Well, it seems everyone hates me for bringing back Sarid and Kasten, but not to worry I'll find some use for them eventually. But guess what? LINKS BACK! So no more "I miss Link!" or "bring back Link!" or "it's not the same!". But now he has to deal with THE MONSTROSITY. I wonder how he'll fare with his arch nemesis and combatent for Reena's love showing up unexpectantly. And I think thats what I'll call the princes from now on- THE MONSTOSITY, or at least until I come up with a better name :/

Chapter Sixteen: Wolfos and Privileges

"So, where is he?"

"Huh?" Reena lifted her eyes from the book to see Sarid walking into the study. She shrugged. "Probably dead in some ditch for all I know. That jerk."

"You don't speak to highly of him," Sarid observed, sitting down next to her. Reena winced. That was Link's chair. "What are you reading?"

"Oh, some book that Link always read," Reena answered, returning to it.

"Ah, I see," Sarid said, nodding his head. "Is he a philosopher?"

"Link?" Reena laughed. "That's a joke! If he was a philosopher, he'd be dead by now! Then again, he probably wouldn't be the Hero of Time. He'd be too busy contemplating on how to kill some evil force instead of doing it, thus resulting in his dead body."

"Are you two… friends?" Sarid asked, confused by her insults.

"Best," Reena answered, glancing up at him. "You haven't figured this out by now?"

"You speak of him with insults," Sarid pointed out.

Reena smirked. "Well, yeah. He'd speak the same way about me."

"Interesting," Sarid said, nodding his head.

They're called jokes, Sarid, Reena thought, trying hard not to roll her eyes.

"Tell me, have you ever been to Salderin before?" Sarid asked. "With Link?"

"Uh, yeah," Reena answered. Did he know it had been her that stole those things? Had he even noticed? "A long time ago."

"I was going to say, the only woman who was as beautiful as you, was her," Sarid said.

Shock flooded through Reena. Should she feel disgusted or flattered by this statement? No one had ever told she was… beautiful. Well, save Lenaya when Reena had been forced to try on a dress and mindless counts and nobles. However, it seemed as if Sarid… meant it. It wasn't protocol.

"Er…um," she stammered.

"Reena! Reena! He's here!"

"What?" She cried, jumping from her seat. Sarid gripped the arms of the chair in shock. "Link's here?"

"Yes!" Lera exclaimed with a huge grin, running in. "And he isn't looking too good!"

"Then why are you so excited?" Reena demanded, chasing after her sister and soon matching her stride.

"He's always alright in the end," Lera answered as the two nearly took out two servants. They ran right past the King and Queen and up the grand staircase.

"Did you see what was wrong with him?" Reena asked as they threw open the large wooden doors.

"Yeah, a stupid pack of wolfos got the better of me!"

"You're dead!" Reena screamed, pointing finger at the one who sat upon Epona. His face went even paler, if that was possible. Reena ran to his side, looking at the bloody leg in the stirrup. "How did a wolfos to this to you?"

"It was a pack," Link repeated, slowly dismounting. He hissed as pressure was put on his wounded leg. His arm was instantly put around Reena's neck.

"Come on, you cripple," Reena muttered. A warm, sticky liquid answered her hand on his back. "They got you your back too?"

"Yes!" Link whimpered, trying hard not to scream.

"By the goddesses!" Reena exclaimed as they two limped back to the castle. "You come back and are a walking wreck! Naturally this wouldn't have happened if I had been there!"

"Nope, it would've been a lot worse," Link answered. "OW!"

"Lest we forget, I can easily inflict pain on you," Reena said. "You know, good thing I'm used to this!"

"Are you happy to see me?" Link demanded as they staggered down the grand staircase, "because I can't tell!"

"Yes and no," Reena answered.

"Link, must you always drop in like this?" Jerold sighed, following the two.

"You make us worry every single time!" Lenaya said, her voice matching the statement.

"Don't worry yet," Reena grumbled. "I'll be the death of him."

"Kill me soon because this doesn't tickle!" Link answered crossly.

"Oh, you'll be fine," Reena answered as they neared his bedroom. "I mean, remember Dodongo's Cavern?"

A pained laugh came from Link. "Alright, that I agree to that. I just…"

Reena kept dragging Link even though he had tried to stop. Sarid had come walking down the hall.

"Link, help please!" Reena exclaimed.

"What-"

"Later," Reena muttered so that Sarid didn't hear. "Lera, go to my room and get a potion that is green."

"That would be about forty," Lera answered.

"Green with gold swirls," Reena specified.

"Oh, come on!" Link moaned. "Is that what I think it is?"

"Do you want to bleed to death?" Reena demanded as a servant opened the door for her.

"Maybe I do!" Link answered as he sat down on the bed. Reena rolled her eyes as he brought both legs onto the bed.

"Nice! You're getting the sheets all bloody!" Reena scolded.

"Oh, I'm so sorry!" Link said sarcastically.

"You had better be," Reena said. "So, do you want me to knock you out?"

"Just don't hit the jaw," Link said, eyeing her.

Reena smirked, gingerly taking his boot off. "Need a hand?"

"I don't want to break it."

"Right," Reena answered. She began to unwrap the leg, stopping to where it was dried to his skin. "They got you good but not that bad. They're not deep… too deep at least. As for your back, they're just bloody scrapes. You'll heal quickly."

"Damn, for a moment I thought I had a ticket out of this world," Link said, closing his eyes. "Tell me- OW! That really hurt!"

Reena eyed the bloody bandaged that now hung on her hand and not his leg. Words she never knew existed came from Link's mouth. Finally he stopped, sweat dripping down his forehead.

"I hate you," he gasped. "By the goddesses that hurt! Did you have to rip it off? I have no skin left there now!"

"Slowly would have been worse," Reena answered. She turned to Lera who was standing there in shock. "Eh, he'll be fine."

"Thank you for all the sympathy!" Link snapped. "I'm going to get you back for that!"

"Lera, do you have that potion?" Reena asked, ignoring him.

Lera nodded and handed the vial to her. Reena grabbed one of the bandages presented to her, dripping some of the potion onto the cloth.

"Brace yourself," Reena murmured. "He's going to start revealing new words again."

"Shut up," Link growled as Reena put a drop of the green liquid on each cut. The skin smoked and could be seen healing the cuts already. In a few minutes, Link's leg was wrapped.

"Take your shirts off," Reena said habitually.

"You know, if you said that to any one else, they'd think you had dirty intentions," Link answered as Reena helped him take his things off. He lifted his tunic and white shirt over his head, revealing the slit across his back.

"It's not bad," Reena assured. "However that doesn't mean it's going to tickle."

"That much I know," Link assured as she began her work. He lifted his gaze to the crowd in the room and gave them a smile. "What have things been like here?""

"Well, as you can see," Lera started, "the Princes from Salderin are here."

"I saw that," Link mumbled, trying to sound polite. "How long have they been here?"

"Nearly a month," Jerold answered.

"Have I been gone that long?"

"You've been gone three months," Reena answered as she slid her hand over his back, healing the cuts with her powers.

"Couldn't you just have done that with my others?" Link demanded.

"No, that's punishment," Reena answered, "for being away for three months."

"Reena! That's just cruel!" Link protested.

"You want cruel?" Reena asked dangerously. "You want cruel?"

"And that's our cue to leave," Lera said. "Don't make Link too much of a bloody mess."

"I'll try," Reena said, sitting down in front of Link as the others left, closing the door behind them. Reena crossed her arms, glaring away from him.

"Reeeeena," he called, hitting her playfully on the shoulder. "Listen, I'm really sorry. I… lost track of the days! It's kinda hard when you're wandering around the world. You know that!"

"Three months?" Reena asked. "Link, you're my best friend. I know that's hard to believe right now, but… three months is a long time! Especially when you have to occupy yourself by talking to a man who has no sense of humor!"

"Yes, what is he doing here?" Link demanded, sitting up straighter. "Why is he here?"

"I don't know," Reena admitted. "Lera told me a reason, but she was lying. I've been trying to find out the truth, but have been unsuccessful. Maybe you can help me! You'll be staying so… that'll give us enough-"

"Reena… I won't be staying too long," Link interrupted.

"What do you mean?" Reena demanded. "You just got here! You are not running off just like that! You need to let that leg heal!"

"Well, that's a given," Link smirked. "Anyways, how has it been with… him?"

"Surprisingly… not as bad as last time," Reena said. Link eyed her. "Yeah, I know. He's still too serious, but his talk on ruling has diminished mostly. I'm giving him another chance. However, some things that he's doing are just… odd."

"In what way?" Link demanded, becoming defensive.

"It's okay, Link," Reena assured with a small smile. "I can take care of myself."

"Has he done anything to make you uncomfortable?" Link asked sternly.

"No, Link," Reena said, putting a hand on his shoulder. She decided telling him about Sarid's comment in detail was a bad idea. "Settle down. I can take care of this prince any day. He's really not that bad."

Link nodded slowly, an unusual look coming over him. A smile quickly masked it.

"How have lessons been going?" he asked.

"Oh, wonderful," Reena muttered. "I've memorized another one of Sir Lethan's speeches. He keeps making up new ones though and it's hard to keep track!"

"So… you've been giving him the worst time of his life?" Link asked.

"Yeah, pretty much," Reena answered. "Impa seems to rather enjoy it."

"Is Impa here?" Link asked.

"Probably," Reena said with a shrug. "She always shows up at odd times. I wouldn't be surprised if she flashed in here. Which she taught me how to do."

"…Do what?" Link asked, slightly fearful.

"How to disappear from one place and reappear in another a moment later," Reena explained excitedly.

"…Great," Link muttered, leaning against the wall.

"Alright, so what have you been up to?" Reena demanded, sitting cross-legged on the bed. She rested her chin in her cupped hands, resting her elbows on her knees.

Link laughed. "You look like a little kid!"

"Speaking of which, have you seen Ella?" Reena demanded.

"Note the missing hat, please," Link said.

"I love her!" Reena sighed. "How are they all doing?"

"Well, Ella turned… five? Yes, five, not to long ago," Link said, a smile creeping across his face. "And has a baby brother."

"That's right! Anita was pregnant still when we saw her last!" Reena exclaimed. "How old is he?"

Link nodded. "Caris turned a year and a half just last week."

"I wish I could've gone with you!" Reena sighed. "They have to let me leave at some point! I mean, I'm 20!"

"Eh, still too young," Link said, shaking his head. "I'm older."

"By half a year!" Reena shot with a glare. "I'm still more mature!"

"Don't be too sure of yourself," Link said, eyeing her. The two glared before bursting with laughter.

"She really stole your hat?" Reena demanded, recovering.

"Yes, and then I just gave it to her," Link answered. "It's more of a bargain. Next time I see her, I get it back. She claims that we never see her anymore."

"Which we don't," Reena answered guiltily. "…What did you tell her about me?"

Link smiled. "I didn't think you wanted them knowing. I didn't mention it at least… the Princess thing that is. I knew you'd kill me if you ever found out I did. Like I said though, they might know. Word travels fast. But… yes, we never do visit and I'm stuck without a hat!"

"You'll survive," Reena assured. "Don't worry. I'm here for moral support."

"Somehow, I'm not comforted," Link admitted.

"Well, you were always a hopeless soul," Reena said. "Come on, you've got to tell me all that you've been doing these past months!"

"All of it?" Link asked with a grin.

"All of it," Reena answered. "Starting from the moment you left."

"We may be here for a few hours."

"Fine by me. I need someone to talk to finally."

And it took more that a 'few hours' for everything to be revealed. Late night passed and early morning set in before they finally agreed to say good bye for the time being.

*astrix astrix astrix*

"You're absence was certainly long enough."

Link's head shot up from his book. He gave a half smile to Impa, laying the book down on the grassy floor. She walked over to him, sitting against the tree next to him.

"How'd you know I was here?" Link asked.

"You weren't in the courtyard, with Reena, with Lera, or in your room," Impa eliminated. "So there were only the gardens left. Where in the gardens was the question."

Link nodded, watching as a gently breeze ruffled the leafy roof. Next to him Impa seemed lost in thought. A sigh came from him.

"You're here for a reason," he said.

"When are you going to tell her?" Impa asked, her dark eyes piercing through him.

Link tried hard to act surprised. To act like he had no idea what she was talking about. To act like she didn't know.

"What do you mean?" he said. "I told her why I was gone."

"You didn't tell her the whole truth," Impa said. "Yes, you lost track of time… on purpose. You didn't mean to return."

Link closed his eyes in anguish. He abruptly stood up, grasping the book from the ground.

"It was a mistake to do so," he said over his shoulder. "You wouldn't understand."

"You love her."

Link's footsteps faltered.

"How would you know?" he demanded in a whisper.

"How could I not?" was the answer. "No one else may see it, but I do. And I think you know too."

"It doesn't matter," he said, staring ahead of him. The garden gate was near.

"How come?"

Link faced her. "How come? It wasn't meant to be. You of all people know what has happened to everyone I have ever loved."

"You're going to let that control your life?" Impa asked.

"She deserves something better," he answered. "She's going to rule. I… I can never do that. What's the point of telling her… if it won't make a difference?"

"She could step down."

"I won't have that happen. She won't throw her life away for someone who was meant to be alone."

"Meant to be, or forced himself to be? Did you ever think that maybe you were meant to be happy too? That you weren't meant to stand alone your whole life? That you deserved a life better than this?"

Link only shook his head and left before the Sheikah could say anything else. Before anyone else could confront him, he shut himself up in his room. Below, Impa still sat in the gardens.

Link sat in the window, leaning his head against the cool glass. He knew he shouldn't have gone. The wounds weren't that bad. He had only used them as an excuse to return. Now it was costing him. Talking the night he had returned had deepened the wound in his heart. Paradise had taken over when they had stayed up into the early hours of the morning. The moment she had left, death had risen to remind him of what he was going to lose. And Sarid…

Link closed his eyes, gripping the letter in his tunic. A month now he had been with her. Would he be the one to marry her? He certainly had the mind to rule. Maybe he was best for her. But… something wasn't right about him. He didn't know what… but something hit him the wrong way about Sarid.

"The fact that he might be winning her could be it," Link sighed. He needed to leave. He needed to leave soon before it became too painful to leave. Leaving at this time was already killing him.

*astrix astrix astrix*

"My parents are either going to disapprove of this, or approve," Lera laughed, wiping sweat from her brow. She held her hand out for Kasten, helping him up. "Nice try."

"Eh, I'll get you next time, don't worry," he assured. "So, have you gotten sick of us yet? The year deadline is still six months away."

"I've learned to deal with you," Lera answered, sheathing her sword. "So, how are you doing without your parents? Have you gotten scared yet?"

"Terrified because you're here," Kasten sighed. "But we've got to stay for a year before returning. Personally, I think our parents just wanted us out of Salderin so they could have a break!"

"I wouldn't put it past them," Lera agreed. "Come on, let's go cool off."

"Um…I bathe… alone," Kasten said.

"I hope!" Lera exclaimed, horrified. "No! Come on, I'll show you what I mean!"

Lera led him outside and to the gardens. She nearly lost him as she led him along the garden's path. When they finally came to her destination, Kasten had lost all sense of direction.

"That's what I meant," Lera said, motioning to the pond. She took her sword off, along with her boots. Before Kasten could say a word, she had climbed up one of the willows and jumped in.

"What are you waiting for?" she demanded. "I'm not taking my clothes off!"

"I wasn't!" Kasten answered, walking to the waters edge. "Uh… and if your parents catch us…"

"I'll take all blame," Lera answered, going underwater.

Kasten shook his head, un-strapping his sword. He pulled his boots and shirt off. Lera surfaced and eyed him. He climbed the same willow, landing in the water with a huge splash. Lera cried out as she was hit with a huge wave.

"You nearly landed on top of me!" she exclaimed, splashing him.

"And just what did you think I was trying to do?" he asked, backstroking. "How'd you find this place?"

"I have plenty of time to wander around," Lera answered.

"You know, Reena told me something interesting," Kasten said, shaking the beads of water from his eyes.

"What's that?" she asked.

"That I'm the only boy you've befriended besides Link," he answered.

"She spoke the truth," Lera answered. "Consider yourself privileged."

"Can I ask… why?" he asked. "I mean, you hated me at first. Why'd you give me a chance?"

Lera shrugged. "You aren't a bastard."

"Well, that's a first," Kasten laughed. "What's wrong with all the other men out there?"

"Obviously she didn't tell you my life story," Lera said, swimming up next to him.

"And that would be?" Kasten asked.

"After begging Link over and over again, he began to teach me how to fight," Lera explained. "Well, boys everywhere I went mocked me and said how I had no place on the battlefield."

"It doesn't seem like you stayed in the castle to much," Kasten observed.

Lera shook her head. "I hated the idea of being princess. I snuck out of the palace as often as I could. Numerous times I got into fist fights. They were all with boys. Even now I'm told the same thing. Except this time by counts, noblemen, and princes."

"Hey, I never said you couldn't," Kasten protested.

"Did I say you?" she demanded, splashing him.

"You said princes," Kasten pointed out. "I'm a prince."

"Oh, forgot about that," Lera said. "Well, other princes have."

"…Wow, I didn't realize how many jerks were out there," Kasten admitted. "Now I understand your hatred towards me."

Lera smirked. She tried to scream as he suddenly thrust her underwater, but swallowed water instead. She surfaced, coughing and sputtering.

"Oh, now you're dead!"

"Yeah… that wasn't a smart move on my part. But it was fun while it lasted!"

"Yeah, I hate you again!"

*astrix astrix astrix*

Link,

Since you refuse to come see me, I've retreated to letters. Sorry, but there's got to be some sort of communication between us! I know you're 'busy', but do you think you can manage writing? Wait... do you know how to write? Eh, I'll figure out soon enough, I guess.

Anyways, have you lost any limbs lately? Lera nearly has (She and Kasten spar nearly everyday!). You'd be happy to learn that I've memorized another speech. They're getting longer and harder. Good, I'm looking forward to the challenges. That's just sad that I'm looking for challenges from him! I think I'm getting a little bit too desperate.

Moving along, I hope you can tell that yes, Kasten and Sarid are still here. As it turns out… they'll be here a year. Start praying for me… please. Alright, that's being harsh. Sarid's not that bad. He is a worthy opponent for chess. However, it's still not the same.

Are you planning on visiting before the year ends? Or is that just wishful thinking? I can see you saying now, 'Wishful Thinking'. It's uncanny how I can read your mind, isn't it? You're probably rolling your eyes right now.

By the way, I laugh in your face. I heard you had a dodongo calling. I hope you got burnt to a crisp. Can't you tell I value our friendship? But, really, how'd it go? Did a pack of wolfos suddenly attack you?

I'll be giving this to Sheik. He's my personal body guard or something like that. But shush! He's a secret! You're not supposed to know or mention him at all! Don't know why, but just… keep it between you and me that you know. I don't even know why you can't be let in on the secret. I guess someone could over hear or something and try to kill me… I have NO idea!

I hope to see you sometime before I die so that I can stay sane!

Thief

Reena folded the two page letter, slipping it into an envelope. She looked at her reflection and ran her hands over her body. In a moment her head was hidden behind white cloth and blue laid on the rest of her. A red eye hung down from her neck and covered her chest. Behind the white cloth around her neck, Reena smiled. She took the letter, sliding it down her shirt.

As she slipped out her window, Reena thanked the goddesses again for having the King and Queen agree to her leaving. Her bandaged fingers grasped the crevices in the wall as she made her descent. The gardens covered her as she dropped won the rest of the way.

After using her skills to avoid being seen by the guards, Reena made it to Hyrule Field. Her heart leapt at seeing the plains. A part of her seemed to awaken at its tranquility and vast range.

Reena took a deep breath, the cool morning air electrifying her. She called for Athen, seeing the white mare in the moonlight a minute later. Athen nuzzled Reena and whined at her accusingly.

"I'm sorry, girl!" Reena sighed, rubbing her face against the mare's neck. She climbed on her, giving her a loving pat. "Come on, let's go."

A thrill ran through Reena as Athen transitioned from a trot to a gallop. Her heart ached as she realized what she was missing. Even though Link was at Kakariko Village, Reena let Athen Run wherever she wanted. The wind streaming past the two gave her the feeling of flight. The feeling of freedom.

Finally, Athen grew tired and Reena turned her towards Kakariko village. Up the steps Athen climbed. Reena dismounted, kissing her mare's forehead.

"I've missed you, Athen," Reena sighed. "Thanks. I promise to see you soon. But, right now, you can't be seen with me. Link will kill me if he recognizes me."

Athen bobbed her head and, after hitting Reena playfully on the shoulder, slowly made her way down the stairs. A sad smile came to Reena's lips as she trudged through the village. She had missed the white mare immensely.

Ahead of her the village was waking. People were beginning their morning chores. In front of her feet two chickens searched the ground for breakfast. Hopefully Link hadn't left already. He made sure he left at night and not Morning.

"Listen, ladies, I really need to get going. I… er…"

"What happened? Did you get hurt?"

"Just a slight burn… I really need to get to Zora's domain and-"

"Let me treat it!"

"No, I'm the healer in the town!"

"You are not!"

Reena nearly burst out laughing. Once again Link was being attacked by his admirers. She followed the trail of bickering and stammering, letting it lead her right to the scene. She rolled her eyes at the sight of burn on his shin. Obviously the Dodongo gotten him before he got it. Well, she might as well save him again.

"Who are you?" a blonde asked who was too close to Link for comfort. Link's eyes darted towards her, sending her a very clear message.

"I'm a messenger from the Royal family," Reena said, dropping her voice to that of a man's. "Link, I need to talk to you."

"Gladly," Link breathed. "Excuse me, please."

Reena smirked behind her disguise as he followed her. She led him to the tree in the center of the village before he finally talked.

"Thank you, so much," he gasped. He eyed the strange man in front of him. "I have no idea who you are, but you just saved my life. But… er... who are you? I've never seen you in the castle."

"That's understandable," she answered. "There's only so much I can reveal here. But, I have a letter from the Princess Reena."

"Reena? Is she alright?" Link asked instantly as the letter was extracted.

"Yes," she answered, handing the thick envelope to him. "At least it appears. The letter, I presume will explain her actions."

"I guess she's pretty desperate for communication," Link murmured.

You think? Reena felt blood in her mouth as she bit her tongue. That had almost burst from her mouth. She eyed the burn.

"Oh, don't worry about that," Link said quickly, following her gaze. "It gives me an excuse to get me out of here."

"And she sent this," Reena said, handing him a vial. With that, she backed away and with a flash of light, disappeared.

Link stared at the spot where the Sheikah had gone in confusion. Wasn't Impa the only surviving Sheikah? He called Epona, opening Reena's letter, hoping to get an explanation.

Sheik? A frown formed on his face as the letter only confused him more. He wasn't to bring him up? Something was up.

*astrix astrix astrix*

"Men make me wonder," Reena murmured, skimming her hands over the pieces in front of her.

"Yeah, tell me about it," Lera answered, looking up at her sister. "Check."

"I mean… oh, forget it," Reena sighed, moving her king away from Lera's knight.

"Go on," Lera prodded. "I'm sure I'm asking the same question."

"…What's wrong with Link?" Reena asked as Lera moved her queen four spaces. Reena moved her remaining knight. "Checkmate."

Lera stared at the chessboard. "What's wrong with Link?"

"He's been acting so… odd lately! I mean, you have to notice that!" Reena exclaimed. "He's never here! Were our absences this long?"

Lera shrugged, still trying to figure out how Reena had gotten her. "Sometimes the two of you wouldn't visit for at least two months."

"Link's coming in intervals of three to four months," Reena answered, defeated. "Last time I saw him… he avoided me like I had the plague!"

"Oh, he did not!" Lera said. "You're over exaggerating."

"Lera, in two months I'll be twenty-one," Reena said. "I've seen him…a total of two times."

Lera bit her lip. She too had noticed this and had no explanation. What was going on?

"By your look, it seems like you're stuck too," Reena muttered. She sighed. At least she still could correspond with him through letters. "Maybe he's found someone and doesn't want to tell me."

"…That could be it," Lera agreed. "I mean, you'd never leave him alone about it. Who do you think it could be?"

"I don't know," Reena admitted. "The only women that I know of in his life are… well, you…me… and Lenaya. I don't think his admirers count. That is, unless he found one with a backbone."

"Who won the game?" Sarid asked, walking into the study.

"Who do you think?" Lera muttered. "You forget she always wins."

"You are a good strategist, Reena," Sarid agreed, sitting down by them.

"Too good," commented Lera. "There is no possible way I can win against her."

"To be honest, you had me worried at one point," Reena admitted.

"Right," Lera said, rolling her eyes. "Where's Kasten?"

"Studying," Sarid answered.

"Is that all he does?" Lera demanded, standing up. "What's he working on now?"

"Zora dialect," Sarid said.

Lera sighed. "He'll be calling for my help any moment."

She left the room, leaving Reena and Sarid to themselves. Sarid caught her eye and motioned to the chessboard. She smirked, setting it up.

"I'm white," Reena said, setting her pieces up. Sarid set his up, staring at the board once he had finished.

"What were you and Lera talking about before hand?" Sarid asked.

"How confusing men are," she answered. "Really, you are."

"What makes us so confusing?" he asked, intrigued.

"Just… the way you act," Reena said. "Link…is my best friend. He knows me better… than anyone, but… lately he's been avoiding me. I…I can't stop thinking about him."

Sarid looked at her. "Has he met someone?"

"…Is that how your gender usually acts when he does?" Reena asked.

Sarid shrugged. "Not always. It depends. I don't know Link nearly as well as you do."

Reena sighed, moving her rook. She'd have to find out for herself.

Oh Link, why must you be so depressed all the time? Well, you had good reason, Sarids making a move on your woman. So FIGHT! And win her over! If only that would actually happen. Guess what? I was so happy yesterday when I looked through this story and found out that I had more reviews than chapters. So happy. Thanks to everyone who reviewed! OH! And crucial plot points will be happening next chapter- so exciting! Stay tuned!