I had no motivation to write this chapter. This is one of the longest chapters and nothing even happens! Grrrr. Because my story is going no where, since the plot's finished. Now to just tie up the loose ends. My update time is getting longer and longer. But I promise- no more month long waits. I need action! I need adventure! Maybe I'll set off an atomic bomb and end this quickly...and send my raitings plummeting to the ground. I can do this, I can do this, I can do this...

Must keep writing...

Chapter Twenty Six: Revelations

Why does the sun have to be so damn bright? Reena moaned, not wanting to wake up. She rolled over, jamming a pillow over her head. Another moan. Her body was sore everywhere. Why was she hurting so badly still? It was six days now since she had gone through the houses! Six days should be enough… in her mind.

"Stupid sun," she muttered from beneath her enclosure. She wouldn't be able to fall asleep again now that she was up. Slowly she turned on her back, rubbing her eyes. As her sight cleared, her eyes fell on a very familiar sight.

Link smiled from atop of her chest of drawers with a knee pulled against his chest. It seemed like ages ago when he had sat in the same place, waiting for her to wake up.

"Are you supposed to be here right now?" Reena demanded with a yawn, noticing that he was in his nightwear.

"That's an interesting question, now isn't it?" Link answered. "I think the question that should be asked is what were you thinking?"

"That question has a lot of different meanings," Reena said, not feeling the energy to sit up just yet. "But, why are you asking this? You shouldn't be up-"

"And you shouldn't have been either," Link answered, leaving his 'chair' and sitting down next to her. "Impa told me what happened, Reena. She told me you healed all those people."

"I'm alright," Reena lied.

"She also told me how this is the first time you've actually slept," Link continued. "The first time because of exhaustion."

"We still weren't sure if you were going to be okay," Reena defended quietly, struggling to sit up. Link shook his head, picking her up. "What was I supposed to do? Just wait and not do anything? I couldn't do that, Link."

Link smiled at her, running his hand across her cheek.

"Besides, it's not like I was physically injured," Reena continued.

"Those bruises on you would say otherwise, Sheik," Link said, sliding next to her so that she could rest her head on his shoulder.

"Oh… yes… I'm Sheik," Reena said with a guilty laugh.

"I realized that," Link said, motioning to the clothes on her chest at the foot of her bed. "That was you delivering me those letters."

"…Yes," Reena said.

"You know…" Link said after a long pause, looking down on her, "Ranor says hello."

"Ranor?" Reena asked, looking up at him. "You've seen him? How is he?"

"He's the best he's ever been and will be," Link answered. "In fact, he's engaged."

"Engaged?" Reena asked with a smile. "To whom?"

"A princess," Link answered.

"…Well then, that's quite an accomplishment," she said. "…I wonder if I should tell him I'm technically a 'princess'. He's only known me as Sheik. I'm sure he's told you of our meetings."

Link smiled. "He knows you're a princess."

Reena looked up at him, "How is that possible? Just when exactly did you see him?"

"Just now," Link explained.

"…Just now?" Reena asked. "While I was asleep?"

Link nodded, trying hard not to laugh. "He hasn't left yet."

Reena straightened up. "Really? How long will he be staying, do you know?"

"Hard to say," Link admitted. "Could be months or years. It all depends on the future."

Reena laughed, stopping instantly from pain. "You're getting all philosophical on me. Ow…"

"Hey, careful," Link said quietly, putting an arm around her.

"I'll be fine," she assured, not daring to admit why she had injured ribs. He didn't need to know the consequences of the three houses. "Where is Ranor?"

"Here," Link answered simply.

"I know that much," Reena said, rolling her eyes. "Where in the castle?"

"Here," Link repeated.

"Link, you are making no sense!" Reena exclaimed, pulling away. She looked around the room. "How could he possibly be here? And why are you…looking at me…like… oh god. You… you are not telling me that… by the goddesses…"

Link only gave her a small smile. "Trust me, Ranor's fine."

"You're… then that means…" Reena collapsed against Link in exhaustion. "This is too much in one day! You just had to jump this on me the moment I woke up!"

Link laughed, kissing her cheek. Reena only shook her head.

"That was you the whole time?" she asked, yearning to lie down again.

"Yes, that was me," Link answered. "We weren't as alone as we thought."

"I… I always felt… more… complete when I was with Ranor," Reena said softly, remembering their many visits.

"Now I understand why," Link said.

"Do you…" Reena trailed off, not wanting to ruin the content silence.

"Yes… I remember the battle," Link finished for her in a whisper. "I remember every detail…"

Reena closed her eyes. Her breath froze as something warm and sticky slid over her hand. A dagger with blood seeping down a black tunic answered her as her eyes snapped open. Terror seized Reena and she shot away from Link. A cry came from her throat as the torturing crimson eyes, dripping blood, stared back at her. The white hands grabbed hers, pulling her closer to the dagger protruding from his chest.

"Kill…me…"

"No!" Reena cried, sitting bolt right up.

Black answered her eyes. It was still night. Sweat trickled down her back and her breathing echoed in the room. Her body shook from head to foot, still caught up in the dream.

"It's… it's okay," she gasped to herself, wiping the sweat dripping into her eyes.

Reena pulled her legs up under her chin, rocking back and forth. Her heart was still racing and Reena was sure it was ready to burst from her chest.

"It's just a dream," she murmured, her knuckles turning white from how hard she clenched her legs. "Just a dream."

The blood red eyes crying blood still floated in her mind. The warm blood could still be felt trickling against her skin. His voice…

Reena shivered, scanning her room. At least she hadn't woken up Impa or Lera this time. It was horrible enough having the nightmare repeatedly. It was even worse when other's suffered from her screams at night.

Though her legs still shook, she got to her feet. They were like water. However, Reena knew she wouldn't get anymore sleep. She grabbed her fairytales book, pen and inkwell. Silently she closed her door behind her and made her way to the study.

The large paned glass doors creaked as they swung open. Reena placed her things on the table. She tried to light a fire with her powers, but soon found out that was a very bad idea. The moment she called upon them, a thousand daggers pierced her mind. She nearly collapsed on the floor from the pain.

"Looks like the old fashioned way," Reena said, kneeling as she took a log from next to the fireplace.

It wasn't long before a fire cast shadows over the room. Reena stood, heading for the castle's kitchens. When she returned to the study, a warm mug of hot chocolate warmed her hands.

Soon a blanket was wrapped around Reena as she sat on the couch in front of the fire. Her legs were pulled up with her writing possessions balanced on them. Since sleep would no longer visit her tonight, she might as well get some writing done. It kept her mind from the nightmares that haunted her.

Reena watched the flames dance in the fire as she tasted her hot cocoa. They danced in mesmerizing movements…

She snuggled into the couch, feeling like a child again. Reena felt vulnerable against the forbidding night.

"One wonders what you would do to me if you caught me up in the middle of the night… in your condition."

The hot chocolate stopped from its course to Reena's lips. Ever so slowly she placed it on the small table next to her. The first thing her eyes saw was the scar of the dagger's blade. It was a deep red, unlike the white scars of their imprisonment.

"You shouldn't be up," Reena said.

"You more so than me," Link said, walking towards her.

"I… couldn't sleep," Reena explained.

"That seems to be happening often," Link said quietly.

"What do you mean?" Reena asked, swallowing hard. He couldn't possibly know.

"Reena," Link said gently, crouching in front of her. He placed his hands on her shoulders. She still trembled. "You've been having nightmares every night."

"Who told you that?" Reena asked, becoming interested with the fire.

"Those who wake up to your screaming at night."

"They're nothing," Reena said quietly. "Link, you need your rest-"

"As do you," Link said. "You healed every injured soldier. Yes, I know of that. I also know that you are injured to a degree beyond the eyes. Not just physically."

"I'm… I'm fine," Reena assured, trying to hide her bruises from him. "They're… just silly dreams."

"That involve me," Link said. "But not as I am now."

"That's not true," Reena said instantly. "And who says they involve you?"

Link only looked at her. His eyes pierced through her and into her mind. She quickly looked away. He sat down next to her, making her look at him.

"What happens in these dreams?" Link asked.

Reena slowly pulled a knee under her chin, wincing from her internal injuries. She gazed into the fire as the images fill her mind.

"It's always the same," she said, swallowing hard. "I wake up to see you sitting on my dresser, your designated chair it seems. From there… everything seems so real. It's always the same conversation and… it always ends the same way."

"How does it end?" Link asked quietly.

"I ask if you remember the battle and then…" Reena trailed off. "The next thing I know… it's no longer you…"

In a moment Link had his arms around her. Reena hid her face in his shoulder, trying to block the images of the nightmare. The glowing red eyes with tears of blood wouldn't leave her.

"It's alright, Reena," he said softly. "It was all just a dream."

Link gently rubbed her back, unsettled at how she shook. He swallowed hard as her fingers traced the dagger's signature.

"Why, Link?"

"Why what?" Link asked quietly.

"Why come back here?" she said, reluctantly pulling herself away from him. "You could have gotten away from here. There's nothing for you here."

"Reena," he sighed. He felt the ring on her hand. "I could have gone with them, but I would be giving up something I can't live without."

Reena let out a quiet laugh. "Me? During those days you were unconscious, Link, I realized I'm no better than Sarid."

Link nearly grabbed her shoulders and shook her. Only severe will power and the fact that he would hurt her stopped him.

"Never, ever say that again," he said in a low, dangerous voice.

Reena shook her head and wrapped her arms around herself. "If it wasn't for me, none of this would have happened. Ganondorf never would have killed your parents. You would have never started your 'duties', you never would have endured so much suffering, Link! All of this stemmed because of me!"

"Reena, you being the princess is something beyond your control!" Link said. "Nothing could have prevented what happened! Not to mention you were five years old and in the middle of the desert!"

"But you never should have been given the burden of protecting Hyrule single handedly!" Reena argued.

"I wasn't," Link said, tucking the strands of hair in her face behind her ear. "When I was sixteen I met the most remarkable girl."

"Link, you know what I mean," Reena said desperately. "You deserve a normal life. You never had a childhood."

"It was something I chose to do," Link said. "I began my duties on my decision. Reena, nothing is your fault."

"Only the lashes on your back and heartbreak are mine," Reena said bitterly.

"Reena," Link said firmly. He took her shoulders as he made her look at him. "Things happen. That was out of my own choosing and stupidity to distance myself. I did nothing to prevent what I was going through. And don't say you should have seen what was happening. Why should it have been all up to you to make us see the truth?"

"Sarid wanted me," Reena said. "He knew the truth. Because of me, he framed you which led to your torture! Because of me… he possessed you!"

"And you didn't endure anything," Link said dryly. "Reena, listen to me. Things happened that couldn't be controlled. Regardless Sarid would have tried to kill me if it was for you or to take over. It couldn't be avoided! What you're telling me is that it would have been better if you were never born!"

Reena just looked away as her eyes began to collect moisture. However, she refused to cry. She had done so already twice within the past three weeks. That was more than she could ever remember.

Link sighed at her silence. "Reena, I'll admit sometimes I wished I had a different life. But the moment I met you, things changed. If the past had never happened, you would be queen and I would just be a passerby. We would only know each other because I would be the carrier of the Triforce of Courage but nothing more. If Ganondorf had never come into the picture, if nothing had ever happened, we wouldn't be here. We wouldn't be engaged."

Link cupped her chin, making her look at him. He gently stroked her hair, trying to soothe her.

"You told me not long ago that I wouldn't lose you," Link said quietly. "And I haven't forgotten. Nothing could have made me return with my parents, Reena. Not unless you were already waiting for me."

"Do you always have to be so wonderful when you're not dying?" she asked.

Link laughed softly. "You're never going to forgive me for that, are you?"

"Oh, no," Reena assured as she rested against him. "You have to redeem yourself."

"All that I said before doesn't count?" Link asked with a smile.

Reena cuddled closer to him and closed her eyes. "It's a start. Oh, and you need to redeem yourself from that letter!"

"Should I get down on my knees?" Link asked.

"No, that would require you to move and I'm comfortable," Reena explained.

Link leaned against the back of the couch, propping himself up with his arm that rested on the armrest. Reena laid her head on his stomach and cringed as his hand rested on her. She just had to be ticklish everywhere. A sigh escaped her lips as he began to play with her hair.

"By the way… you didn't look half bad with your black and silver look. But I can do without the tears of blood."

"What about the red eyes?" Link asked quietly.

Reena felt a shiver run down her spine as the eyes filled her mind. Link rubbed her back, sensing her distress.

"I can do without those too."

Link kissed the top of her head, reaching for the book on the table next to the couch.

"Been writing I see," he commented as Reena snatched the book quickly from his hands.

"Nothing better than a cup of hot cocoa, a fire, and a book when you can't sleep," Reena said. Link's hand brushed her cheek. "Well… almost nothing."

"Why do you have random blank pages in that?" Link asked, noticing the pages as she flipped through them.

"Well, I don't know exactly what happened at certain events," Reena said, looking up at him. "I only know my point of view. Not yours."

"May I see?" Link asked.

Reena hesitated before handing it to him. "Don't laugh, alright? It's still in the making. I'll be rewriting it when I'm finished."

Link scanned his eyes over the particular chapter. A smile came to his face as a very familiar name greeted him.

"Seems you saw Ranor often, Sheik," Link said, looking down on her.

Reena's eyes grew big. She had never meant to tell Link that she was Sheik! In a moment the book was clutched in her hands again in a death grip.

"I already knew," Link said with a laugh. "The moment I saw Sheik's clothing on your dresser, it was apparent."

"Oh? How do you know I wasn't having an affair?" Reena demanded.

"Two things: You were alone in your bedroom when I found the clothes and you identified yourself as Sheik in the portion I just read," Link answered.

"You win… this time," Reena murmured, watching the fire dance. "And… yes, I saw Ranor during our year of absence."

"I wouldn't trust him if I were you," Link said, glad she couldn't see the smile on his face.

"He said he was a friend of yours," Reena said. "He said he knew you well."

"All too well," Link said. "He's a walking curse."

"Do tell," Reena said. "He can't be much more of a curse than you are."

"You might be surprised," Link said. "He's got quite a story to tell."

"Well, are you going to tell me? Or do I have to wait until I run into him again? Which may be never," Reena said, looking up at him.

"We'll be here for a while," Link warned. Reena pulled a blanket over them in answer. "It all began when he was five. Ranor lost his parents and so was raised in Kokiri forest-"

"How come this story is sounding vaguely familiar?" Reena interrupted. "Are you telling me that…you're… you're…"

"Yes," Link said with a laugh. "Quite amazing how blind we are, isn't it?"

"Just like in my dreams…" Reena said quietly. "Before you'd become your… other self, you would reveal that you were Ranor…"

"I can promise that I won't turn into my demon self," Link assured. "I made sure of that."

"Yes, don't remind me," Reena said. "So… if you were Ranor… that means that…"

"That we saw each other often," Link said quietly. "Even in death, we couldn't stay apart."

The two remained there the rest of the night. Quiet laughter and talking could be heard as Ranor and Sheik recalled their encounters. No disturbance interrupted the couple… well…almost…

Lera smiled as she watched the two together. Above her Kasten nodded with satisfaction. She looked up at him, catching his eye. He was nearly fully healed and had refused to stay behind as Lera spied. It had only been a few minutes anyways…

"Let's go," she mouthed, silently stepping away.

"Even if they had seen us…I don't think they would have cared," Kasten admitted once they were far enough away.

"We probably could have stayed there the rest of the day and they wouldn't have noticed," Lera said. "However… that just seems… cruel."

Kasten eyed her, "Don't you usually look for those opportunities?"

"Yes, but, this… this is different," Lera said slowly. "It wouldn't be fair at least. Obviously they haven't been able to spend practically any time together. It's always been one thing or another. Besides, you can't be walking around all day."

Kasten shrugged, "I'm almost back to normal."

"Almost," Lera repeated, giving him a stern look. "You should get back to your chambers. You could be hurting yourself even-"

"You remind me of my mother," he laughed. "Don't worry, besides it's your fault."

"My fault? How is it my fault?" Lera demanded, looking up at him. She hated it that he was nearly a head taller than her. "You chose to come with me!"

"You brought up spying on them," Kasten accused.

"If I remember correctly," Lera said, "I said I wondered where they were. You said we should find out."

"But you brought up the idea," Kasten said. "Besides, you were thinking of doing so."

"Really?" Lera asked, eyeing him. "Since when could you read minds?"

"Wouldn't you like to know," he replied mysteriously.

Lera only laughed as they continued down the hall. "Maybe not."

"Lera…" Kasten said after a moment. "What happened… on the battlefield?"

"What do you mean?" Lera asked, looking up at him. She had been hoping he hadn't learned how she had received her injury.

"Sarid nearly killed you," Kasten said, stopping and looking at her.

"It… it's just a cut on my arm," Lera said as her hand slid over it. "I wasn't strong enough to go against him."

"That's not the truth, and you know it," Kasten said softly. "Lera, he could have killed you."

Lera fought to find the words. "I… I couldn't do it, Kasten."

"Because of me?" Kasten asked as if reading her mind.

"I couldn't have you hate me," Lera explained, the words choking her. "As I went against him…suddenly… it was you I was going against."

"Do I really look that much like him?" Kasten teased.

"Kasten," Lera sighed. Him being difficult wasn't helping her confession. "No, not in the least. I couldn't be the one to kill your brother, Kasten. I just couldn't. I thought you would hate me."

"That is impossible," Kasten said quietly. "He almost killed you. If I hadn't been an idiot and gotten hurt before hand, I would have ended his legacy of terror myself."

Lera sighed, shaking her head. It still didn't take away the guilt. Her heart began to beat faster as Kasten's hand slid into hers. She looked up to meet a small smile on his lips. Lera returned it, squeezing his hand.

*astrix astrix astrix*

"Think you can take some visitors?"

Reena's pen stopped in mid-sentence. She looked up at Link who was standing in her doorway.

"You're allowing this?" Reena asked, eyeing him.

"These three are an exception," Link explained.

"And just who-"

"Princess Reena!"

Reena's pen, ink well, and fairytale book went flying as a small body jumped up on the bed and tackled her. Reena let out a cry of surprise, looking down on the brown head of hair.

"Ella!" she laughed, hugging the small girl tightly. Reena looked up to see Anita and Caris with Link laughing. "You've gotten so big!"

"That's what kids do! We grow up!" Ella said matter-of-factly, looking up at Reena. Her eyes grew wide. "Are you really a princess? Or was Link lying? Boys do that a lot!"

"Thanks, Ella," Link said.

"I know, don't they?" Reena sighed. "But he told the truth this time."

Ella let out a squeal of delight. "That means when you marry Link, he'll become a prince!"

"I-" Reena stopped. She looked over at Link. Horror took a hold of him as this realization seeped in. Reena couldn't keep back her laughter.

"Ella," Anita said quickly. "Link and Reena aren't necessarily going to get married!"

"Why not?" Ella asked. "Reena's already wearing a ring!"

"I guess that means I ought to," Reena decided. "What do you think, Ella? Should we?"

"Of course," Ella said seriously. "Besides, mommy, you said they should!"

"Ella!" Anita said breathlessly, going red in her cheeks. "I didn't-"

"What about you, Link?" Reena cut in. "You alright with it?"

He shrugged, the two sharing a smile. "Might as well if you already have the ring."

"I'm really sorry about Ella-"

"Anita, this time we are ahead of Ella," Link said. "Not by much, but we are ahead."

Anita stared from Link to Reena. "Wait…then…you two….married?"

"Not yet," Reena said. "Engaged yes, married… no clue when."

"Tomorrow," Ella said obviously, crossing her arms.

Reena laughed. "Not tomorrow. But we'll tell you when."

"You promise?" Ella asked.

"Promise," Reena answered.

"Humph, I know what that means," she muttered. Ella's face suddenly brightened up when Caris squirmed in his mother's arms behind her. "You haven't met Caris yet! He's my brother!"

"Hi, Caris. It's been a long time since I've seen you!" Reena said, smiling at the uncertain toddler.

Anita, who was still getting over the engagement, froze. "You've…you've seen Caris? But…how?"

"Did you come when I wasn't home?" Ella demanded.

"No, you were home," Reena assured. "Remember the purple monkeys?"

"That was you?" Ella cried, jumping up and down on the bed.

Reena laughed, making Ella sit. "Yes, that was me! I was Sheik."

"But…why?" Ella asked curiously.

"I had to disguise myself," Reena explained.

"Oh, from the bad guys?" Ella asked seriously. "I would disguise myself too!"

Reena only smiled, leaning back. Her hand slipped beneath her and she nearly hit the headboard. Black stained her hand and the bed.

"Uh oh," Ella muttered nervously.

"Don't worry about it," Reena said, picking up the now empty ink well. She placed it on the bedside table along with her pen and book. "Watch."

With the wave of her hand the ink disappeared. Ella let out a gasp and Caris clapped his hands.

"Again?" he asked hopefully.

"Make purple monkeys again!" Ella cried.

"Princess Reena is still getting her strength back," Anita said. "She shouldn't be doing magic."

"Thank you," Link said, smirking at Reena who rolled her eyes. "However, she doesn't seem to think that."

"Oh, I'm sorry, were you talking to me?" Reena asked, narrowing her eyes.

"What's this?" Ella cut in, picking up Reena's book. "Are these stories?"

"Yes, that's my fairytale book," Reena said, flipping through the pages.

"Did you write these?" Ella asked, wide eyed.

"I had help," Reena answered.

"Can you read me some?" Ella asked hopefully.

"Before you go to bed," Reena replied, putting the book back. "But it's not finished yet."

"When will it be?" Ella asked.

Reena looked at Link who had a small smile on his face. "Not for a long time."

"How come I always have to wait forever!" Ella sighed.

*astrix astrix astrix*

"You're lasting longer than I thought."

Lera looked up from the letter she was writing on her desk. Reena strode in, collapsing on her bed.

"Shush," Lera murmured, returning to writing. "The last two months have been hard enough with no help from you!"

"I'm always glad I can help," Reena said. "He had to go back though, Lera. Salderin needs some type of guidance."

"Hopefully he hasn't been assassinated yet," Lera said, swallowing hard.

"Lera, Salderin sees Kasten as a hero," Reena reminded. "Somehow I think he'll be alright."

"We did send our best guards with him," Lera agreed.

"I'm telling you, I could've accompanied-"

"Oh, like Link would even consider letting you!" Lera laughed. "Besides, if mother and father didn't let Link accompany Kasten, what makes you think they'd let you?"

"Powers?" Reena said, lighting her hand.

"Face it, you and Link are out of a job," Lera said. "About damn time too."

"Yeah, I'd like to see how long this is going to last," Reena smirked. "Sooner or later we'll be back at it."

"There is no way possible anyone would even contemplate calling you two," Lera said. "After seeing that wonderful act Link put on, we decided we are capable to take care of ourselves. Sickening how it takes a show like that to teach us."

Reena shrugged, not knowing how to answer that. She peered over Lera's shoulder, smiling as her sister's hands flew to conceal the letter.

"This is not for your eyes!" Lera cried. "Go bother Sir Lethan or something!"

"You've got it bad for him," Reena smirked.

"Don't even get me started!" Lera exclaimed. "You're engaged! For the second time!"

"First time doesn't count," Reena protested. "I only accepted because…well…you know why!"

"I can't believe I didn't realize," Lera muttered for the umpteenth time.

"Speak for yourself," Reena said. "So, has he written back?"

"If you must know, yes," Lera answered. She sighed. "Hopefully he'll come to the ball."

"Ball? What ball?" Reena asked, eyeing Lera.

"You know… the celebration ball?" Lera said, facing her sister. A blank look answered her. "The ball celebrating the union of Salderin and Hyrule? The ball celebrating the victory against Sarid? The ball dedicated to you and Link!"

"There's… a ball?" Reena asked. "Since when?"

"You're not telling me you don't know!" Lera cried.

"Does it sound like I know?" Reena demanded. "Since when was there a ball?"

"Link must have told you!" Lera said.

"Link knew?" Reena asked dangerously.

"He's known…" Lera said. "At least I thought he did. Oh, settle down!"

"Settle down?" Reena exclaimed. "I've never even gone to one of these things! Not even to steal from! It's dedicated to the two of us? Why?"

Lera just stared at Reena in disbelief. "Maybe for, perhaps, saving Hyrule from certain death countless times! There was going to be one long before hand to show you to the people and commemorating the defeat of Ganondorf."

"Why show me?" Reena asked, relaxing somewhat.

"Only because you're the lost princess, Zelda, that Link's been looking for since he was nine years old," Lera said, rolling her eyes.

"Thank the goddesses that's not happening," Reena muttered.

"Who said it's not? You two will be honored at this celebration and you'll be revealed," Lera explained.

"Oh, just great! I've got to change my name…again!" Reena said crossly.

"Will you be quiet?" Lera demanded, turning in her chair to face Reena. "You don't have to change your name! For pity's sake get a grip!"

"Easy for you to say! I'm sure you're used to these!" Reena retorted. "I don't know anything about these things!"

"You wear formal attire -yes, a dress - there's music and you dance," Lera explained. She rolled her eyes at Reena's expression. A sly smile drifted across her face though. "The best part, however, is knocking the men off their feet!"

"I assume that's a figurative statement," Reena said. Lera eyed her. "By that look yes. What do you mean by it?"

"I mean by wearing gowns instead of tunics and jewels instead of weapons," Lera explained, the feminine side of her emerging.

"I've decided… that you are not my sister," Reena said. "You know me! I don't wear gowns!"

"Only because you've never had the opportunity," Lera said.

"No, I just don't wear them!"

"How can you say that when you've never worn one?" Lera cornered.

"Because…because," Reena stammered. She sighed and slumped her shoulders. "I'm not wearing a gown."

Lera rubbed her chin in thought. A smile flickered across her face and she sat down in front of Reena.

"How about Link?" she asked.

"What about him?" Reena asked.

"Has he ever seen you in a gown?" Lera interrogated.

"Yeah, when Sarid had us stay at his palace," Reena answered, rolling her eyes.

"Imagine what he'd think," Lera said. "He'll be speechless."

Reena eyed Lera. "Or he'll just laugh."

"Reena," Lera said, shaking her sister's shoulders, "you're already beautiful without even trying. I've seen the way some of those men look at you and comment. That smile tells me you know they do. And there's no need to say what Link thinks. But all he's ever seen you in is a tunic."

"Exactly," Reena said. "He'll think I've lost my mind."

"He won't be able to think that," Lera assured. "Believe me I've seen the affects on men when women take a little time on their apparel. You'll stop him dead."

"…You're sure about this?" Reena asked.

"What's this? The insecure side of Reena?" Lera asked with a smile.

"I've never-!"

"Reena, settle down," Lera said, shaking her head. "Now, a deep crimson would look stunning with your skin and hair…deep crimson and silver."

"But my tunic's a light blue-"

"Exactly!" Lera said breathlessly. "You can't wear the same color gown! It needs to be something… unexpected."

"I can't believe I'm talking about this!" Reena laughed, her cheeks flushing for no apparent reason. "Is it okay… to be excited about something like this? It's not me!"

"You're allowed to act like a girl every so often," Lera assured with a smile. "And…sometimes…it's fun to."

"Like now?" Reena asked.

"Especially now," Lera said. "Alright, we need to be serious again!"

"What colored gown do you have?" Reena asked, eyeing her sister.

"I stole you're color," Lera explained. "Light blue. Kasten won't stand a chance. That is… if he comes."

"You never know," Reena said with a grin.

A knock came at the door. "Is it safe to enter?"

"You can't come in, Link, sorry!" Lera said.

"This is a first," he observed with amusement. "Just what are you two discussing?"

"Things you can't know," Reena answered mysteriously.

"Really?" Link asked. "And why's that?"

"We're discussing the ball," Lera answered. "And you can't know what we're planning."

"If you two are planning anything, I'm scared," Link answered.

"You should be," Reena said. She looked at her sister and the two laughed.

"Women," Link muttered. "Just what are you discussing about the ball?"

"We can't tell you that," Lera answered, sticking her head out the door. "So go away."

"Can I request an audience with Reena for thirty seconds?" Link asked, crossing his arms.

Lera thought for a moment. "I'll ask. Reena?"

"Fine," Reena sighed, closing the door behind her as she stepped outside.

Link motioned for Reena to follow him, putting a finger to his lips. Once down the adjacent hallway Link made sure Lera wasn't following.

"Alright," he said, turning to Reena. "We can't have Lera hear."

"What are you planning now?" Reena asked, smiling at the plot.

"I need you to cover for me," Link explained. "I'm going to get Kasten. Lera doesn't know and won't know until she sees him at the ball."

"When are you leaving?" Reena asked.

"Today…now," Link replied. "The ball is in two and a half weeks."

"Two and a half weeks?" Reena asked. "And you're leaving now?"

Link smiled. "It'll take me at least five days to get there. And that's if I'm riding hard. I'm not keen on doing that."

"You had better be back here for the ball, or this marriage ordeal isn't happening," Reena threatened.

"Is that still on?" Link teased.

"Amazingly enough," Reena said. "I don't even know why I'm saying this, but be careful."

"You know I always am," he answered. "I'm surprised you're not putting up a fight about this."

"I would, but there are things that Lera and I need to… organize," Reena said. "She'd never let me leave."

"What are you organizing?" Link asked.

"I can't tell you that," Reena answered with a smile.

"You're impossible," Link sighed.

Reena only smiled, hugging him as they kissed. "You had better be at the ball."

"I promise," Link assured.

"We both know what that could mean," Reena muttered, letting him go. Link walked Reena back to Lera's room and, with a final kiss, let her slip back inside.

"What was that all about?" Lera asked, eyeing her sister.

"Link has to go to Termina or something like that," Reena said, rolling her eyes.

"And you're not going with?" Lera asked, stunned.

"Well, I took into account that you might kill me because we need to 'discuss' the ball," Reena explained.

"…Very true," Lera agreed. "Wait…why does he need to go there? It's been established that you two are out of a job! There hasn't been a-"

"No it wasn't that," Reena interrupted. "Besides, the King and Queen would know first if a domain was calling and wouldn't tell either of us."

"True…" Lera agreed. "Well, he already proposed to you… so it's nothing like that…"

"Anita and Tarin!" Reena said, snapping her fingers. "It's going to be a long trip with Caris and Ella so Link was going to 'escort' them if you will to Hyrule for the ball. Ella and Caris adore him, so it'll make the trip a lot easier."

"And you didn't want to go with?" Lera asked. "That's not like you…"

"Like I said, I was afraid of what you'd do to me if I went," Reena said.

"But it's going to be two weeks," Lera teased.

"I know!" Reena sighed. "I've come to that realization thank you very much! You're not helping this case at all! I already miss him!"

"You've got it bad, not me," Lera sniggered.

Reena only shrugged and smiled, pulling her knees up under her chin. She rested her head on them, looking at the glittering ring on her hand. The wish that they were married already came hurtling back.

"You know," Lera interrupted, "you two have the perfect love story going."

"Hmm?" Reena asked, pulling out of her daydream.

"I don't think I've ever heard a more romantic love story than yours and Link's," Lera admitted.

Reena laughed, "Yes, the part with the dungeons is real romantic."

"I bet it was," Lera said, getting dreamy-eyed. "He was probably being dragged away when you two finally revealed everything."

"Sure," Reena said, unwilling to admit the truth in her statement. However, a small smile did escape her lips and she blushed.

"You're not serious!" Lera cried, sitting up straighter. "You've got to tell me now!"

"Excuse me? You're asking me to reveal when I was in the dungeons and Link said he wanted to die?" Reena demanded.

"He what?" Lera exclaimed. "Oh, there is no way you're getting out of this one! I want to know everything!"

Reena groaned. "How do I get myself into these things?"

Good news everybody! Link and Reena's wedding will be written for all of you who think it necessary, but first you have to endure a stereotypical dance. Because you can't have a story about a princess without her going to a ball. Yes, even I have fallen into the trap that so many people before me have as well. Deal with it!

Oh dear God, I think making Reena act girly is the worst mistake of my life! It was a horible idea and I'm regretting it now and wish I could take it back. Forgive me please.