Disclaimer: I don't own Zelda.

Author's Ramble: Thank you Fantasy Fan Girl, Yuleen75, La Generala, and Otakurec.37 for being the first people to review this story. Just think, if this becomes big, you can always say 'I reviewed the first chapter and gave the author enough reason to continue'. Bet that makes you feel good...okay onto the story.

"No way! I say we don't even bother!"

"We can't just not bother."

"Hell yeah we can! They screwed us over time after time, why should we give them a chance to screw us again!"

"Look I know you guys are upset but this could be a big sell."

"No! Who are you kidding the princess is the only reason we even bother with milk trips to Hyrule. If we give her a goat its over. Finale, Fin, thee end, done!

"But the festival-"

"Yes the festival, that's will be a big help. We can bring our goats and make trade offers to villagers all over Hyrule."

"Everyone hates us, they don't even want to talk to us. How the hell are we suppose to be able to make trade offers?"

Link rocked in his chair in the corner of the room as the men argued. They had been at it since he brought them the message. He quickly scanned the letter before hastily making his way back to the village. He gave it to the mayor, who instantly called for a town meeting. The usual people went, and this including Link. He was almost always the only person under thirty at the meetings. He was interested in the happenings of Ordon and would not be afraid to voice his opinion on a matter. Like this one for example, he was openly against selling any goat. Now he just had to voice it.

Link slammed his chair on the ground and it went unnoticed by the arguing men. Sighing he stood up, "Okay listen," he looked around the cabin filled room and no one stopped to listen. They act like they're three or something. Link took a breath, "LISTEN!" Everyone went silent and after a few glares, gave Link their attention.

"Yes I know that we just got an offer from the King and we should respect his wishes," Link chuckled to himself a little. "Yeah forget that," Link yelled earning cheers from the men that openly hated the king. "I say we send them a reply that 'politely' declines their request. Screw the king and his little princess."

Before receiving applause from the kingdom haters Rusl stood up and spoke in a booming voice. "If we did that then they could simply come down here themselves to get a goat. We all know that would be more trouble for the king and us. If that happened he wouldn't want to spend so much money on it anymore. In fact we should be thanking him that he is actually willing to spend money and not just take it. We have no say in this, they could take it, or buy it and I say we be smart and let him buy it."

"Why are you siding with them," Link accused.

"I'm not siding with them," Rusl sighed, "I am simply trying to make a smart decision here. Either way we are losing a goat. Even if they politely ask us to sell them one. They want one, and they don't care how they get it. I'm telling you my friends, sell it, make some money and get on with our lives."

"But what about our economy," a man shouted, "There's no point in hiding it. Our economy is crashing."

"You're over exaggerating," Rusl explained, "We may not be able to get whatever we want, but we can easily survive. Our food and shelter has nothing to do with our profits and rupees."

"What about the materials for shelter," argued another man, "Rusl we need money, even if not that much. We have been able to survive by selling the milk, but this will ruin us for sure."

"Then I will ask for a large sum of money," Rusl suggested, "I will argue that this 'gift' is extremely important to us, and by selling it we are practically selling our village."

"Rusl I still think th-"

"Silence!" Everyone in the room turned to the body that the deep voice came from. Bo, the village mayor, sat in his big chair in the center of a rectangular table, surrounded by two advisors who also were his trusted friends. He was a big man and slightly balding. His was kind and had humor of a child, always playing with the little kids and laughing. However when push came to shove, he would step up as the village leader. If a situation ever occurred he would become serious and solemn. Thinking every action through, making sure the village would also prosper from his decision.

Bo slowly stood up towering over everybody else in the room. "It pains me to say this but we must let Rusl deliver the milk." Cries of outraged rang out but he simply rose a hand and waited for them to subside. "Rusl is right, they will get this goat no matter what. Even if they have to send a sentry down here, which no of us want. Let Rusl go and sell them the goat, for a high price." The Mayor emphasized the last part knowing how generous Rusl could be.

"Fine," Rusl said, "But on one condition."

"What!" A man shot out of his chair and pointed an accusing finger at him, "You are in no place to ask for conditions, be happy we are even letting you sell a goat."

"Now, now," Bo spoke calming the angry men, "Let's hear him out."

"Thank you Bo," Rusl nodded his head in acknowledgement, "It's a simple condition all I ask is that Link come with me to help with the transport of the goats."

There was only one person who cried out. "Rusl what the hell!" Link yelled almost jumping onto the table he was previously sitting behind. "Why would I ever want to go to the castle to sell goats?"

"I accept the condition," Bo answered.

"Well I don't," Link yelled.

Everyone seemed to ignore him. Rusl briskly walked towards the door. When he reached it, his eyes darted to Link's and he tipped his head signaling to follow him. Link hissed and kicked his chair over before following his 'old friend' out the door.

Rusl was quickly walking in what Link knew to be the direction of the ranch. He followed after him, not saying a word. He didn't want to make a commotion in front of everyone. He knew Rusl was going to the ranch for two reasons. The first in picking out the five lucky goats and the second to be practically alone so Link could yell at him. It was a short trip and when they arrived Link wasted no time to start the shouting.

"Rusl explain!"

"Link I know you're upset-"

"No that's an understatement," Link yelled cutting him off, "I am straight pissed. I hate going to the castle and I am completely against delivering these goats. Why would I want to go? Bring Fado or someone whose actual job is taking care of goats."

Rusl sighed for what seemed to be the hundredth time today. "Look Link, I need someone to go with me on this trip. You are the only person fit for the job, you work well with animals and if trouble occurs I know you can handle yourself. Fado can't fight. Hell you're probably better then me now…well maybe we shouldn't go that far."

Link raised an eyebrow, "Is that a challenge?"

A small smile spread across Rusl's hardened features, "It would be if we weren't leaving early tomorrow."

"Aw you scared," taunted Link.

Rusl laughed, "Not in the least, but you know that when ever we spar, we take it to far."

"That rhymed," Link joked.

"I'm a poet and I didn't even know it," Rusl replied.

"Now that's just dumb," Link laughed.

"Link your words are harsh, like the deepest marsh."

"They're getting worse."

"Alright, alright," Rusl heartily laughed. "Seriously, we will be too tired tomorrow morning if we spar today. Actually Link I want you to go home and rest up for tomorrow. It's gonna be a long journey."

"So not only are you ruining my next few days, but you are ruining the rest of today for me as well."

"Pretty much," Rusl responded with a smile.

"Can't you give me a few more days," Link begged.

"No," Rusl's answer was short, at first. He took a breath and then continued, "Look I have things planned out in my mind and we need to leave tomorrow."

"Fine," grunted Link.

"Hey I don't really wanna do this either, its just we need too. It is the best choice in this matter, and don't worry I think it will be a useful trip in the end."

"Whatever," Link sighed as he turned to go back to his house. A short uphill walk that he followed more times that he could ever dream of remembering. When he arrived he was not surprised to see his friends waiting for him there. Blaine was leaning against the latter and Troy was leaning on the railing on the little deck that the latter went up too. Ilia was leaning next to Troy and Malon, a beautiful crimson haired girl, sat on the deck above Blaine, swinging her legs over the edge.

"So what happened," Blaine was the first to speak.

"We're actually going through with it," Link solemnly replied.

"You serious," Troy asked.

"Deadly," Link nodded, "and get this, I have to go with Rusl."

"Lucky," Ilia spoke.

"How is that lucky," Troy asked turning his head to her.

"No she's right," Malon said backing up her friend, "there are so many merchants there selling jewels, pearls, and silk, almost anything."

"Yes that's exactly why I want to go," Link sarcastically replied rolling his eyes. "That city is filled with dirty people who will do anything for a single rupee."

"He's right," Blaine agreed stepping away from the latter. "The only good thing about that place is the Princess. I hear she's quite the looker."

Troy chuckled, "You're gonna upset Malon, Blaine."

"Hmph, why would I care," Malon said a little too sharply, causing everyone to laugh a little.

This is what they usually did during their long days. Just hang out, joke, and just have fun together. Malon worked with Fado at the ranch, usually with smaller animals like the cuckoos. Ilia was the mayor's daughter, she would usually keep his office organized and would act as some small type of secretary. Troy worked at a weaponry shop. He rarely actually went just because no one ever would buy a weapon. If they did need something they would find him and he would be happy to go and help them at the store. Blaine was a blacksmith in the making. Skilled for his age but not good enough to open his own shop, or take over for Kess, the town's current blacksmith.

"Anyway guys I can't hangout anymore," Link told them, "I gotta get ready for the trip tomorrow."

"Tomorrow?" whined Malon "Isn't that a little soon?"

"Yeah but Rusl insists on leaving tomorrow…early tomorrow I might add."

"That sucks," Troy said stating the obvious.

"Yeah it does," Link agreed, "So as politely as I can, I ask you to get the hell outta my house. I need to prepare for tomorrow."

"Yeah yeah," Blaine said walking past him patting him on the shoulder as he went. Blaine was probably the best friend to Link in the village. Rusl was more like father to him, and while his other friends were still close. Blaine and him just seemed to get along better and also agree on most things.

"Good-luck," Malon wished him as she gave him a hug before chasing after Blaine.

Troy hoped off the deck and Ilia climbed down the latter. Troy shoved his hands in his pockets and gave Link a nod as he walked past. Ilia walked up to Link and also hugged him wishing him luck. She then chased after Troy who was walking slowly, and Link had a small feeling his pace was on purpose.

"Well might as well get this over with," Link told himself as he slowly walked to his latter that would lead up his humble abode.

Over in the mayor's house Rusl sat sharing a cup of tea with Bo.

"You sure about this," Bo asked his old friend.

"I am positive," Rusl answered taking a small sip of the thin liquid. "I think it is going to be a good experience for Link. He needs to learn that the King, Queen, and the Princess aren't after us. People may hate us, but only because they don't know us. You said so yourself, 'people hate the unknown'. It's just automatic."

"Well I hope you're right," Bo took a sip of his tea, "You think he's gonna do anything stupid there."

Rusl chuckled and smiled, "Without a doubt."

Link slowly trudged down the path that would eventually bring him to the town's gates. He carried a sword and shield on his back. He held Epona's reins in his right hand and led her down the path. Epona had Link's bag tied to her along with his bow and quiver in their usual place. His head was hung as he walked, and it wasn't because he wasn't a morning person. In fact he was always up early, however this time he just didn't feel like doing this at all. He usually tried to make the best of a situation but not this time.

"Hey Link!" Rusl greeted happily.

He's too happy. "Morning," grunted Link.

"Hey, why so down?" Rusl asked already knowing the answer but just making small talk before getting down to business.

"Why do you think," Link hissed.

"Hey cheer up this will be fun. Even if you hate that Hyrule castle and the city, you still enjoy the trip. I'm tellin' you it wont be as bad as you make it out to be."

"Let's just go," Link suggested.

Rusl didn't bother replying and just go on his horse. Link also mounted Epona and they began walking out of the village with the five handpicked goats in-between. With these goats we're gonna have to travel slowly. Link thought, This will at least be a three, maybe even four, day trip…oh joy.

"Hey did you reply to them," Link's voice cut through the silent morning.

"Yeah I sent a letter last night," Rusl replied.

"So you think we'll get a big welcome," Link asked somewhat knowing the answer.

"Doubt it," Rusl responded. "I bet we have to find our own food and roof to sleep under."

"You would think they would show us some hospitality," Link said, "I mean even if one came to our village I know that we would give them food and shelter."

"Yeah but what are you going to do," Rusl said with a slight chuckle.

"I don't know," Link answered, "but I will do something, someday. This world isn't fair."

"You're right."

"It should be fair."

"But it's not, and we have to live with it."

"People are stupid," Link decided.

Rusl could only nod his head in agreement.

"Your majesty I have a reply from Ordon!"

The king slowly turned to the door on the far side of the Audience Chamber. It was the more personal space for the king to have meetings. If a representative from another land or village was to come to discuss something, he would hold the meeting in this room. For anything less important like some commoner complaining about something, he would see to them in the Grand Hall. If the Ordon's came he would be dealing with them here. Not that he didn't want them in his Audience chamber, it was quite the contrary. He wanted to let them see how serious he was taking the relationship between Ordon and Hyrule. However there was no way goats was about to let goats into his Audience Chamber.

The King was currently sitting in his throne with his wife and daughter on either side. They were discussing the festival and asking Zelda what she wanted to do. She only needed to say her wish and it would be granted. Her father spoiled her, except Zelda never turned rotten like other spoiled girls. For some reason she was always kind, gentle, and wise. Not caring about how many possessions she had, or how she was 'more important then others'. Especially the last one.

"Well good," The king replied to the servant, "bring it here." The servant did as he was told and bowed after handing the message over. The king glanced it over briefly before a smile shown on his face.

My King,

It will be an honor for us to deliver a goat for her highness' birthday. We will bring our top five and she may pick the one she wants. I can personally guarantee with my life that any of these goats will produce enough milk every week. I do however, regret to say that I can't give you our prized goats for free. It is also my dismay that I have to charge you a larger sum then I would like. We can talk exact price when we arrive. We shall arrive in approximately three days at the earliest and five at the latest.

Signed your loyal servant Rusl

"What does the letter say dear?"

The king turned to his wife, "They shall arrive in three days at the earliest," he turned to face his daughter," and Zelda you are to pick the goat you want."

"Are we sure it is wise to take one of their goats," Zelda asked.

"Are you still fretting over that my dear," her Queen stifled a laugh with the back of her hand, "this is for the best."

Zelda loved her mother deeply but sometimes she wondered how good of a Queen she really was if she obviously didn't like a certain group, that from Zelda's prospective, weren't that bad. Her mother had all the stereotypes of being a Queen. She was beautiful, elegant, and had high social manners. Yet she also had that short of attitude the rich got. She thought highly of herself. Even if she was the Queen, Zelda still thought that the Queen should be working for the people. Her mother seemed to think the complete opposite.

Her father was a little more reasonable. Most likely since he was a knight and lived with the 'commoners' as her parents call them. He knew what it was like to work hard, and the troubles of life. He knew what it meant to go to war, and what it meant to lose a friend. He made it to be King by proving himself, and of course winning the heart of the princess.

"My dear would you like that," her father asked her sweetly.

"I'm terrible sorry, my attention was elsewhere," the Princess apologized, "What did you say."

"How about we hold a competition where many fighters come from all over Hyrule."

"Why would I want to celebrate fighting?" Zelda seriously asked.

"Well it would be entertainment to people, and you of course." Seeing his daughter's expression not budge he decided to continue and attempt to persuade her. "The winner could get a valuable prize. That way it isn't about fighting exactly, but people trying to get money."

"How is that better," Zelda frowned.

"It would be a lot of money, enough to satisfy most people. That can help those in need of money."

"Whatever," Zelda answered.

"Pardon me?" the Queen almost screeched.

"Oh-sorry mother," Zelda bowed her head, "you have my permission to host a combatant tournament."

"Very good dear," The queen said while pulling out a fan and waving it in front of her.

"On one condition," Zelda added with a smile.

The King raised en eyebrow, "Oh and what shall that be?"

"If you wish for just a combatant tournament then I request we involved other skills then just hand to hand combat."

"What do you have in mind dear," The king genuinely asked.

"Maybe some bow and arrow skills, as well as horse riding. Something that just a big brute will not be able to do." Zelda smiled, "If you add more skillful tasks then I will agree to the combatant tournament."

The King lovingly smiled back, "Whatever my precious daughter wants."

"My princess." The three royals turned their heads to see Impa standing in the doorway. "It is time for your studies."

"Ah yes," The King agreed. "Zelda we shall continue this at another time."

"Very well father," Zelda said before bowing and leaving.

The King waited a few minutes, "You know if she says something that isn't to the highest standard in our company isn't bad." The King was referring to Zelda answering with 'whatever'. The Queen figured that only commoners would speak in such ways.

"Of course it is," The Queen hastily replied. "She can't have slip ups like that in public. She must always maintain a certain degree of elegance. She is a princess after all."

"Whatever my dear," The King joked with a smile tugging at his lips.

The Queen gave him a sharp look before letting her facial features soften and smile. "Now I know where she gets it."

Link sat there poking the fire with a stick. Every time he did a plethora of sparks would fly up burning gold and slowly vanish into the night sky. He watched the fire intently and couldn't help himself as he began to get hypnotized in the waves of fire. This is how Rusl found him as he returned with more wood. Half of the blonde's face danced with light and the other half hidden in shadow.

"Link," no response, "…Link!"

"Huh?" Link snapped out of his daze, "Oh sorry Rusl."

"Thinking?" Rusl asked dropping the pile of logs and twigs next to him as he sat.

Link shook his head, "No, more just letting my mind wonder."

Rusl chuckled a little before tossing a log into the fire, "You know your dad use to do that all the time." Link instantly perked his head up and watched Rusl play with the fire. Rusl knew Link was going to hang onto every word that was about to leave his mouth. Link lost his parents when he was young so he loved to hear about them. Even if he already knew a story about them, he would stop anything he was currently occupying himself with, and direct all his attention to the story being retold.

"I've told you about how me and your dad use to go on trips like these all the time," Rusl started tossing another log onto the fire causing it to hiss. "Not really too the castle, but just around. Well whenever we set up camp, he would just stare at the fire. I always wondered what he thought about, but every time I asked he just told me 'nothing important'. Eventually I brought up that one could only think about 'nothing' so much. He then explained to me that it was more 'letting his mind wonder'. Just like you said."

"What places did you guys travel too?" Link asked eating up all the information he could about his dad.

Rusl laughed to himself a bit at the memories. "Oh just about everywhere. One time he even made it up to the Zoras. That is quite the place let me tell you. They welcomed us warmly-"

"Wait I thought Hyrule hated us, even the water and mountain tribes." Link inquired.

"Ah now think about that," Rusl rested his arms on his knees and leaned forward. "See before we became part of Hyrule we weren't disliked by everyone, hardly anyone really. We were seen as barbarians still, but don't we think the Zoras are fish and don't we think the Gorons are rocks. Everyone has their stereotypes so it didn't matter. It was only after the war…well if I can even call it a war, it lasted about a week."

"Rusl…" Link called his name in a low tone warning him of the subject he was about to tread on. "In that one week more people's lives changed then some changed in years."

"Alright sorry," Rusl genuinely apologized before continuing to quickly change the subject back, "See when the fight between Ordon and Hyrule happened all the other villages and tribes sided with the King. That is when we really began getting the bad reputation. But I can almost guarantee you, that if you went to Zora's Domain, they wouldn't care if you were from Ordon. To them we are all just Hylians, just not all leaving in one area like they do."

"Fine, whatever, tell me more about my father and the domain," Link pressured.

"Alright, alright," Rusl chuckled, "Well it was beautiful. Water and shinning rocks everywhere. It was so serine and just made you never want to leave. Well maybe not that far, it got old when everything was damp." This earned a small laugh from his young companion. "Well I guess once every few months the Zoras have this race. Well of course your father insisted he be part of it. Can you believe it, a Hylian against Zoras in a swimming race?"

"Did they let him," Link quickly asked getting wrapped up in the story.

"Surprisingly yes they did," Rusl laughed. "You should've seen him too. He tried to hard to keep up with them, but it's like racing a fish. You just can't win, but luckily-"

"What?"

"Aren't you excited," Rusl joked, "haven't seen you this excited since you first kissed a girl."

Rusl didn't miss the dirty blonde's cheeks turned slightly pink. "Hey stay on subject please."

"Okay," Rusl laughed, "anyways see the race was downstream and well anyone can really float downstream. Your father just spread his arms and legs wide and let the water take him. He used his brain because he knew that at the end they had to run on land."

"Why?"

Rusl shrugged, "I guess just to make the race more fun. It was about a two hundred yard dash to the finish. Now you've seen Zoras, they can walk and run on land. Not as fast as a Hylian, but still pretty fast. So your dad was far behind them and the first place Zora must have been at least half way there. Well your father gets on land and runs as fast as his legs would carry him. Now remember your father was actually a very fast runner, one of the faster men from I could hear him huffing and puffing where I was, but your father never gives up. He was catching and fast. He actually caught up to them atthe end and began passing those in the back. With about twenty yards left he was tied for second and the first place Zora was just a few steps ahead of him. Well knowing your dad I wasn't the least bit surprised to seem him trip and fall."

"…You're kidding."

"Nope, not in the least, face first into the ground," Rusl smacked his forehead with his palm to emphasis. Link just stared at his old friends for a second before bursting in hysterical laughter, which was soon followed by Rusl. They laughed for a bit but soon they both quieted down and the fire's crackling filled the silent night.

"…Was he a good man?" Link suddenly asked quietly staring deep into the fire.

Rusl watched the young man for a moment. "He was a great man, and he would be so proud of you." Rusl watched as a smile that only could be described as a proud one appear on Link's face. "Link…do you hate the kingdom because they took your parents away?"

The smile slipped off his face and his eyes flashed angry, but not at Rusl. The man knew Link meant no harm to him, it was all directed at the kingdom. It was always directed at the kingdom, and in good reason. Rusl knew Link's life would be filled with happiness if it weren't for the King. To Link he took everything away, and for reasons Link still didn't understand. Ordon may not have liked Hyrule but they never even fathomed the idea of fighting them. But they did, and they lost, and this is the aftermath of the pointless war.

To Rusl's surprise Link responded, "It has more to do then just that. Yes I am mad that they took my only family away, but they also ruined many people's lives." Link suddenly stopped and looked deeply at his old friend before turning back to the fire. "I'm not getting into this again. Go to bed Rusl, we have to leave early tomorrow."

Rusl sighed as he began to prepare himself for sleep. They had just finished their second day of travel and if they kept this pace they would arrive at the castle possibly late tomorrow. They were almost at the destination of the trip that they both didn't really want to be on.

However Rusl was the only one who was actually going to sleep. Rusl heard Link shuffle around and untie his bag. Rusl smiled to himself knowing what Link was getting. Within another minute the campsite was filled with a soft tone as Link played his ocarina. Link would subconsciously play the melody based off his feelings and right now it was a low soft sound, reflecting his thoughts. Rusl knew he was thinking about his parents, or really more about not having them around.

"It's so…so hideous, I have been here before and I wonder how I have never had any nightmares."

Rusl laughed out loud, "you know its not bad and don't tell me you aren't slightly impressed every time you see the benevolent city that surrounds the magnificent castle."

"You act like you want to live here," Link commented.

"I don't, I just marvel at how impress the architecture is. People built this Link, isn't that incredible." Rusl replied with a bright smile.

"Whatever lets just go," Link suggested heeling his horse to get her moving again at the slow pace that they traveled they whole trip. Link hated to be going so slow for so long, but they had to with the cattle.

"Move!" Rusl shouted behind the five goats to get them moving.

Link led the whole way in the front usually up a hundred yards checking to see if there would be any trouble. Most of the time any creature wouldn't be out in the open plains. Supposedly long ago, creatures use to roam all over the place. When the clans like the Zoro's and Gorons started to ally themselves with Hyrule, the monsters began to disperse back into the woods and other dark places. The hellish creatures really disappeared when the Hyrulians started to take power in Hyrule, even over the more ancient tribes. They didn't do it in an evil way, and they got rid of most monsters so it might have been for the best, to take charge and get Hyrule in order.

Actually Link had to congratulate them on how they got rid of most of the monsters. They held 'hunts' which basically meant, 'go out and kill as many monsters as you can'. They would bring back proof that they killed some creature and in turn get a reward. Soon many people went about the task of hunting to make money. In doing so they practically made the evil creatures extinct. At least in the open plains. There were still monsters but to see them you would have to go deep into a forest.

Still Hyrule taking charge is what leads us to today's dilemma, Link thought.

It didn't take long to reach the gates. The two Ordon villagers strolled up to the first gate that two guards were stationed at. Link didn't miss the quick look they gave each other, and their hands grip their spears tighter. Link noticed that they didn't even try to mask their amount of dislike they had towards the two goat herders.

"Are you the two from Ordon delivering goats," one guard asked roughly.

Uh no we're just two guys with five goats randomly walking around and we felt like stopping here, Link thought sarcastically. How he wished he didn't have to keep his thoughts in his head. They know we are from Ordon by are skin, its tan from the sun since were out all day and it is hotter down there.

Luckily Rusl answered for him before Link could answer, "Yes we are."

"Very well," the guard responded starting to turn, "We are to escort you to the Castle. I shouldn't have to tell you to mind your manners. Also I shall think it is for the best that you don't even speak until the King addresses you. "

Rusl shot Link a glare, knowing that Link was about to talk back. Rusl didn't want any commotion. He just wanted to sell the goats, maybe look around if Link was behaving, and then just go home.

The Ordonians followed behind the soldiers quietly as they watched their surroundings. Rusl looked on just as anyone would ride through a crowded city. Link watched in pure curiosity of being a teen. He had been in the city before but it still seemed so strange to him. The tall buildings that were within feet of each other. Only small islands of flowers, no actual grass. It was just stone for as far as he could see and he didn't like it.

Link also didn't like any of the attention he kept getting. Usually if he came by himself he would be able to sneak in not notice by anyone unless he talked to them. But since he had five goats that easily marked him from Ordon everyone looked on. The two escorts that kept shouting to the people to move didn't help either. Since it was just a little later in the afternoon the streets were crowded and the progress was slow, if not a crawling pace.

"Hey mommy," Link looked to his left to see a little boy pulling on his mothers dress. "Are those people important?"

Link watched as the mother bend down to be face to face with her son. "No they are from Ordon, and I want you to stay away from them alright. They are dangerous, now promise me you'll stay away."

"I promise," the boy said before turning and watching Link and the others make the 'procession' to the castle.

"Link," the blonde teen turned his attention to the right to Rusl. "Kinda nice getting all this attention isn't it. Makes a man feel important."

"No," Link shook his head, "This sucks, why would I care what these people say or think." Link heard a nose and looked behind him to see a goat slowly getting off course. "You better get back there and keep them in line."

"Aye," Rusl agreed before slowing his horse to reach the back.

Link felt a hand on his leg and his head snapped to his left. There was a girl, no younger then Link himself, walking next to the horse with her hand resting on Link's thigh. She smiled brightly showing all her perfectly white teeth and she had mysterious green eyes. She had long brown hair that fell halfway down her back and she wore a simple long V-neck red dress. Even with such a simple normal look, Link couldn't help but notice she was pretty.

"Hey is it true what they say about men from Ordon," the brunette said with a mischievous smile.

Maybe Rusl's right and I should have more fun. Link thought as a small smiled spread on his lips. He leaned closer to her and she slipped her hand away, "depends what do they say."

"That they are beasts by nature," the girl replied still with the same smile.

Link flashed his own mischievous smile, "only with certain aspects."

This time the girl held out her hand, "I'm Kristi."

Link held her hand softly and brought it to his lips, landing a small soft kiss the back. "I'm Link, and we Ordons can also be quite the gentlemen. It all depends what you want."

"What if I want both," She flirted right back, "a gentlemen during the day but a beast at night."

"I think I can accommodate," Link responded flashing a handsome smile.

"Link stop flirting we're almost there," Rusl called from the back. He knew Link and knew that he might actually go through with this girl during his stay here. Link was mature for his age, that was for sure. Still if he was tempted too much then things happen. He was a young man now and Rusl knew exactly what he was going through. Sad to say Link was like his father, maybe just not as bad.

"Yeah yeah," Link called back while straightening himself on Epona. He looked back at Kristi, "Hey I'll be hear for at least a day. Maybe I'll see you around."

Kristi giggled and blew him a kiss, "I hope you find me, I wanna see how much of man you really are."

Link let out a laugh, at least some people think it's a plus that I'm from Ordon.

Link trotted on seeing the castle slowly coming closer. Slowly getting larger to the point where Link thought it wasn't possible anymore. It was big and Link couldn't even stop himself from being in awe of its might. Link couldn't help but look up as he walked under the magnificent archway entering the castle ground.

Fountains lined the stone pathway to the main entry doors. Fountains off all kinds, big and small. Some with figures in them others just a unique design. It was the first sight of grass in a while and all kinds of flowers bloomed. He felt like he was home again in the fields, with the swaying grass in the wind. It was beautiful and Link found himself lost in it. He shut his eyes just taking in the enormous amount of aromas was intertwining with the breeze. He knew that the Castle's garden would be much better but that was hard to imagine. This was close to perfect.

"Disembark," one of their soldier escorts ordered.

Rusl hopped off his horse and handed it to a boy that would take it to the stable. Link glared at the soldier first for ordering him to do anything. He slowly dismounted and handed the reins to another boy. When the boy tried to lead Epona, the stubborn horse wouldn't move. Link chuckled to a little as he watched the boy try and pull the horse.

"It's okay girl," Link told her gently patting her head. Epona shook her head as if giving her response but then followed the boy to the stables. Link turned back and helped Rusl lead the goats into the Castle.

Link soon found himself walking up a wooden ramp that the castle workers put in place to they wouldn't have to walk up stairs. That wasn't a problem walking up for the goats. The problem is that the goats are incapable of walking down stairs. So this ramp was necessary.

Two guards with spears pushed open the doors leading into the Grand Hall. The original guards still escorted them in and after everyone was in the building they did a quarter turn and walked to the walls, still standing at attention. Rusl was now next to Link and the goats silently followed behind.

The Grand Hall was indeed grand. Its ceiling must have been two or more stories high. Long marble pillars lined their pathway towards their destination in front of the King. The pillars bottoms were gold with engraving on them. Link noticed as he walked that every so often there would be a knight dressed in full armor. They stood so still he thought they were statues for a moment.

Link directed his attention towards the King. The plan was for Rusl to do all the talking. Rusl wasn't afraid Link wouldn't be able to handle the nerves of being in front of a king. It was completely the opposite. Rusl was afraid that Link would insult him, which he was still quite afraid for.

Link couldn't help but tighten his grip on the goat's reins when he saw the King. This was the man that started a pointless war. The one caused Link to lose his parents. The very same man that ended so many lives, whether from Ordon or from Castle Town. He hated this man, every day he spent as a lone child was because of him. The man he was about to sell goats too.

For a second he even considered simply charging and running his sword through his chest. He still had it, and who knows. Maybe he could even ride a goat out to Epona and make an escape. Link sighed, he knew he couldn't do that. He would just have to make the sale and get out of here before he did do something stupid.

"Link relax," Rusl advised him, "and please, please don't do or say anything stupid."

Link smirked, Rusl knows me all right. Link took a deep breath, okay you don't have to speak at all so just don't.

As Link approached he saw the Queen to the King's left. She was supposedly worse then the King and just the way she looked back at them he knew he didn't like her. Not that he liked the King, but at least he looked like someone who could have been a normal person at one time. She just looked like some doll that was put in place every morning to please the citizens.

Link and Rusl finally reached a point where they figured it was close enough. A few yards from the many steps that would ascend to the thrones. Three thrones, and only two people. Link thought it was a little odd but he was in no place to comment.

The King stood up, "Greeting friends from Ordon."

Rusl dropped to one knee and Link followed suit, no matter how much he despised the man. He knew when being completely rude was wrong. Rusl stood back up and Link followed him once again.

"Your Majesty we are honored that you wish to purchase one of our goats," Rusl spoke in a way that Link could only compare to some little brown nose kid sucking up to someone.

The King sat back down, "My daughter is in love with your milk, wont drink any other kind I'm afraid,"

So she's spoiled is she, Link thought, Makes sense since she's the princess. Although I give her credit for liking our milk, it is the greatest out there.

"I have to apologize however," the King continued. Hearing the King say that snapped Link out of his thoughts. "My daughter is running late and I hope you don't mind."

"Not at all your majesty," Rusl said slightly bowing.

"Well to keep this room from being awkwardly quiet, tell us about your trip."

Link felt a smile come to his face hearing the King. He wasn't what he thought he would be. He thought he would be harsh evil man. Instead he seemed to be a light hearted kind of man. Still it didn't change Link's feelings of hatred towards him. He wouldn't care if the princess herself planned the invasion on Ordon. He would never forgive that attack.

Link heard doors open up and a girl with long blonde hair quickly walk in. Even though she was in a rush, Link noticed that she still walked with a certain elegance and grace. She held her head high, with her hands cupped in front. Her dress was long with blue and gold running throughout adn swayed with each step. The triforce symbol was on the front center. Her hair was braided and she had the most defining features that Link had ever seen. His eyes were glued to her as she hastily made her way to her throne on the right of the king. Link at that moment decided that she was in fact, the most beautiful person he had ever laid eyes on in his entire life.

Maybe he would care if she planned the attack.

Okay like I said I probably wouldn't be able to update this story that much. I will when I can but it's on the bottom of my priority list. Sorry it just is. However maybe a lot of reviews could change my mind. I really do hope you leave a review and tell me what you think. Constructive criticism is always welcomed. I'm not too sure about this fic so I need to hear if people like the idea or not.