Hello everybody, and Happy New Year! Here's my gift to all of my (the two of you) readers! Enjoy part IV of desert Thief

-The Legend of Zelda-

-The Desert Thief-

-Chapter 16-

"So, where are we headed now?"

A question, and one Link had heard asked several times since he was joined by his new fairy companion. Vari had proved to be helpful to Link in many ways. The fairy hadn't lied when she told Link that she was familiar with the land, and had even proven to be knowledgeable of the many creatures that lived there.

However, Vari had made it clear that she would be heard, whether Link wanted to hear what she had to say or not; then again, Link couldn't recall a time when he had a chance to tell the fairy otherwise. This wasn't a bad thing per say, it was nice to hear somebody's voice from time to time while journeying through an unknown land. He still missed hearing Midna speak from his shadow, scolding him for his brash actions.

Link was a man of few words. He was content to melt into a secluded corner and simply listen to a conversation, an attribute he could thank Midna for amplifying. Vari would prefer to be leading the conversation; the two balanced each other out quite well.

"Link?"

The man in question looked up from the book he was reading and noticed the floating ball of light directly in front of him. Vari waited patiently for an answer to her previous question, a question Link realized he failed to answer.

Sighing, Link simply shrugged his shoulders in uncertainty. While he had planned ahead before Naila had sacked Belfair, the hero usually determined his next destination by local legends, old books, or even his own personal hunches. With Naila in possession of almost all of his books, he had to rely on the other two options, neither of which seemed to be helpful at the moment.

"You don't know where?"

Link shook his head, the edges of his lips lowering into a frown. It was frustrating not having any direction. The book he had recovered from deep within the ancient temple where he found Vari, the one Naila's man had dropped, wasn't revealing any sort of revelation. He had read the book before when he first acquired it, but it was among the vaguest of the literature he had collected.

Now that the book was the only bit of text he had about the interlopers and their reign of terror and war, Link found himself once again scouring its pages looking for anything new that could point him in the right direction. Expectedly, it revealed very little information.

Vari looked down at the book that rested in Link's lap and flew down close to it. Link couldn't tell what the fairy was doing; could Vari read Hylian? It wasn't farfetched for a fairy to know a language, but Link honestly couldn't tell if the fairy was reading or not. Without being able to see the ball of light's eyes, she could be sleeping for all he knew.

"This is an interesting book," Vari said after a few moments. Apparently she could read. "It looks like a chronicler's work. Are you using it to find your friend?"

Link slowly nodded his head. Vari had asked Link many questions in the short time they'd traveled together, some quite personal others quite trivial. When asked about his motivation for being so far from home, the hero gave the fairy the same shortened explanation that he gave to Kurt, Lisa, and Alria. Although he had only known the fairy for a day or two, it seemed easier to share the information with it than with other humans.

"After those that wielded the unholy power vanished from the world, the Great One journeyed to the breast of the world and descended into their heart to rest…" Vari read a passage on the page that Link had underlined. In truth, Link knew it held significant information within it, but nobody seemed to know where the 'breast of the world' was. It was obviously somewhere in Vadum, where the chronicles were written, and Link also assumed that they were mountains or some sort of rock formation.

Link had several thoughts on why nobody seemed to know of this location or area. The chronicles that Link had in his possession were written millennia ago, before the current era even began. Over time, lands get conquered, names are changed, and the old titles they once held disappear into history. While the notion of such a mystery may have proven an adventure within itself for someone such as Shad, Link didn't have the time to spare to figure out where the location was.

Naila was looking just as hard as Link now for entry into the Twilight Realm, and if a way into the realm fell into the wrong hands, it could mean the destruction of their worlds. He couldn't let that happen.

"The breast of the world… I know of that place," Vari spoke up once again. Links head shot in the direction of the fairy. "They're two peaks deep within the Reslo mountains in the far south region of Vadum."

Twin peaks, it made sense! Surely the name was fitting; everything made sense to Link now.

"Most people now call the peaks the Sisters of the South, and none ever approach them," Vari stated, her tone of voice utmost serious. "All who do are never seen again."

That confused Link; he'd traveled through and over many mountains during his travels. What made these mountains, these Sisters of the South, so different that nobody could climb -yet alone approach- them?

Vari could see Link's face shift slightly into confusion. She gathered what he was probably thinking and continued speaking.

"The mountains are very large, larger than most, but that's not what keep people away. They are said to be haunted by an ancient spirit that devours all who wander into the unending blizzards of its mountains."

Link raised a brow at the legend. The hero had to admit, he was beginning to grow quite impressed by Vari's knowledge of the land. She had told him that she'd traveled all over the world for years before meeting him, and had gained a wealth of knowledge in the process.

"The Great One mentioned in your chronicles... do you think that it's the spirit that haunts the Sisters?"

That thought had come up in Link's head. Not only was it likely, assuming the legends were true, but he was willing to bet his life on it. Whatever had laid in wait in the mountains known as the Sisters of the South for the last era, Link would be sure to meet it.

Whether it had the information he wanted, or not.

Closing the book in his hands, Link packed the chronicles into one of his tunic's many pockets. Vari watched silently as he collected the few supplies he had and mounted Epona.

"I guess I know where we're going," the fairy said, almost cheekily.

Link only smiled as he watched Vari fly over to him, only to hide inside of one of Epona's saddle bags. With a click-click, Link nudged Epona's side, and the trio made for southwest.

The Sisters awaited them.

-The Legend of Zelda-

-The Desert Thief-

-Chapter 17-

"Link! Slow down, I'm going to fall!" Midna cried out. However, it wasn't spoken in a worried tone of voice as much as it was... annoyed and slightly amused.

Link was riding across Hyrule field atop Epona, who was at a full gallop. However, this was no ordinary ride. Midna wasn't hiding in his shadows, riding the terrain like she normally did. She wasn't even in her imp state, floating by his side.

Midna was sitting behind Link, holding onto the man for dear life in the form of the Twilight Princess.

The woman's fiery orange hair was draped over her shoulders; Midna's blood red iris's were hidden behind her pale, blue hued eyelids. Her eyes were clamped shut as Link slowly brought his mare to a stop.

The green-clad man looked back at his passenger and put on a lopsided grin upon seeing her expression. Midna slowly opened her eyes and saw the Ordonian's smile. His deep blue eyes, so often filled with rage like a beast, were soft and caring. A single strand of dirty blonde hair fell from his stupid, silly hat.

It was all part of his undeniable charm.

"What were you thinking?" Midna shouted, half feigning anger, half serious. "I am not your shadow anymore, Hero, I am the princess of the Twilight Realm!" The way she said his title, Hero, only poured more oil on the fire. Link's eyes lit up a bit and his smile broadened ever further.

His face.

Midna's resolve, even if only humorous, vanished as she stared at the young man's innocent-like face. He had seen so much, had endured so much, for her sake. Now, it was all over: the pain, the death, over. It still seemed surreal.

One moment, Midna had tasted death's cold embrace only to be abruptly pulled away by a warm presence. It was then she found herself face to face with the four Light Spirits of Hyrule. They had done something... incredible.

"But I guess I can let this slide..." Midna's lips tightened upward into a smile of her own as her features softened.

Leaning forward, the princesses wrapped her arms around Link and rested her head on his shoulders. Midna felt him tense up at the contact, making her giggle slightly. He was so innocent, despite everything he'd been through. Midna' giggles subsided and ended with a long, content sigh.

"Link," she spoke into his ear and closed her eyes. "You are a true hero... my friend..." Midna trailed off as she felt the words in her heart begin to escape. "And an idiot."

Link chuckled lightly at the comment; it wasn't the worst thing she'd ever called him. Re-gripping Epona's reigns, Link nudged the horse's sides with his boots and the mare began moving again, albeit this time at a reasonable walking pace.

Much to Midna's surprise, the princess felt a warm hand cover her own. Link had reached up without her noticing and had gently placed his right hand over her own. The two stayed that way for several moments until the princess of Hyrule, Zelda, approached on a mare of her own. Seeing the woman approach, Link pulled back slightly on the reigns with his left hand and brought Epona to a stop.

"Hero, Midna," Zelda greeted the two of them as she rode up. Link let his right hand fall from atop of Midna's to Epona's reigns below. "I see you've let me catch up after running off like you did." The words were not spoken with hostility, it was more amusement than anything. Link could only let out a few guilty chuckles before nodding his head.

"I may feel safer walking, now that I no longer have the shadows to protects me from his reckless riding," Midna joined in with a laugh of her own.

Laughter.

That was something that both Link and Midna had found themselves doing much of since Ganondorf's defeat mere hours ago.

Why was that? Surely the defeat of the King of Evil himself was something to be joyous over, but there was something different in the air between the two friends, something Link couldn't quite pinpoint what it was.

"You speak the truth, Midna," Zelda smiled. Breathing in deeply, the blonde haired princess glanced between the two before continuing, "While we have achieved a great victory, I fear for my people. I desire to return to Castle Town to ensure the safety of those under my rule."

Link felt the woman behind him move ever-so-slightly at Zelda's word. He must have not been the only one to notice, as he saw Zelda's brow raise faintly, revealing her pale, blue-gray eyes.

"I believe I understand what troubles you, Twilight Princess," Zelda addressed Midna by her proper title as she slowly moved her horse closer to Epona. "You've the same desires, have you not?"

Link understood now; Midna was worried about her people. They suffered so greatly under Zant's mad rule. Watching your people, people who trust you, be turned into revolting monsters before your eyes undoubtedly would have a great impact on most people, and, despite Midna's harsh façade, Link knew she took the entire conflict very personally.

"Zelda," Midna began, "You are correct. Just as Hyrule has been scared by the Twilight that covers my world, the Twili have been scared by the darkness that came from yours." The woman let out a deep sigh and continued speaking. "I must return to the Twilight Realm and ensure that my people recover from the calamity that struck our worlds."

Return to the Twilight Realm

Those words... they stung Link. They seemed so final coming from Midna's mouth, so indelible. The reality that his little guardian imp would one day leave him had never once occurred to Link.

"I understand wholly, but can you not be our realm's guest for another day or two before we journey to the Mirror Chamber?" Zelda asked. It was a simple request, probably more of a formality than anything, but it seemed sincere.

"I am grateful for your offer, Zelda..."

Link tensed at the pause in Midna's voice. What was she going to say next?

"But I must go?"

"I can't stay?"

"I won't?"

The thought of those words being spoken by his friend filled Link with something he had only experienced a few times: fear.

Sure, he had braved the deepest depths of Hyrule to its highest heights, but only on several occasions had he been truly afraid. Link had been worried about the roadblocks that impeded his progress plenty of times, but he could not recall a single moment where he was afraid for his own well-being and health. He had only been afraid, truly fearful, when the safety of others was at risk, such as when Midna was fighting for her life after their encounter with Zant at the lakebed temple.

Now, the thought of his companion -his friend- leaving made the hero's gut twist in a feeling he had so rarely experienced before.

Midna seemed to notice as Link's muscle tightened at her pause. Zelda watched as Link's eyes seemed to flash, if only for a moment, with emptiness. Looking up, she saw Midna's face contort into one of hurt. The ruler of Hyrule felt a pit grow in her own stomach at the sight in front of her.

She had been one with Midna during a sizeable portion of their quest. She knew what the imp knew and felt what the Twilight Princess felt. The bond that Link and Midna had developed went deep, deeper than any bond she knew of. They had trusted each other with the other's life; bonds don't get much more sincere, more trusting, or deeper than that.

So the concept of being separated caused an understandable reaction from both Link and Midna.

Fear and hesitation.

Silence filled the air as all of this information was shared without a single word from either party. Seconds seemed like years as the two light dwellers waited for Midan to finish her sentence.

"I... I truly am grateful, and I will... accept your offer," Midna spoke, finishing softly.

It was so rare, so weird, to see the boastful Twili so composed and formal. It was completely opposite of her true nature, a nature that had grown on Link over the course of several months.

"That's good," Zelda smiled at her response. "Will you accompany me into town?"

"And incite a panic?" Midna mused with a smirk. "Princess, I am a Twili, a denizen of the very race of people who nearly covered your world in darkness. I would not expect a warm reception from your guards or citizens."

That was a response Link would expect from the imp; in fact, it was one he wanted to hear. A grin slowly crept upon the hero's face as the Twilight Princess' behavior began to return to normal.

Zelda's smile never fell from her face as she looked towards the direction where Hyrule Castle once stood. "Midna, you are the reason that light continues to cover this land with its warmth. Come, I shall deal with the consequences myself."

Midna sighed, defeated. It wasn't like she could say no. She knew her visitation of Castle Town would be a non-issue for somebody such as Zelda to begin with, but had to resist a little bit. It was in her nature.

"Alright, alright, I will go to castle town." Midna saw the side of Link's face now and the grin that accompanied it. "What's with the grin?" she asked deviously.

The only response she got was Link shouting and snapping the reigns of Epona, sending them speeding towards Castle Town.

"Link, you idiot!" Midna screamed as she once again gripped the hero's tunic for dear life.

Zelda could only let out a content sigh as she watched the two ride away. Not wanting to be left behind again, the princess kicked the side of her horse, making her mare break into a run of its own.

The ride into town had been interesting, but quiet. Night had fallen, and the darkness allowed them to ride into town relatively unseen. It wasn't that they were avoiding people or trying to be furtive, but none of the three minded that they were unbothered.

Zelda had ridden to the gates of what had once been Castle Hyrule. The castle itself lay in ruin thanks in no large part to the Fused Shadows and Triforce of Power, but that wasn't to say the entirety of the building had been demolished. It was, after all, quite a large structure.

The outer lying satellite buildings laid largely in-tact, but were surrounding by the debris of the main tower. It would be a long, tedious effort to clean up, yet alone rebuild, Castle Hyrule.

Many guards blocked the entrance to the castle grounds. Link silently scoffed at their display of protecting the castle's remains. Several hours ago, none would dare approach the castle, even Zelda's highest guards couldn't be persuaded to advance towards it. They all claimed the terror within to be an absolute evil that they couldn't fight; there was a feeling of despair and fear so strong, all who approached instantly turned back and retreated.

Link had felt the feeling when he approached the castle earlier that day. All who watched him yelled out warnings or ridicules as he had approached the barrier of twilight that imprisoned the castle in its diamond-like shape and as he disappeared behind the huge, wooden doors that separated the castle grounds from Castle Town. But Link was determined, and nothing would stop him.

Maybe he was being too judgmental of the men... they were not anointed with the power of the goddesses like he was, but he had seen their false bravado before in Telma's bar. Regardless of how he felt, everything was over. Holding a grudge or judging the cowards wouldn't change anything.

Upon seeing Link, Midna, and Zelda approach, the guards had parted and allowed the three entry into the castle grounds. Zelda had led them to a large building in the eastern courtyard and told them that they could rest in it; the building was the private quarters of the an unfortunate Hylian who had previously served as one of her advisors. He had been killed during Zant's invasion of the city.

Link and Midna accepted the offer and made themselves comfortable. The building had many large rooms and would have been considered a mansion anywhere else. The building also had several bedrooms that used to house the advisor and his guest; that's where Link and Midna would be staying. Parting ways, the two went into their own rooms and laid down to rest. It had been a long time since Link had slept in a nice, comfortable, warm bed.

And it felt wrong.

When was the last time he had slept in such luxury? Was the sensation of the soft, silk-like sheets overwhelming his senses? Was knowing he was safe... bothering him somehow?

Link laid in the bed, motionless, for what seemed like hours. The moon had since risen and shone like a spotlight into his temporary quarters.

Thoughts began to drift through his mind. Why couldn't he sleep? Everything was perfect! He wasn't in danger, he was in comfort that was -quite literally- tailored for royalty, and he was also exhausted from his fight with Ganondorf.

So why couldn't he sleep!

"I'm alone..."

The words had slipped from Link's mouth without him thinking. The self-revelation caused his eyes to open wide as he realized exactly what was wrong.

He was alone.

Midna was not in his shadow, keeping a constant watch on him. He didn't have to worry about the imp springing up from the ground in order to ridicule him for something he'd done wrong, or hear her explain something to him about a situation that he couldn't quit wrap his head around.

And this bothered him.

He had forgotten what privacy really was. Before this entire adventure began, Link had lived a peaceful, quiet life in the small farming town of Ordon. Being as small as it was, word traveled fast, and there weren't many secrets, but there was still privacy.

Link knew what he did in his home was his own business, and he didn't have to worry about Ilia, Rusl, or anybody else impeding on that privacy. Midna, had changed all that.

The concept of private had been stripped away when he discovered what he truly was, the divine blue eyed beast. Midna had followed him everywhere as his shadow, something that he couldn't get rid of no matter where he was.

At first, he hated it. Every time he heard the imp's voice materialize in his head, he felt like his self-being had been stripped from him; that he was just a pawn of his master. As time passed and he learned more about the task that the goddesses had given to him, the less Link saw Midna as an intrusion, and more as a friend who cared about his wellbeing.

And now, that feeling was gone. He felt alone again, a sense of privacy he hadn't experienced in months.

And he hated it.

Throwing the sheets from his body. Link sat up in his bed and turned to plant his feet on the floor; he had to get up and move, anything to take his mind off his current trail of thought. The marble floor was cool on Link's bare feet; he had stripped from most of his apparel and wore what he'd normally wear when he was sleeping back in Ordon which was nothing more than a nightshirt and a pair of loose-fitting sleeping pants; of course, the clothes were provided by Zelda and were much more intricate and expensive than anything he'd ever had back home.

Walking to the room's entrance, Link opened the door and entered the long hallway that ran the length of the building. Across from his door was Midna's room. He had to wonder how she was faring, but didn't even consider the notion of going in to check on the princess. He did respect her, both as a woman and his friend; going into her room while she slept seemed... wrong, no matter how innocent his intentions.

Turning left, Link walked down the dimly lit hall, wandering aimlessly. He had no idea where he was going, but that was okay. He was moving: he was doing something.

Upon reaching the end of the long hallway, Link found a large, wooden door with the crest of the Royal Family painted on it in a brilliant, gold paint. Curious, Link pushed the door open and found he was on a large balcony that overlooked the castle, had it still stood.

Instead, the balcony now overlooked Hyrule field and the bright, white moon that kept a vigil over the land. The night air danced over his skin, causing his hair to stand on end. In the distance, crickets and other nocturnal creatures filled the air with their songs.

And directly in front of Link was the cause of all his of problems...

... in front of Link, was Midna.

The otherworldly beauty stood at the edge of the balcony, her fiery orange hair lazily moved in the slight breeze. The moon shone off her pale skin, giving her the appearance of a spirit, or a fairy. Her body was draped in the several black clothes that she had worn previously that day. The luminescent turquoise lines that covered them seemed to glow an equally ghostly color.

Sensing she was not alone, Midna turned around and locked her crimson eyes with Link's deep blue ones. Her gaze made the hero freeze in awe of her beauty.

"Link...?" she spoke. The hero slowly nodded his head, not daring to move his feet. Midna took a step forward and tilted her head to the side. "What are you doing here?" There was no harshness in the princess' word, only true inquisitiveness.

Link's eyes never fell from the woman in front of him as he tried to think of an answer. Nothing, however, would leave his lips. What could he tell her? Not even he knew why he was there, only that he was.

After waiting a few moments, Midna smiled softly and turned her head up to look at the sky. "You... couldn't sleep, could you?"

How had she known? Surely she wasn't spying on him.

"Truth be told, either could I." Both Midna and Link remained still, not even blinking, as the words set in. Nothing was said between them as the night continued to pass. The air wasn't tense... but there was something off about it. Finally turning her head from the sky, Midna once again locked eyes with Link.

"Would you like to accompany me?" Midna asked softly. Link slowly nodded his head and began to walk forward. After a few moments, the Hero found himself side by side with the princess. Looking out over the destroyed walls that had once protected Castle Hyrule, Link saw the vastness of Hyrule field stretched before him. The moonlight shimmered off of the many creeks that ran throughout field, making them look like veins of silver deep within the goron mines.

"Your world truly is beautiful," Midna said as the two gazed out at the natural beauty of Hyrule. "Even your night, something many of your kind fear, is breathtaking."

Link turned to look at the twili and noticed she had a sad smile painted upon her face. His gut tightened when he saw this; was something the matter?

"When we were first imprisoned in our world of twilight, my people were terrified of the eternal twilight," Midna explained. "For generations, there were those who longed to see the sun or moon again, to apologize to the goddesses for what they'd done." Midna sighed and once again looked up at the sky. "I can see now why."

Link found this interesting. During their journey, Midna had made small comments here and there about her people, but he'd never asked her about them in-detail. It wasn't that he was disinterested in the topic, it's just that there was never an appropriate time to ask.

"It's amazing how much it has grown on me," Midna laughed lightly. "When I first entered your realm, I was cursed. I had no idea what do, and that infuriated me. I hated everything about the light... but..."

The pause caught Link's attention, causing the hero to turn toward his friend. What he saw made him feel week at the knees. Midna's smile was no longer that of sadness, but a genuine, caring smile.

"... my views changed, of everything. Thank you." Link smiled and nodded his head, retaining his silence. Midna was talking to him, and he would listen.

"Link, I've never told you much about my people, have I?" Midna asked. It was more of a statement than a question, but Link shook his head in response. "I guess when one is confined to being a cursed imp, they don't talk about that kind of thing much, huh?"

Midna turned and began to slowly pace around the balcony; Link turned to face the woman. "Before Zant, the Twili were a peace loving race... we didn't even have the means to war against each other even if we wanted to." The usurper's name was spoken with absolute venom.

That piqued Link's interest. Was the Twilight Realm as barren as it seemed during his visit there?

"Since our exile from the Light Realm centuries ago, we've only had a handful of wars. Resources in our realm of banishment is as scarce as light itself." Midna spoke softly about her people's plight.

"Most Twili own one or two pieces of fabric that they use to cover themselves. Zant's full garb was a show of his vanity..." Midna paused as she realized anger was beginning to once again build in her voice.

"But enough about that... Zant has been taken care of, and his vanity and lust for power followed." The words were spoken with absolution. "I'm sorry for my wordiness... I don't know what came over me."

Link laughed lightly and shrugged his shoulders. He didn't care; in fact, he was interested in his friend's world and culture. Everything new he learned fascinated him.

"So... why are you here listening to me talk about my world instead of sleeping, O great hero?" Midna smirked as she said is title. "What is your reason for being sleepless?"

Link remained quiet for some time as he thought about what to say. He had hoped that Midna wouldn't ask him again why he was there, but it looked as though that was a hopeless wish. Finally, after trying to think of anything to say, Link decided to speak the truth.

"I... I felt alone," the hero spoke in a tone so quiet, the wind could have easily masked it.

Midna's face slowly shifted into that of... understanding? In front of her was one of the bravest - no, the bravest - person she'd ever known. He had slain the usurper of the Twilight Realm, he had slain the King of Evil himself without so much as flinching in fear, but now, Link stood in front of the princess, unable to sleep, because he felt alone.

A feeling she herself had felt just before Link's arrival on the balcony.

"Link," Midna said as she walked over to him. Link could feel Midna's breath wash over his skin as the woman came to a halt directly in front of him. What happened next surprised Link almost as much as it did Midna.

The princess lifted her hands and reached forward, grabbing his own. Midna closed her eyes and lowered her head, a smile upon her face, as she tenderly squeezed the hero's hands. "Would you accompany me a little longer?"

That moment would forever be etched into the Hero's mind, for in that moment, he wasn't alone.

Link had Midna.

-The Legend of Zelda-

-The Desert Thief-

-Chapter 18-

Link awoke, looking around frantically as he did so. Where was she, where was Midna?

Several seconds passed before Link realized he was not at Castle Hyrule's remains, and Midna was not by his side. Instead, he was in foreign land thousands of miles from where his memories of that night took place.

It was all just another one of his memories replaying in his dreams, a hauntingly realistic reminder of what he'd lost.

Now fully aware of his surroundings, Link sighed as he realized how stupid he'd been. Pushing that aside, the hero noticed the fire he slept by was beginning to die. Judging by the stars in the sky, he'd say he still had another several hours before the sun rose and he'd continue on his way. Not wanting to let the fire die before that, Link got up and threw several logs onto the flames, just enough to sustain the fire for a few more hours.

Link crawled back into his makeshift bed and closed his eyes, hoping to return again to one of his memories.

Maybe he'd see Midna again.

A/N: Wow, this chapter sucked to write. I had serious problems penning this, and -truth be told- am still not that happy with it. However, I wanted to start to devolope a deeper understanding of Link's relationship with Midna prior to the shattering of the Mirror of Twilight. Chapter 17 was originally going to be relatively short, but I just ran with it. Do you guys like what I did with this chapter? Would you like to see more of the short time Link and Midna spent together between Ganondorf's defeat and her leaving of the Light Realm? Please, let me know!

I've had several alerts in my e-mail letting me know that people reading this story, and that means a lot to mean. For the dozen or so of you who subscribed to story alerts and such last chapter, I'd like your feedback on how I'm doing. I know I am not a perfect, or even semi-professional, author by any means, but I want to know what I can improve on. You guys are my audience, and I want to know what you want. The grand scheme of things is set firmly in place, but my writing style can flucuate and evolve based on what you guys tell me.

Just a couple of other things: I let Link talk as you all know. As much as I wanted to keep him silent, I felt he needed to voice what he felt here. Don't expect him to be a talkative little bastard like Navi though, he will still be a man of few words, and when he speaks, it'll be heavy and important.

And on my last note, I'm considering getting a beta-reader to be a second set of eyes on finalized chapters. Even as I write this author's note in FF . net's word-editor, I'm going over the chapter and finding flaws such as missing words or duplicates that I missed. It wouldn't be labor intensive; just read the chapter and look for simple mistakes such as those.

Once again, Happy New Years, and please leave a review if you so desire!