Ugh what ever!" She exlciamed, walking towards the table, sitting down and pouting.

I finished dressing, and climbed back down.

"So, what do you feel like having for dinner?" I asked.

"I don't know..." Zelda sighed. "I am not really hungry..."

"You've got to be hungry," I told her. "We haven't eaten since this afternoon."

I looked in the cupboard, seeing what I could put together.

"How about... some vegetable stew?" I asked, looking at her.

She just nodded.

I frowned. "You okay?"

"Not really... I am not okay."

I walked towards her. "Why not?"

"I'm just not!" She snapped at me.

I backed up, knowing she only wanted her space. Although I did wish she'd open up to me... it's not like I'm a total stranger or anything...

I finished up the stew quite quickly, filled two bowls full, and sat them down on the table, along with some fresh brewed tea.

"Dig in!" I exclaimed.

I was actually amazed at how well the stew tasted... I'd never really cooked anything like that before, and I could tell by the way she was scarfing it down, Zelda found it good as well!

I smiled. "You like it?"

She looked up at me with juice all over her face and nodded, then went back down to eating.

I chuckled.

We finished dinner and I cleaned up. Zelda had already went straight to bed after she ate, so I decided to sit by the fire for a little while until I decided to do so as well.

I guess I'm going to sleep here tonight. I thought as I held out my hands towards the flames.

I closed my eyes, and as I always did, fell deep into my thoughts. I liked it there. Not that I didn't like the real world... but at least in my thoughts, it wasn't reality... and reality is a cruel place to be in.

I heard the ladder creaking, and knew Zelda had woken up again, I turned towards her.

"What's up?"

"Can't sleep..." She replied.

"I see..." I said, patting the floor beside me. "Wanna keep me company?"

She didn't answer, just simply sitting down beside me.

We stayed like that for a while... until I finally broke the silence.

"I almost forgot," I said. "I was talking to Rusl earlier today... when I was gone... and... we've decided how you're going to stay here, but yet keep your identity as the princess a secret."

"And what is this idea?" She asked.

I gulped. This is how I die. "We... decided... that we're going to dye your hair blonde."

I waited for the scream, but it never came.

"Okay." She simply replied.

I raised an eyebrow. "You're... not freaking out."

She turned and looked at me, acting like she had never freaked out the whole time we've known each other. "Why would I freak out about that? If that is what I must do to keep myself hidden than I will do it."

I nodded. "I see."

She sighed. "I wish you wouldn't think so badly of me."

"I don't!" I assured her. "You just... seem to think badly of me."

"You have to understand, Link." She said. "I am not in my Castle... I am not used to this kind of life style. I was attacked not too long ago, and my Kingdom might be in great danger again. It is nothing personal. I just have a lot on my mind... and I am sorry if I have not been kind to you."

I smiled. "It's okay... and I understand Princess... believe me."

"I know you do..." She looked away, as if she felt the pain I was in when I was desperately trying to save Hyrule, not even asking for it.

"And you are always kind to me..." she put a hand on mine. "I am very grateful to you."

"Thank you, Princess."