We rode on through the trees, the sunlight filtering down through the canopy. Soft breezes danced through the trees, birds sang, and little creatures skittered here and there.
Fallen leaves and twigs snapped and crunched beneath the horse's hooves, hitting the ground in a steady rhythm. I felt myself breathe in the fresh, damp air.

'Forests are lovely...' I think.
But, my questions have grown numerous, and I'm sure this boy Link has the answers.
I clear my throat lightly.

"So, where are we going?" I ask.
He inhales deeply before speaking.
"Well, after we make it out of these woods, we'll be on Hyrule Field. Then, it's on to the Castle. There's someone I want you to meet."
I look back at him a moment, then face forward again.
"Really? Well, alright. Who is it? And, where is this? You said 'castle', and 'castle town', so I'm left to assume this is a kingdom, correct?"
He laughed.
"Right. It is the kingdom of Hyrule; I'm sure Princess Zelda will be happy to tell you more."
He chuckled.
"Oh, yes, and that's who you're meeting, by the way."
I laughed.
"I could've only guessed."
I turned to see him smile in response.
"What is the mare's name?" I asked.
"Ah, it's Epona." he said.
The mare snorted in acknowledgment.
"Pretty name." I said, running a hand down her mane. I looked ahead, and I could faintly see a break in the trees.
"Were the notes you hummed used to call her?" I asked.
He nodded.
"Yes, it was a song she's known since birth. I'm surprised you caught on to it that quickly. Oh, up ahead. There's a break." he noted.
I nodded.

A few minutes later, we reached the gap in the trees. We break out, and Link softly reminds me to hold on again, before whipping Epona into a full on sprint.
The sudden jolt causes me to wobble a bit, but I kept a firm grip, and with Link having his arms around me a bit tighter as to be sure I wouldn't fall, I was fine.
The wind lashed at my face, blowing my hair. I looked around, and all I saw was grass. Grass, a dirt path running here and there, an old stone wall, hills upon hills, and large buildings in the distance. The largest I saw was now directly ahead of us, far in the distance, a large stone wall surrounding it and the large grouping of buildings in front. A moat ran along the wall, and a drawbridge ran over. We galloped down the hill, the buildings disappearing behind the wall. We drew nearer and nearer, the torches on the wall near the opening becoming brighter.
"Is that Castle Town, then?" I asked, loudly. The winds was rushing by, bringing scents of grass to our noses.
"Aye." he said.
He slowed Epona down. The horse didn't even appear tired! We continued on until we reached the bridge, and Epona was now to a walk. Link walked us over the bridge, and into the hustle and bustle of the town ahead.

~-~-~-~-~

We entered, and everyone seemed to stare. Women at stalls, gathered in little groups, whispering and pointing. I fixed my windblown hair, bringing all of it over my left shoulder and letting it fall past Epona's belly. Men certainly stared. A few let out dog whistles, and I simply looked down. I caught Link sending warning glances, and the few who called immediately clammed up. Still, I was enjoying myself. There was a group of musicians collecting money for their play, a lively tune ringing out. Most all were normal people, though there were a few strange creatures.
I asked Link about them.
"The ones who are large and lively, are the rock people. Gorons." he explained.
"I am a sworn brother to their tribe, as deemed by their leader Darunia."
I raised my eyebrows at him, but continued to let him explain.
"The ones who are quiet and keeping to themselves are the fish people, Zoras."
He laughed a little.
"Before some things happened, I was apparently to be wed to their Princess."
I had to laugh.
"You, married to a fish woman?" I said. "Well, I couldn't see it. I'm sure she is elegant though. Her subjects certainly are."
Link joined my laughter.
"One would think, but she's actually rather hot headed. A bit selfish, but still kind." he said. "I still didn't want to be her betrothed."
I took in all the sights and smells of Castle Town, a shop selling some cooked meat. Another selling fruit, and yet another baked goods. It was all lovely.
I saw a few girls come out of a strange purple hut, giggling to each other, and congratulating one. I heard the words "he loves you!" mixed in with their giggles, but that was all.
I nodded to them.
"What kind of shop is that?" I asked, a bit worried.
Link laughed.
"An old woman telling fortunes. Don't waste your rupees." he said.
I laughed but asked a question.
"Rupees are this kingdoms currency, yes?" I had seen numerous signs with prices and the word written across it.
He hummed a yes.
The music and liveliness of the place was getting to me. I couldn't hold back, and hummed softly to the music. A breeze floated by, bringing the scent of some flowers a woman was selling. I looked at them, and in my peripheral vision saw Link smile at my voice.
"Ah, look," I said. "Aren't those gorgeous?"
In the center were these lovely, white roses. I could smell them the most over all the flowers, and they were obviously the eye catcher of the day.
I felt Link tug the reins, and Epona softly clicked over. I was confused, but stayed silent. Link bent down, picked the largest of the white roses, and flicked a blue rupee to the stunned woman at the counter.
My eyes widened in mild shock as he smiled and handed it to me.
I tried to open my mouth to thank him, but I could only breathlessly laugh.
He pulled Epona away again, and I simply held the white rose close, and breathed it in. The stem had been meticulously removed of all thorns, as not to stick the holder.
I smiled again, as we continued through the happy little town.

~-~-~-~-~

A while later, we reach the gates to the castle. It stands tall and proud, though in the distance I see workers building on it, placing new stone. The field around it is green and small patches of wildflowers grow, but there are also patches of dead grass. I turn to Link.
"Are they building onto the castle?" I ask, pointing in the distance.
He sighs.
"Not exactly...more like..finishing rebuilding the entire thing."
I gasp.
"Rebuilding? You're joking!" I exclaim.
He shakes his head sadly.
"Unfortunately, I'm not. Trust me, I saw the old castle that had been transformed into an evil lair crumble and fall before my eyes."
He smiled a little.
"And now, I see the true one, standing proud and tall."
I stare at him a moment, lost in thought.
'Evil one? Taken over? And he was there?' I thought. 'Just who is this man, anyway?'
I realize we're about to enter a heavily guarded palace, holding royalty. Yet, Link is just able to waltz right up, an the guards are allowing us entry, no questions asked.
'He must have some connection with the royal family to be able to do this... is he royalty himself?!'
I'm suddenly humbled in his presence, realizing who I may or may not be dealing with.
We ride on Epona a while longer, until we are at the gates of the castle, surrounded by it's own moat. He pulls Epona to a halt, and swings off. I swing my legs over, and he offers me his hand as I jump down off of the horse. A guard comes over and takes her by the reins.
I begin to say something to Link, but he assures me she's in good hands.
He instead offers me his arm. I take it, and we make our way past the guards, who simply nod, or give short bows. I clutch my rose to my chest, a bit anxious. We take strides, my feet touching the cool flagstone. The large, ornate, wooden doors open widely, and candelabras line the high ceiling hall, giving it a soft glow. I see ahead is a large room, with one single throne. The carpeting is blue, and the throne is as well.
I look up to Link, and he gives me a reassuring smile. My bare feet pad on the floor, and Link's boots are nearly the only sound. We eventually reach what I've declared the throne room.
Next to the throne look two very important looking guards. They had heavy armor, and they seemed to be captains, or personal guard. But, on the throne itself sat a woman.
A beautiful girl, we must be the same age. She may even be younger than I.
Her platinum blonde hair reaches mid torso, pulled back half way, and two long strands hang on her shoulders, wrapped in white ribbon. Striking blue eyes take notice of us, and instantly light up from total boredom to curiosity. Her ornate dress is only described by sight, not words. Her ears are the longest I've seen yet, next to mine. They have a singe set of earrings, two arrangements of three golden triangles. Her crown was simple, but pronounced. It lay across her forehead, golden. She had been sitting a bit unladylike, her head resting in her palm propped on the arm of her throne. But, seeing us, she immediately stood, her gloved hands pressed together in interest.
We walked up to the throne, Link gave a small bow, and I a short curtsey.
"Oh, stop with the formal nonsense, Link, you know I hate it." she laughed.
He only gave her a small smirk and shake of his head.
"But, who is this lovely lady?" she asked, gasping.
She picked her way down the stairs, struggling with her dress.
"Curse this dress.." she muttered under her breath.
I giggled quietly.
"Your hair..my, you're gorgeous! I'm envious." she said, breathless.
I simply laughed nervously.
"Oh, no..you're kind." I say, glancing to Link.
She notices the flower in my hand, and gives Link a small smirk.
He takes note, and looks away.
"I seem to recall roses like these on sale in the market today. The bush here in the royal gardens was so full of bloom, I sent them to be sold. They were practically fighting to get sun!" she exclaimed.
"And I see you have one!" she mused, looking at a now red Link.
"Yes," I said, taking her teasing focus from him. "I pointed them out, and Link got one for me."
She laughed.
"It fits you."
She then cleared her throat.
"So, Link, why have you come here with this strange woman? To ask for my blessing on your marriage?" she said, matter-of-factly.
My eyes widen with surprise, and I saw Links calm face turn a bit frustrated.
"No, Zelda," he began, regaining composure in an instant. "I've only just met her. I've come to you, to help me help her."
Her eyes widen, and interest piques.
"Oh?" she says. "Care to explain?"
Link looks to me and I clear my throat.
"Ah.." I begin, unsure.
"Just go from the beginning." Zelda says, smiling.
"Yes," I said. "Well... I was having a dream. The dream is unimportant I think, but anyhow... I wake up. But I don't remember falling asleep. I don't remember anything. All I know is my name and age, and that dream. I know not where I'm from, who I am, and so on. I woke up in a lovely little clearing as I am now, and then Link found me. And, well," I said, chuckling. "Here we are."
She gives a saddened gasp.
"I'm sorry. This all must be horribly confusing to you."
"Yes.." I said, trailing.
She thinks for a moment, then closes her eyes. After a moment, she opens them, determination in her eyes.
She claps her hands.
"Then it's settled. You will stay in the castle with me. We'll recover your memories."
She says.
I hear the guards around the room gasp. What I assume is the head guard begins to protest, but is cut off by a woman.
A woman, white haired and mildly muscular, dressed in a strange outfit. Her eyes are a shade similar to mine, but not quite. On her arm is a tattoo of a red, crying eye.

"What the princess says is final. There will be no arguments." she says.
The guards immediately restrain their protests.
"Ah, Impa." Zelda says. "I assume you heard everything."
"Yes." is the short reply.
The woman looked like she had power. She was a bit intimidating.
"I know this is a far shot in the dark," Link finally speaks up. "But.."
he trails.

"Is she Sheikan?" he asks.
Zelda humms questioningly, staring at my eyes.
Impa stares at me for a long time before speaking.
"No. If she was, I would've known her. And, though her eyes are a similar shade, they are not of a Sheikah."
She says this so confidently that it shakes me.
"It was a thought." Zelda says.
I finally speak up, my questions and worries getting the better of me.
"Are.. are you certain I am to stay in your castle? We've only met, and you know nothing of me." I shrug, and look away to a large stain glass window. "Not that I have anything to tell you."
Zelda smiles kindly.
"Of course!" she takes my hand, and as if suddenly realizing something, gasps.
"You can be my new chamber maid, if anything!" Her eyes sparkle at the thought.
"Calm yourself, Princess." Link chuckles.
"Zelda!" she pouts at him. "You know I hate that. For the Goddesses sakes, you're practically my brother!"
Link only laughs and holds his hands up in defeat.
"Whatever you say."

'That reminds me.'

"Link, who are you, anyway?" I say, turning to him.
He looks at me in surprise, but I continue.
"For you to be able to waltz right into this castle, and the guards let you right through? Then, have the princess of this land call you her brother?" I ask, exasperated. I sigh. "I don't get it."
He only game me an understanding laugh.
"Well, I'm not royalty, if that's what you're thinking." he said.
I sighed in relief.
"But.."
He struggled with his words.
"He's the Hero of Time." Zelda said.

'Hero..of..'

"Time?" I whisper.

'Oh, my..'

"The Goddesses!" I say, suddenly.

Link looks at me in surprise.
"You, Zelda, hold the Triforce of Wisdom. And you, Link, hold the Triforce of Courage. And the evil you destroyed corrupted the Triforce of Power.." I trailed.

'I know that. I remember!'

Zelda looked at me, stunned. "Did you remember that?" she asked.

I nodded.

"How did you know..?" Link said, softly.

I realize, in an instant.

"The Goddesses told me." I said, nothing but a whisper.

Everyone in the room, even Impa, looked at me then.

"What?" Zelda whispered.

"They..they told me. Before they sent me here..." I whisper, remembering.

I hold my head in my hands, trying to remember more.

'Why? Why am I here? They told me. I don't remember.'

"Try," Link says, placing his hands on my shoulders. "Try and remember."

I sigh, frustrated.

"I can't. I have a reason for being here, but I don't remember." I say, angrily.

"It's alright." Zelda says, taking my hands. "We'll find out!"

"Sent by the Goddesses..." Link says softly, looking at nothing.

"How do you know what she says is true?" a guard speaks. That was out of line, even I know.
Zelda sends a warning glare, before Impa speaks again.

"Mind your tongue. What she says is true. I sense it." she says, roughly.

At that, the guard, wide eyed, returned to his stance.

'I..why?'

-end chapter-

Plot. Plot everywhere.
But not too much, it's only the second chapter.
I love roses.

~bye