Link awoke to a knock on the door. Too lazy and tired to go answer, Link kept silent hoping they would just leave. However, the person at the door just let themselves in when he didn't respond. Link kept his eyes close, feigning sleep. Suddenly, a blinding, bright light filled his room. Link groaned as he turned away from the light and threw a pillow over his face. Why wasn't this person letting him sleep in?
"Oh no you don't," a chipper female voice chided. Oh, it was Zelda. "The Carnival opens at ten, and we have to be there."
"Zelda," Link whined as his girlfriend tore the covers off him. He curled in on himself to try and keep warm. Couldn't he have just, like, ten more minutes of sleep?
As he lay there curled into a ball, it took Link five whole seconds to remember that he was only wearing his boxers as pajamas. It took him three more horrifying seconds to realize he was half naked in front of his girlfriend. He sat bolt upright in bed to see Zelda's red face staring at him, her eyes wide with shock.
"Oh my Goddess!" Link yelped, grabbing at the sheets to try and cover himself.
That seemed to knock Zelda out of her daze. She covered her extremely red face with her hands and cried, "Holy Farore, Link! Wear pajamas next time."
"Well could you just close your eyes so I can get pants?" Link cried while fumbling out of bed and trying to keep the sheets wrapped around him. Much like Zelda, Link was fairly certain his face was stained red up to his ears.
The Princess covered her eyes with her hands and sat down on the bed before adding, "And a shirt."
Link resisted the bizarre urge to laugh at her reaction. Zelda was being so adorably flustered; she couldn't even see him without a shirt on. He finally detangled himself from the bedsheets and rushed to the dresser that he stuffed his sweatpants in. He fished out his grey Hyrule University Fencing sweats. After nearly falling over while hastily putting the sweats on, Link hurried to the closet to throw on a green shirt. He emerged sheepishly from the closet to see Zelda staring at the bedsheet she was kneading in her hand.
"Sorry," Link said. "I was too tired last night, and I didn't think you'd come and wake me up."
"No, it's my fault," Zelda finally chanced a glance up at him. "I just wanted to thank you for taking care of me after the ball."
"You're very welcome," Link sat next to her on the bed. He lifted her head with his hand so she would see his smile. "No hard feelings?"
Zelda smiled back, "None." She gave him a brief kiss before standing up and grabbing Link's hand. Zelda led him down to breakfast in the kitchens, already laughing about the embarrassing incident that happened earlier.
"So we have the Carnival today?" Link asked as they sat down at the counter. "Is it going to knock my socks off?"
"Knowing you, probably not," Zelda laughed as the sous chef placed their food in front of them. "But then the Dueling Tournament starts after lunch."
"And I'm all signed up, right?" Link asked as he shoveled eggs and sausage into his mouth.
"Yup," Zelda beamed. "You're scheduled for the first match of the day which should start around one."
"Excellent," Link smiled widely with food stretching his cheeks to resemble a chipmunk's. "Everyone will still be distracted by the Carnival, so I won't be the center of attention."
"You'll still be the center of attention," Zelda reminded him as she took a sip of orange juice. "You're dating the Princess of Hyrule. People are going to want to see you prove yourself."
"So no showing off special tricks," Link focused his attention on his food as he became lost in thought.
Zelda truly admired how serious Link became when his mind turned to fencing. She never saw him so focused as when he thought through strategy for a match. His mind just seemed attuned to the fast-paced, adrenaline fueled sport of swordplay. His skill was such that he was the only freshman to make the Hyrule University fencing team during spring try-outs. Granted he was only on the practice team, but it was a big deal since the HU fencing team repeatedly won the national championship in Hyrule and was considered one of the top fencing teams in all of the Goddess' Realm.
"Anyone else notable competing?" Link asked nonchalantly. Zelda could tell by the look in his piercing electric blue eyes that this question was fueled by anything but curiosity.
"Austin Bellamy and Zachary Schuyler from the HU fencing team," Zelda informed him. Link nodded as he recognized his senior teammates. "There's also Garrett Carlisle and Oliver Nohansen. He's a distant cousin of mine." Link scowled at the mention of Garrett Carlisle before motioning for Zelda to continue. "And then there's someone called Taber Arany from Calatia. One of the few foreigners in the tournament. There are also some first-time entrants."
"Arany?" Link asked. He looked like he was about to spit out his drink. "No way. I finally get my rematch!"
"You know this Taber Arany?" Zelda asked confused.
"Yeah," Link ran his fingers through his bangs. "When I went to nationals in high school fencing my senior year, I lost to Arany in the quarterfinals. I've been wanting a rematch ever since."
"Ah," Zelda nodded. Besides being very good at fencing, Link was also very competitive. "The age-old rematch to regain your pride."
"I'm gonna wipe the floor with him," Link began ranting as they left the kitchen and headed back toward their rooms. "I've gotten so much better training on the fencing team this past spring. You know I disarmed Justin Hahn, -"
"And it was amazing," Zelda interrupted Link's umpteenth retelling of his triumph. "The whole crowd cheered for the underdog freshman who finally put the douchebag Hahn in his place."
Link huffed, "It was amazing."
Zelda rolled her eyes before continuing, "Just remember all types of swordplay are allowed in the Tournament."
"I know," Link said as they neared Zelda's room. "I already decided on Traditional Calatian. Not many here will know how to properly counter against it. But, um…" Link tapered off as he opened Zelda's door for her. "I'm a little worried about anyone using Kendo. My defense might not be strong enough to counter that style."
"There won't be anyone using it," Zelda said as she sat at her vanity and started applying her make-up. "It's kind of exclusive to the Sheikah. They specialize in Kendo, but none of the Sheikah have signed up for the tournament this year, so there should be nothing to worry about."
Link nodded as he relaxed on Zelda's bed. He usually wasn't nervous when it came to fencing matches, but the unknown quality of competitors using different styles of swordplay had him a little worried. What if he couldn't keep up and counter his opponent quick enough? What if he messed up and lost in the first round? What if his opponent specialized against Traditional Calatian swordplay and he was humiliated in front of everyone?
"You don't need to worry, Link," Zelda smiled at him through the mirror. Somehow, she always knew just what he was bothering him. "You're easily ten times better than half the people that signed up for the tournament. Like Garrett Carlisle for example, he's probably only competing to impress others and attempt to show off. He'll probably get knocked out in the first round."
Link laughed. He missed this. Hanging out with his girlfriend, having her reassure him when his doubts came up, he had needed this more than he realized. That feeling popped up again. The feeling that somehow felt deeper than the love he knew he already felt toward the Princess. Link turned his head toward Zelda, gazing at her as she applied make-up as if seeing her for the first time. He felt the need to say something, to do something, but he couldn't think of anything that would convey what he wanted. The Hylian language was failing him.
"Link?" a soft voice shook Link out of his daze. Zelda had turned to look at him. There was a sweet smile on her lips, and her clear blue eyes were alight in a way that took Link's breath away. She looked gorgeous.
Like a goddess, his thoughts whispered.
"Are you ready to go change?" she asked, her smile widening.
"Yeah," Link answered dazedly, still marveling in his girlfriend's beauty. Link walked back to his room to get ready for the Carnival. Since they were going to be outside until after lunch, Zelda pulled out one of Link's nicer band tees to put under a button down shirt and khaki shorts for him to wear. He finished getting ready while Zelda went to change into a simple sundress. They met back up in the entrance hall and departed for the Carnival with Keira.
"So the Carnival's spread throughout the Historic Downtown District," Zelda practically bounced as she explained. She readjusted the huge bag on her shoulder. "We're going to start in the Square for the opening hoopla, and then we can go where ever you want since this is your first Carnival at Castletown."
Link couldn't resist smiling along with Zelda's huge grin. They made it down the short walk to the Square, which was empty except for the booth attendees. Keira disappeared into the shadows to serve as Zelda's hidden bodyguard, and Link resumed his position of half escorting, half following Zelda as she took him around the many booths of the Square. There were more booths in the Square than Link had ever seen as the Carnivals held in Calatia for the Festival of Din. So many were just food, and only Zelda's hand continually slapping his prevented Link from stuffing his face.
Once they had made a whole lap around the Square, Zelda led them toward the south entrance of the Square where many of the citizens of Castletown waited behind a rather large red ribbon.
"Are you ready, my dear?" a kind elderly lady Link vaguely recognized as the mayor of Castletown asked Zelda.
"Yes, Mayor Thomas," the Princess responded. She turned toward the growing crowd of people.
"Hello, everyone!" Zelda waved and smiled to those on the other side of the ribbon. "Is everyone ready for the second day of the Festival of Din to start?"
The crowd cheered. Link was surprised at how easily Zelda stood to talk with so many people. She was normally shy around huge crowds of strangers.
"I am proud to present the Carnival at Castletown," Zelda smiled brightly. "And I have special presents for the first few kids that come through the gate when it opens." So that's what the huge bag was for.
Little kids began to run up toward the ribbon jumping up eagerly, yelling that they're going to get a present first.
"Link?" Zelda turned to him. She held out a pair of scissors to him. "Will you do the honor of opening the Carnival?"
He raised his eyebrows. She hadn't mentioned this beforehand, but her smile told him it was okay.
"Yes, my Lady," Link took the scissors from her and looked nervously at the crowd.
"Welcome to the Carnival at Castletown!" Zelda announced as Link cut the ribbon in front of them.
The crowd cheered, and the kids screamed as they swarmed Zelda asking for a present. While everyone else streamed into the Square, Link watched as Zelda knelt to be at eye level with the kids surrounding her.
"I'm sorry if I don't have enough presents for everyone," she said as she pulled the presents from her bag. She handed a plastic sword to one boy and a beautiful red scarf to another girl. Plastic tiaras and wands, yo-yos and toy cars, Zelda gave out all of her toys to the eager kids.
"Thank you, Princess," the waiting parents nodded and gave their thanks as the lucky kids ran off with their new toys.
"That was so sweet of you," Link crouched to help Zelda with her now empty bag. "I didn't know you had anything like that planned."
"I like to do little things like that for the people during events like the Festivals and Celebrations," Zelda shrugged. "I like reminding the people that the Royal Family stands right next to them in life and not on some aloof pedestal."
Link gazed at his girlfriend in awe. Again he was entranced by her beauty. It was so effortless, this generosity she displayed, this love she had for her people. It amazed him to no end.
"I've told you you're incredible before, right?" Link wrapped his arm around Zelda's shoulders.
"I don't think you've used incredible yet," she teased as they walked back toward the booths in the Square. "I like that one though. Keep using it."
They wondered around the Historic Downtown of Castletown perusing the many different booths. There were archery games that Zelda aced before giving her winnings to more children, water shooting games that Link tried and epically failed at, and ring toss games that left the couple in fits of giggles because they physically could not win. Every type of food was for sale from the traditional funnel cakes and deep fried everything to deli sandwiches and Zoran sushi. After a very hearty lunch, Zelda insisted they hit up the craft booths. They posed for caricatures, made matching flower crowns (much to Link's chagrin), and bought some souvenirs. Link got a couple of gifts for his parents back home and a few pieces of jewelry that caught his eye for Zelda.
It wasn't until Zelda mentioned heading back to the castle to get ready for the Dueling Tournament that Link even remembered the event was happening. He would have been content to spend the whole day at the Carnival, but even if he wasn't competing, he would have to accompany Zelda as her escort.
Link's match was at one-thirty, and he had to be at the fencing hall at one according to Zelda. So they headed back to the castle around twelve-thirty so that they could change for the Tournament. Link didn't understand why Zelda had to change dresses just so she could sit and watch a dueling match, but she just insisted that it was a Princess thing.
"So there's something we need to decide on," Zelda said as she sat on Link's bed. They had reversed their positions from that morning as Link packed up the fencing gear he thought he might need.
"Do you want to walk in with me or just walk in when your match starts?" Zelda asked. "You would be giving off a different impression depending on if you escorted me or not."
Link shifted nervously. He had no experience at these things, so he decided to play it safe.
"What would be expected of me?" he asked.
"Honestly, I think the nobility would expect you to walk in with me, but I'm afraid that would make me seem biased toward you in the match," Zelda frowned slightly.
"But you are biased toward me," Link grinned, relishing in Zelda's resulting blush.
"But I can't seem like I'm biased," she huffed. "I'm meant to be an impartial Grand Marshall of Events. And I don't want you to appear weak by walking in with me when you're about to play a match."
"So we won't walk in together," Link shrugged.
"But I just know some of the nobles will look too far into it," Zelda sighed in exasperation. "They'll think we're fighting or otherwise unhappy with each other, and then the men will try to take advantage of that." Oh, Link did not like the sound of that. His mind started whirling to find a solution.
"How about," Link began as he sat next to her. "I walk with you to the hall. We get to the entrance, and you head to your seat, and I'll head to the warm-up room. Then we walked in together, but I didn't escort you in."
"That's perfect," Zelda clapped and threw her arms around Link. "You're getting better at this."
"I try," Link smirked. He leaned in for a kiss, wanting to feel his girlfriend's lips on his. They hadn't had time to just be teenagers in love since he arrived back in Hyrule. He needed time with his Princess, but right now she was unwilling to grant it.
"As much as I would like to stay here," she teased pulling away from him. "We can't be late to the Tournament."
Link scowled but stood up to grab his bag anyway. He was ready to wipe the floor with his competition.
Just as planned, Link escorted Zelda to the fencing hall located in the Castletown Sports Park just outside the Financial District and near the University. Here the sports teams of Castletown played on the soccer pitch and cricket field. There were also several tennis courts and a new baseball field for the up and coming Castletown Archers.
Link held Zelda on one arm and carried his fencing gear on the other. Zelda idly chatted with him as they walked in, keeping his mind off his nerves. They stopped in the main lobby which was already filled with spectators awaiting the Princess' entrance. Keira subtly slipped into the crowds once again to keep watch over the Princess. Link was surprised to find a couple of journalists with cameras. Zelda was right; this match would be at the center of people's attentions. Zelda gave his arm a reassuring squeeze before turning to him.
"Good luck," she gave him a brief hug and smile.
As she was turning away, Link caught her hand and brought it to his lips. He flashed a devious smirk at her before whispering, "My Lady."
He grinned triumphantly at Zelda's red ears before turning toward the official standing by the door that lead to the warm-up rooms.
"Link Erdos," he stated to the official. The man nodded and began to lead Link through the door and down the hall. Link glanced back one last time to see Zelda welcoming the spectators to the Tournament and inviting them into the hall.
Link followed the official to the warm-up room. The fencing hall didn't have normal locker rooms. They had lockers and showers like a normal locker room, but the inclusion of a half-length fencing mat and a practice dummy to wail on was what made the warm-up rooms special.
"Your first round opponent is Garrett Carlisle," the official said. "Be ready in twenty minutes to walk out on the floor."
"Thank you," Link said as he eyed the equipment rack.
He quickly moved toward the rack and tried the swords. He wanted a hand and a half sword so he could use it with two hands if he needed, but the sword also needed to be light so he could carry it with his shield. Yes, Traditional Calatian Swordplay involved carrying a shield. Some might mock him for opting to use a shield, but he believed that in the long run he would benefit. No one would expect a swordsman with a shield, and it gave him an extra edge just in case his opponent was prepared to fight a lefty. It didn't matter that fighting with a shield had gone of style years ago, but that was how Link was taught as a child.
"If you're going to learn that frilly pincushion of a sport, you have to start with real swordsmanship first," his teacher, Rusl, had told him.
So Link had grown up with a practice sword in one hand and a play shield in the other. There was no way a pansy like Garrett Carlisle was going to win against him.
Link put on his protective gear deciding to forego the mask since he would have a shield. He tested the sword he had picked out on the practice dummy for a couple of minutes before calling it good. Though he hadn't practiced Traditional Calatian in a while, the moves came back to him as easily as riding on his longboard. He practiced upper cuts, thrust attacks, and shield bashes before the official came back to escort him to the fencing hall. Link turned his mind to strategizing.
He wouldn't know exactly what strategy to use until he saw what weapon Carlisle was wielding, but Link guessed there was a good chance that the nobleman was still salty about how Link treated him at the ball last night. Anger would make Carlisle's moves sloppy, which would be better for Link.
As Link reached the floor of the hall, he was surprised to see that the traditional fencing mat was replaced with a larger pad that resembled a wrestling mat. The spectators who were talking quietly amongst themselves became silent at his entrance. However, it didn't take long for people to start whispering once they caught sight of the shield on his back. He turned to the other entrance to see Garrett Carlisle being escorted in with another official. Link and his opponent were lead to the center of the mat. Having been told the formalities by Zelda, he turned and bowed to the Princess then turned toward his opponent. Carlisle had a smug grin spread across his face and a rapier strapped to his side. Link scoffed to think a pompous noble would use any other type of weapon. Oh yeah, he was going to crush Carlisle so hard.
Zelda stood to offer her opening speech, "The Dueling Tournament stands as a test for those who believe they hold the Power of Din. For centuries, men and women from across the Goddess' Realm have tested their skills against one another to be crowned as the most powerful in the land." She paused and turned her gaze to Link and Carlisle. "May the best man win."
Link turned to Carlisle. He held out his hand, and Carlisle shook it roughly as if trying to convey the arrogant belief that he could win through his grip. Link said nothing in response to Carlisle's cocky smirk as he drew his rapier. Link unsheathed the sword on his back and took up his shield.
"Alright, men," the referee said gruffly, looking in between Link and Garrett Carlisle. "The match is over when one disarms the other. You can use any method to disarm your opponent, but head shots are illegal. Understand?"
"Yes, sir," Link stated while Carlisle just nodded.
"Alright," the ref put his whistle in his mouth and moved off the mat.
As soon as the ref blew his whistle, Link bent his knees and held up his shield in a defensive, ready stance. Just as Link expected, Carlisle began thrusting his rapier, obviously attempting to take the right of way from the beginning. But Link simply held off Carlisle's weak attacks with his shield.
Link almost laughed at Carlisle's strategy. This wasn't fencing. There was no right of way, no priority to be had in this match, and certainly no graceful lunging or parrying. Link only needed to watch Carlisle's pathetic attempts at attacks before he saw an opening.
In a flash, he moved his shield aside and caught Carlisle's next thrust with his sword. The heavier hand and a half sword easily blocked the attack, but Link wasn't done there. He circled his sword around the caught rapier, forcing Carlisle's wrist to twist with it. The nobleman let out a yelp of pain before dropping his rapier.
The ref blew his whistle again. The crowd cheered. It hadn't even been five minutes.
Link smiled to himself at the easy victory. He turned toward his Princess bowing with his sword extended before twirling the sword a couple of times and sheathing it. This earned him a couple of enthusiastic shrieks from the girls in the crowd. He chuckled a little before turning to Garrett Carlisle. Link offered his hand to his opponent, which Carlisle begrudgingly shook as a formality.
Link rolled his eyes once Carlisle released his hand. Some people were just sore losers. He looked toward the official, who dismissed him with a nod. With one last wave to Zelda, he hurried back to the warm-up rooms to change out of his protective gear.
As fast as he could, Link tore off his gear and put up his equipment. He couldn't wait to see Zelda and hug her and give her a big kiss. The adrenaline from the match had boiled over into excitement over winning. He ran from the warm-up room when he was done. He burst through the door to the lobby to see Zelda already waiting for him. Link dropped his bag where he was and ran toward his girlfriend. He lifted her up in a hug, twirling her around as if there was no one there. Her peals of laughter were music to his ears as he set her back down on the floor.
"I won," he smiled down at her.
"I know," Zelda beamed up at him.
Her clear blue eyes twinkled happily, and Link couldn't help himself. He leaned down to give his girlfriend a kiss, much to the entertainment of the crowd that had gathered around them. Link ignored the laughing cheers and wolf whistles as he dipped Zelda before ending their kiss.
As soon as Link hauled Zelda upright, they were bombarded by questions from reporters and spectators. Zelda politely waved them off and turned to Link.
"Do you want to stay with me to watch the next match or head back to the castle?" she asked.
"Well I think my match ended quickly enough that I'll be able to stay for the rest of the matches and still have time to freshen up before dinner," Link couldn't stop smiling as he stared into Zelda's eyes. "Plus, I really want to see who I'll be beating next."
"Don't get too cocky now, Erdos," Zelda bopped him on the nose. "Now you're resuming your duties as escort?"
"I am at your service, My Lady," Link held his arm out for his Princess. Zelda giggled and pointed to his overlooked bag. Link let out an exasperated sigh at his own forgetfulness for ruining the moment. He quickly retrieved his bag before offering his arm to Zelda again.
Link sat with Zelda in the stands as they watched the next three matches. The second match of the day was between Clarimonde Wechsler, the daughter of a Lorulean Lord, and Prince Facade of Arcadia. Link could tell that Zelda was trying to stop herself from rolling her eyes as the pompous Prince winked at her when he bowed. Link almost wanted Facade to win just so he could beat the Prince himself, but he was glad to see Wechsler beat the Prince just as quickly as he had beaten Garrett Carlisle. He gave a slight nod to the Lorulean noblewoman as she left the mat; Link couldn't wait to see how their match would shape up in two days' time.
The third match pitted Oliver Nohansen, Zelda's distant cousin, against Keenan Daugherty, the son of a Hylian Lady. Both used Hylian Fencing as their choice of swordplay. Oliver was eight years Keenan's senior, but the young Daugherty held his own against Nohansen despite eventually being overpowered by Nohansen's brute strength. Link was impressed by Daugherty's skill in holding off his larger opponent for as long as he did and went to talk with him after the match.
"Yeah I'm headed to Hyrule University in the fall," Keenan smiled sheepishly. "Mom and Dad wouldn't have me go anywhere else."
"So you're gonna try out for the fencing team in the spring, right?" Link asked.
"I've thought about it," Keenan raised an arm to rub the back of his neck nervously. "But I don't know. I'm probably not good enough for HU fencing."
"You could have fooled me with the match you just played," Link smiled encouragingly. "Tell you what, come by the training center on campus sometime in the fall, and I'll introduce you to some of the guys. They'd love to meet someone with natural talent like you."
"Really?" Keenan's eyes lit up at the notion.
"Really," Link laughed.
Keenan joined Link and Zelda to watch the last match of the day between Aizza Kader and Link's old foe, Taber Arany. Aizza Kader used an interesting style of swordplay that involved wielding two curved scimitars.
"That's an old desert style of swordplay," Zelda whispered in Link's ear as Arany argued with the referee that he should only have to disarm one of Kader's scimitars to win. "Judging by her name, Aizza Kader might be a descendant of the ancient Gerudo race."
Arany lost his battle with the ref. The rules were to completely disarm the opponent, and since Kader had two swords, he would have to disarm both scimitars to win. Arany raised his falchion with a scowl, and Link could only guess what his strategy would be now.
Their match was by far the longest and most exciting of the day. Link smugly thought that a shield would be very useful in a fight against an opponent wielding two swords. Arany was forced to block using the side of his blade, though while it was effective, it prevented him from pulling off a decent counterstrike. Eventually, Arany pulled off a wrist-twisting move similar to the one Link used against Garrett Carlisle and disarmed one of Kader's scimitars. But he was only halfway done. There were several times Link thought Kader would finally disarm Arany, especially when she finally figured out how to use the blunt edge of Arany's falchion against him. But all it took was one slip up to end the match. Kader was making a bold lunge with her remaining scimitar, which Arany, with all the finesse his fencing background afforded him, dodged. He quickly countered and forced Kader to drop her scimitar.
And with that, the Dueling Tournament was done for the day. Zelda stood to thank the spectators for coming and reminded them that the next round of matches would be at the same time tomorrow.
"Time for dinner, right?" Link asked Zelda eagerly as soon as Keira closed the door on the car that was taking them back to the castle.
"Yes," Zelda laughed.
Link playfully nuzzled his head on her shoulder, "And I don't have to wear a stuffy suit?"
"No," Zelda shook her head, trying not to smile at her boyfriend's antics. "It's just going to be dinner with the guests staying at the castle."
"But we still have to change?" Link stuck his tongue out. He was exhausted of all the formalities.
"Yes, Link," Zelda turned to look over at her boyfriend. She rested her hands on his cheeks and lifted his head. "I know you're already done with today, but I promise it'll be worth it if you can make it through dinner."
"How worth it?" he smirked.
The sexiest, most devious smolder pulled at Zelda's lips. Link's blood seemed to simultaneously freeze in his veins and rush to heat up his face.
"So worth it you'll be willing to stand through every formal dinner in a stuffy suit for the rest of the week."
Link had no complaints as Zelda picked out a nice button down and slacks for him to wear to dinner. He kept up amiable conversation with Princess Hilda and Prince Ralph and even exchanged a few words with King Rian himself. Link was proud enough to boast that he did not whine or argue when he went with Zelda and the other guests to have coffee after dessert. The subtle looks Zelda sent him when no one was watching was enough to keep him from saying anything negative for the whole evening. It must have been almost ten at night when Zelda finally called for him to escort her back up to her room.
"But, Zelda," Hilda complained. "Don't you want to stay and watch the fireworks?"
Link's eyebrows shot up. Fireworks? There was going to be a show?
Zelda giggled coyly and responded, "Link and I were going to watch them from a private balcony upstairs. You know, make it a little romantic."
Hilda nodded knowingly and sent the couple a wink before dismissing them with a wave. Link could barely contain his laughter as Zelda began tugging him along the corridor once they left the dining room.
"Is this one of the surprises that's supposed to knock my socks off?" Link asked, laughter mixing in with his breathless voice.
Zelda only continued to giggle as she pulled Link up to the fourth floor. The only things above them now were the odd tower, attics, and the clear night sky. She led him along the short hallway to the only door on the right. Through the door was a simple parlor filled with many different musical instruments, assorted books, and a very large ornate dollhouse. Link smiled when he saw the harp he had gotten her for her birthday in April resting against a couple of books on an end table.
"My favorite place in the whole castle is up here," Zelda said breathlessly as she looked about the room. "When I was younger I would come up here and stargaze with Mom. I'd always come up here when I wanted to be alone. I would play music or read and just get away from the rest of the world."
Link listened to Zelda open up about her youth. As long as they had been together, Zelda had always struggled to open up about her youth. Link had always suspected, but was always too hesitant to confirm, that it was due to the loss of her mother. But here she was telling him about playing dress up and having tea parties with the late Queen in this very room.
They sat on the antique loveseat for a while talking about everything and nothing. It reminded Link so much of when they would just hang out at Zelda's apartment or his old dorm room that he was startled when the fireworks began popping in the sky.
"I thought this was only a Calatian tradition," Link gestured to the bright fireworks in the window behind Zelda.
She turned to watch for a second, "We must have picked it up from you then. I think my grandmother started using fireworks back during her reign."
Link leaned forward to look out the window over Zelda's shoulder, "A wonderful tradition to start."
"Yes, it is," Zelda turned back around to see Link's slightly too close face.
The moment couldn't have been more perfect as Link leaned in and brushed his lips against his girlfriend's. The fireworks in the background framed her golden hair, and suddenly Link had an arm around her waist and a hand tangled in her hair. Zelda had her hands pressed up against his chest, and their kiss deepened. Link closed his eyes but could still see the occasional splash of colored light when a firework went off. Soon Zelda was laying down on the loveseat, her hair fanned out behind her. Love, no that feeling that was somehow deeper than love, welled up in Link like he had never felt before. He peppered kisses all along his Princess' skin trying to show her without words just what she meant to him.
They didn't notice when the spectacular finale lit up the window behind them. They didn't notice the crowds leaving the Square below or the twinkle of the stars in the night sky. All Link could think about was the feel of Zelda's lips and the taste of her skin.
"Totally worth it," Link whispered in her ear. Her resounding giggle was music to his ears, and he bent down to kiss her again.