Thorns

by xosugarheartsxo

Every rose has its thorn. Can they be removed? Or will the most beautiful rose remain untouchable? more info: I would reveal more, like pairings, but that would be spoilers. The world is mostly the same as Ocarina, with small differences. Also, post-Gannon fight, and Link was not sent back in time.

4. Chapter 4 - Ceremony

Zelda ended up picking out a light blue dress for me, saying pink would just be "too much pink".
It had sleeves, short ones that hung off of my shoulders, the neck being like one of a strapless. It went to my knees, a white lace layer beneath the overlaying skirt. The neck across my chest was straight, and around my waist was a darker blue sash, tied in a bow on the side. Zelda ended up braiding my hair, and giving me a headband of blue ribbon that twisted through my braid, and a gold necklace with a small blue gem heart, crystal clear, with a smaller red hear in the center, encased by the same gold of the chain.

She spun me around, and clapped happily at her work, just oogling over me.
"You're so gorgeous!" she squee'd.
"Oh, whatever." I say, modestly.
"Come." she said, taking me by the hand. "I'll show you around the castle!"
I stumbled forward, following her out the door. I was a bit unaccustomed to wearing shoes, but luckily, Zelda's fit just fine. She said no more heels, so she gave me a pair of comfortable blue flats.
"Oh, oh!" she gasped, suddenly stopping.
I nearly tripped because of this.
"We will have a large dinner tonight! To welcome you!" she said, exclaiming happily to me.
"All of the important people will be there, of course, but we will have a little ceremony, naming you my new chambermaid! Well, more than that really, but that will be your official title for now."
"Oh, Zelda, this isn't-"
"No! It's settled!" she said.
Then, with her sly grin, she whispered;
"Don't worry. Link will be there, too."
I blushed, but only because she kept implying there was something between us.
"Zelda, I do not care for him in that way! I hardly know him!"
She giggled.
"You'll get to know him. I'm determined to make you two a match made in the heavens!"
Before I could even roll my eyes, we were off.

~-~-~-~

The castle was huge, of course. There were three main floors, plus a basement and cellar dungeon, as well as a few towers here and there, all just rooms. Zelda said one was an observatory, another her bedroom, one that was her father's bedroom, and the other just storage.
The third floor had Zelda's study, a number of washrooms, one just for Zelda, a spare bedroom, of which she said was to become mine, and a "recreation room" which Zelda said had mostly been used for her to train of her "Princess things", whatever that was. The second floor held a library, a room to hold maids that lived there, some more bedrooms, washrooms, and the like. There were so many rooms, I couldn't even recall all them. The first floor had the throne room, of course. Everything was revolved in a circle around it. The hallway we had went through lead through to the kitchen, pantry, and cleaning supplies room. The other lead to a large dining hall, and behind all of that, a beautiful ballroom.

Which is where we found ourselves at the moment. The ceiling was so high, it seemed impossible. Statues of the goddesses acted as pillars to a balcony that ran the length of the room, and a door on the balcony lead to a large, private one outside. The ornate wooden doors at the end of the room lead to the gardens, which I was to see next. The biggest chandelier in all of Hyrule hung from the ceiling, and Zelda boasted it took almost half an hour to light all the candles. The ceiling was a painted mural of the Triforce, and the royal symbol.

"This is the one room I made sure was exactly how I remembered it." Zelda said.
She walked out farther into the room.

I looked over, and saw where there were benches along the walls, and one large spot where musicians would play.

"This is by far my favorite room.." I said, spinning around in the large room.

"Mine as well." Zelda said, catching my hand and spinning me as if we were dancing.
"It's been so long since we've held a ball. I do miss it."

A maid walked by, surprised to see me in there, as well as the ballroom doors open.

Zelda saw her, and called her over. The woman came in in a rush.
"You don't have to move so fast." Zelda chuckled. "I would just like to tell you to inform the cooks that tonight we are having a royal feast, they'll know what I mean. Also, prepare this room for a short welcoming ceremony, please."

The maid bowed deeply, saying "Yes, Your Highness."

Zelda waived her goodbye, and we continued on. She opened the large doors, letting Light into the ballroom by something other than the glass doors on the balcony.

I was stunned. The gardens wound and twisted in a "T" shape behind the castle. Lined by white iron fence, with squared bushed behind, there were flowers planted and lined along the stone path that lead along the path. In the middle, with a few benches around it, was a fountain featuring the Three. Each held out a hand, two sitting beside the Triforce, and one standing over it. They spouted the water of the fountain from there mouths, giving a soft sound to the otherwise silent garden. Birds played in a bath farther off. I walked ahead of Zelda, my hands covering my mouth. I was so taken by the beauty of all the plants and wildlife. I loved it. I loved nature, how could I not? It was beauty. I went to the fountain, and gazed up at the goddesses. I then looked into the water, crystal blue. I saw my reflection, though it had ripples through it. I looked back to Zelda, and she seemed to be preoccupied with watching me.

"Do you like it?" she asked.
"Are you kidding?!" I exclaimed. "I love it! If you can't ever find me, be sure to look here!"
I laughed, as did Zelda.
"Will do."

I walked on, seeing pink rose bushes here and there, their trellises encasing them. I touched one, realizing I had left my rose up in Zelda's room. I frowned a little.
'I'll be sure to get it, and ask Zelda for a vase.'
To the left, I saw the giant bush that my rose had apparently come from. And Zelda was right. Even though many had been removed, the bush was still absolutely full of the white roses. White and blue orchids surrounded the path this time, complimenting the roses well. I turned back around, and to the right was another bush, but it instead had yellow roses. They were beautiful as well, surrounded by white and yellow pansies.

"This place is so wonderful.." I mumbled.

Even though there was a fence, and tall bushes, there was no wall. You could see the giant expanse of courtyard all around. In the near distance I saw stables, and a large building.

Zelda had come up behind me, and I asked what it was.

"Oh, those are the knights quarters and training grounds."
"Oh." was my simple reply.
"This whole courtyard is surrounded by a magic barrier created by the sages and myself," she said then. "To keep out any intruders. Only certain people can come and go. You're one, now. I'm glad I thought of it." she said, laughing.

I raised my eyebrows, but then shrugged it off.

She turned, looking at the sundial in the garden at the top of the "T".
"Oh, look! It's almost six!" she said. "Come, we have to get ready! Oh, I forgot to have the maid send out letters! Oh, oh, we have to gooo!" she said, grabbing my hand and running.

She flagged down a maid in the halls, and said a long list of people to have letters sent out to, notifying of a royal feast and welcome ceremony. She also said to put an apology for short notice. Out of the people she listed off, the only name I knew was Link's.

'Oh, this will be fun..' I thought. 'At least Link will be there...and, Zelda too.'
She quickly ushered me up to her chambers then, and began frantically sorting through the dresses. She picked for herself something green, of which I really didn't care for, and then a white and gold dress for me.
Oh, it was lovely. It had a low, square cut collar, and the sleeves went to a point at my hands. The whole thing was white. The skirt was similar to my own, high and low. Ruffles played all down the skirt, accented in gold, like the rest. The collar had gold beading, and two lines of beading down the front, with one tiny gold bow at the top. A gold sash came around, and tied in a large bow at the back, the ends trailing to the floor.

"Oh, Zelda, this is too fancy for me! I said, looking myself over.
"Nonsense!" she said.
She stepped once more into the padded pants, but a much smaller cage this time.
"Some help?" she asked, rushing to fix her hair in the meantime.
I complied, fixing her underskirts.
In that time, she had managed to tie her hair up in an ornate bun, with matching green ribbon. She was settling her crown when she directed me to the chain in front of her dresser, and began worming with my own hair.

In an amount of time I would not have thought possible, she had put my hair half up, half down, a curled bun in the part that was up. She gave me a headdress that had a dainty chain come across my forehead, and connect a circle of metal around the bun.

She then had me stand in front of the big mirror, putting the finishing touch of my rose in my bun.

"Oh, Goddesses!" I exclaimed, seeing myself. I looked gorgeous. I couldn't even begin to describe how I felt, all prettied up.

"You look like you really were sent straight from the heavens.." she said, quietly.
She then spun me around.
"Don't worry about the ceremony. Or the dinner. Just enjoy yourself."
I nodded, and she and I hurried down the stairs, to the throne room.
We settled in front of her throne, waiting patiently for the guests.
"You'll curtsey to all of them, after they give short bows to us. All formal nonsense, yes, but that's the way it is." she sighed.
That grin came back on her face, and in this short time I've come to know it meant no good.
"What are you grinning for?" I asked.
She giggled.
"Oh, nothing."
Then, the large doors at the end of the hall opened.

Even in the dimming light outside, I saw a long line of people. Each paired, a man and woman, with a few singles here and there.
Near the very back, I thought I saw a knight. Curious, I tried to see, but couldn't.
People began coming towards us, all looking very noble, very important. I had no idea who they were, but I was honestly worried. Not to mention very nervous. I had no clue if these people would be of any importance to me.

The couple came to me, and Zelda greeted them by name. They bowed, and I gave a short curtsey. Then, they walked on into the dining hall, to be seated appropriately.

"Nice." Zelda whispered to me. "Just keep this up."
I nodded.

~-~-~-

The introductions continued on for what seemed like forever until I could finally see the end.
The last couple walked in, and the doors shut. But one more guest was walking to us.

Link.

He looked almost totally different, in light chain mail and a high knights surcoat, the royal symbol on it. He no longer wore a hat, and his hair was longer than I realized. It reached just barely to the tops of his shoulders, still cut in layers. His blue eyes met my form, and he literally froze.

He let out a short, breathless chuckle, but continued.

He walked to Zelda, and before he could bow, she stopped him. So, with a sly smile, he instead took my hand and bowed to me.

I blushed a little.

He stood, smiling kindheartedly at me.

"I see Zelda's had fun playing dress up with you." he said, his grin growing as he looked to Zelda.

She only rolled her eyes with a smile.

"But you do look lovely." His eyes lingered on me for a long moment, before looking at Zelda.
"Both of you, of course." he said, clearing his throat.

"Of course." Zelda said, slyly.

We followed behind Link into the dining room, where the head on the table and two chairs on it's right were still empty. Everyone else had been seated down the table. Zelda took her place, and I next to her. Link sat to my right, giving me a reassuring smile.

"Don't worry," he whispered, "I'm not good at this either."

I smiled in response, and then Zelda stood, clinking her glass to single everyone to quiet.

She cleared her throat, then began.

"Welcome, all. I apologize now for any confusion that the story I will tell may hold, as well as for calling you all here on such short notice."

The group of people only smiled and nodded her on.
She motioned for me to stand.

"This beautiful lady is Aella. She is who this banquet and welcome ceremony is for."

Nods and greetings were aimed to me. I shyly smiled.

"Now, begins my strange tale." she said.

"Aella has no memory. All she knows is her name and age."

Gasps went around the room as well as pitiful looks. I was suddenly self conscious, and I looked around, my eyes meeting with Link's. For the millionth time tonight, he reassured me with a smile.

"She awoke in a clearing after a strange dream, and then Link found her."
Surprised glances went to Link, who only looked on at Zelda.

"He heard her tell her tale, then immediately brought her to me, asking for my assistance so he could help her."
She smiled warmly at me.

"I, of course, accepted. I said she was to live with me, and we would recover her memories. Through introductions and a funny string of events, she remember one little thing."

Eyes looked on, waiting. Zelda took a deep breath.

"She remembered that she was sent here by the Goddesses."

Gasps of utter shock came all in the room, followed by chatter. I looked down at my already twisted hands, twisting them even more.

Zelda raised one hand, to calm everything down.

"This seems like a odd tale, but it is a true one. Aella does not lie. She does know she was sent here for a reason, though her amnesia still plagues her at this point."

Sighs and surprise lingered in the room, so Zelda made it light again.

"But, for now, while she lives with us here at Hyrule Castle," she began. "She has happily agreed to become my chambermaid, and we are already good friends." she said, laughing a little towards the end.

Soft, light laughter echoed in the room, returning the mood to a happy one.

Zelda returned to her seat, and out came numerous servants with plates of food. Each plate had a meat, a vegetable, and some other side. Zelda was served first, but she quietly repented and said to pass out in any order.

Once everyone had received food, everyone was given choice of drink.

The servants disappeared, save for a couple who stood at the back wall.

Zelda tapped her glass again, and made a toast.
"To our guest of honor." she said, nodding to me.
I blushed, but toasted with those around me.
Link smiled, and we all ate.

"So, how have you enjoyed it here at the castle?" Link asked.
I laughed.
"It's all rather exciting. Zelda has enjoyed playing dress up with me, though. This is my second outfit withing a matter of hours."
Zelda chimed in then.
"And she would've been in even more, had I had the time!" she chuckled. "Her hair is a dream to work with."
"I'm glad you enjoy fussing with it so much." I giggled.
Link reached out and touched a lock, then let it drop.
"Well, Zelda does have a certain touch, doesn't she?" he said, smiling. "If I ever had to deal with hair like that, I'd have a bird's nest on my head."
I laughed, quietly.
Link must have found the laughter contagious, as he joined in.

We weren't laughing very loudly, but a few looked over in shock at Link. I was able to catch one woman whisper;
"I didn't know he could even smile. He never speaks, that boy!" The man hushed her.
He blushed a tad, then quieted.

"Well, then you keep your hair, and I'll keep mine." I said, quietly.

~-~-~-~-~

It took a while for everyone to finish, and then there was dessert. A cute little cake, but very good. It was somewhat chocolate, but with a pudding layer. I didn't know what it was, but by the taste, I'm not sure I cared.

After the after-dinner chat settled, Zelda announced the ceremony would be in the ball room.
She lead me in the wonderful room, where the moonlight now filtered through the window. The chandelier was only partially lit, giving the room a warm glow. There were the exact amount of chairs set up along the pillars on the sides of the room, and a long rug had been laid out. There were two standing candelabras at the end, and a vase of the white roses was in between. Zelda motioned for me to wait by the door, and everyone else filtered in, and sat down. All except Link. He waited with me.
Confused, but not questioning it, I waited for everyone to settle. Once that had happened, Zelda took her place at the end of the rug, by the vase.

Link looked over to me, then offered his arm as he had done that morning.
Still confused, but realizing he must have a part in the ceremony as well, I took it, and we walked down to Zelda.

"Aella." she said smiling.

Link left me, and stood by Zelda's side.

"You have come into Hyrule unexpectedly. But, I already think of you as a great friend. Will you," she began. "Swear your loyalty to Hyrule, in front of her Princess and Hero?"

As if it was instinct, I deeply curtseyed, and looked up to her, and Link.

"Until my dying day, I swear loyalty to Hyrule, her Princess, and her Hero."

Zelda nodded, and I lifted my curtsey.

"Then, as I speak for Hyrule, I welcome you with open arms."

She smiled, and Link nodded.

Everyone stood and clapped, and then started to crowd in little groups, one approaching the three of us.

"My, are you beautiful! I wasn't that lovely even when I was young." and old woman said, taking my hand.
"Thank you." I said.
An older man spoke. "Your aura shines like the sun!" he said. He wore a strange outfit, so I figured maybe he had dealings in magic. "From the heavens indeed!"

I smiled sheepishly.
The other woman of the group commented.
"Sun. That's a perfect title. The Sun of Hyrule!" she said, loudly.
A few others commented, all agreeing upon the name.
Zelda laughed.
"Well, if I am to be called Princess, and Link Hero of Time, then I suppose that is befitting to you."
I smiled, as did Link.

Then he chuckled a bit, a grin on his face.
"Then," he said. "Would The Sun of Hyrule accompany me for a walk in the gardens?"
My eyes widened, but not as wide as those who heard him. All but Zelda, at least.
I smiled, though, and took his arm. Behind me, I herd one of the people make some comment about Link taking interest in me. And I heard Zelda's reply,loud enough so we could hear;

"Oh, I very much intend to do everything in my power to make those two a match."

I only laughed, though Link rolled his eyes.

~-~-~-~

We walked slowly through the gardens, on the side of the fountain facing from the doors, though they were closed behind us.

We sat in silence for a while, as I looked at the moon.

"The moon looks lovely tonight." I commented.

He hummed in response, and stayed quiet for a while.

Then, quietly he replied.
"Not as lovely as you."

I looked at him, a bit taken aback.
Then chuckled.
"Oh, stop."

He looked over then, more courage in his voice than before.

"I mean it though. You still look like you, but you do look lovely like this."

I only smile, faint pink on my cheeks. I shivered as a breeze blew by, stirring the slightly cool night air.

"Are you cold?" he asked, suddenly. "We can go back inside."

"No, no." I said, smiling. "I'm fine."

"If you say so." he said.

He stood after a while, offering me his hand. I took it, and we walked over to the split in the path.

"So," he said. "Which will it be? White, or yellow?"
I laughed.
"Well, white, I suppose."
He laughed as well.
"White it is!"
We sat on the bench then, and he reached up and touched the white rose he had given me.
"I figured you would have tossed this out by now. I think it's beginning to wilt."
I reached up and carefully puled it out.
"I need to get it in some water. But, why would I do that? Throw it out, I mean."
He shrugged.
"I don't know. There's plenty here to pick from."

He made it sound as if the one he gave me had no importance, or that I didn't care for it. I thought for a moment that he may be implying that he didn't really care for the rose, that he didn't think it as special.

"But, you gave this one to me." I said. "So it's special."

He looked at me, a bit shocked at my words.

"What makes me so special?" he laughed, looking at the sky.

"I don't know." I said. "I haven't known you long enough to figure it out."

I smiled at him.

He didn't take his gaze from the moon.

"I would've thought you'd have said something like; 'Well, you're the Hero of Time' or something."
He chuckled, but it wasn't happy.
I only shrugged.

"Well, a title is nothing without the person who holds it. As far as I'm concerned, the Hero of Time is what you've done, what you've fulfilled, not who you are."

He finally looked at me then.
"Truly?" he asked.
"Well, yes." I said.
He smiled, and smile truly.

It took my breath away.

He took my hand, and simply looked at it.

I asked, suddenly.
"Do you have any regrets?"

He looked at me, confused.

"Regrets for what? The past?"
I nodded.

He took a deep breath.
"I'm not sure. Sure, there are things I would've done differently, but I'm not sure I regret anything."
He looked my in the eyes.
"Why do you ask?"

I looked away, shrugging.
"No reason, really.."

"Did Zelda say something about her regrets?"

I looked at him.
"How did you.."

He laughed.
"Only a guess." he said. I take it she did, then?"
I nodded.
"We did talk about it. I don't know if she'd like me sharing or not."
He shook his head.
"I wasn't going to pry." he said. "But, I do wish she'd let the past go. We can't change it. I wish for her ti just be happy how she is now."

I was silent, but nodded.

We sat like that for a while, just enjoying the garden. He had ended up intertwining my fingers with his, and I couldn't bring myself to look.

"Zelda was wrong about you."

He looked at me, an eyebrow raised.
"She said you weren't one to talk feelings." I said, giggling. "Or, really, much of a talker at all."

"Well," he began. "Talking about feelings can be hard. I also am not one to waste words."

"I've noticed." I said.

We sat in silence again, but before long, I hear Link softly humming the song from my dream.
He stopped, slowly.
"What is that song?" he asked to the sky
I hummed it then, full length, and exactly how it should be. A breeze blew through, strong, and sending scents of the flowers to us. I let my humming die down with the breeze.

"I don't know. I dreamt it."

"You haven't told me of your dream, have you?" he asked, holding a hand up, trying to see if there was a constant wind.

"I can tell you, if you like." I said. "It's lovely, but a bit unnerving."
He looked at me then, a hint of worry.
"Do you believe it to be prophetic?" he asked.

"Mmn, I don't know." I said, remembering the setting and the voice, the one so like his, but so different.

"Well, anyways," I said, trying to find a starting place. "I was... in a large garden, similar to this one. It was evening, the sun was setting. Though, there were walls. Walls made of rose trellises, and about the only thing growing in the garden was red and black roses."

Link listened carefully.
"That's a bit odd. But, do continue."

"Right," I said. "There were petals all around, like they were swirling in a whirlwind around me.
And I was dancing. I was dancing to that song. But it wasn't played by an instrument, it was by voices. Not any one persons voice, nor my own. Almost like...nature was singing it. Or, a soft choir. I don't know." I said, shaking my head. "And I reached out to touch the wall, but..."

I felt my face scrunch in confusion.

"Is this where it gets unnerving?" he asked, squeezing my hand.
I nodded. "A bit."

"Well, there was something...wrong... with it. Shadows, black as night, encircled my hand and..bit me. It hurt, and bad."
I looked down at our hands, he holding the one that had been "bitten", my left.
His eyebrows furrowed, and he was thinking. "Go on."

"I pulled my hand back though, and they let go. I danced on, like I almost expected that to happen..and, at what I know was the back of the garden, was a large rose bush. But, it only had one rose. And it was huge." I said, realizing.

I held up my white rose, and looked at it. It was still the biggest rose I'd seen.
"It was bigger than this one, even!" I said, sighing.

"But it was strange." I said, suddenly noticing something from my dream that I hadn't before.
"Other than it was red and black, the black one the outside, hiding the red inside, it.. had some aura. It glowed in the sun."

Link's face still seemed confused, but he was eager to hear the rest.

"And I smelled it. It smelled wonderful. Even better than that dessert from earlier." I said, laughing.
Link chuckled.
"But as I pulled away..." I said,my eyes closing with confusion, and a bit of dread.
I looked away from Link, scared to tell him. I don't know why it scared me. Maybe because of how the voice sounded.

"What?" he asked, concerned. "What happened? Something else unnerving?"
I nodded. "Very, now that I know you."
He pulled back. His eyes were shaken, and confused.
"Why, now that you know me?"
I took a shaky breath.

"Because, as I pulled away, I heard footsteps. And then a voice."
"What, what did it say?" he asked, anxious.

"It said, 'There you are.'" I said, closing my eyes. I could still hear it.

He let out a small breath of relief, but still pressed on.
"Why is that so bad?"

I looked at him, my eyes holding a scared look.

"Because. It sounded just like you. So like you, but so different." I said. "It was a little deeper. It wasn't warm like yours, happy. It was cold, and sad. And the way it said it, it almost sounded angry with me. Like I had run off."

I was shaking now. That voice suddenly became the scariest thing. Was it Link? Who was that voice? Why was it angry with me?

I looked at Link.

He was frozen. He only stared at me, shocked, hurt, and...angry.
I saw the anger take over the complacent calm in those pools he called eyes.

"What?" I asked. "Do...you know who it was? Was it you?"

He snapped back to reality, looking at me. Calm regained itself.
"I don't know." he said.
I could tell he was lying.
"You're lying." I whispered.

"I don't want to jump to conclusions, Aella." he said, a bit firmer than I was used to him being.
He sighed, putting his arms around me. I leaned on his chest, listening to his heart.
"It very well could've been. I don't know why I would've sounded like that. I don't know if I can truly be angry with anyone that I care for. As much as Zelda has irritated me, I've never felt anger to her. I'd assume you the same." He sighed, keeping only one arm around me.
"The Goddesses could've given you that dream. A vision of the future, as they did Zelda and I. Though, ours was much more vague. They might have known we would meet. Too bad you couldn't have seem whom it belonged to."
His eyes hardened a moment then, but returned to normal.

Then, we heard footsteps.
He quickly pulled away, pink dusting his cheeks.

"There you two are! I've been looking for you." Zelda said, walking over to us. "What have we here? Falling in love?" she said, grinning that mischievous grin.

"No, Zelda, simply talking." Link said, that everlasting calm in his voice. "Though it is getting late."
He stood, taking my hand.
"It is." Zelda said. "All of the other guests have left. I said goodbyes for you two."

"Oh, I'm sorry Zelda!" I said. "I didn't reali-"
"Don't worry about it!" Zelda said, waiving her hand. "It seemed everyone was just pleased to see the Hero of Time finally smile, and to meet the Sun of Hyrule.""
I laughed.
"See her to her room, Link? I'm going to pick up some dresses I had made for her during this time from the castle dressmaker. Then, you're free to go home to Epona." she said, laughing.

She began to walk away before Link could protest, and he sighed.
"You'll have to show the way." he said.
"Gladly." I said, and we made our way to the room that was to be mine.

~-~-~-~

We climbed the last flight of stairs, and I turned the crystal doorknob, already having a wooden sign with my name carved into it in pretty font.
I sighed.
"I don't know why she's making such a fuss of this." I said, opening the door. I turned to face Link.
He laughed.
"That's Zelda for you." he said. "Well, I believe this is goodnight."
He took my hand, bowed, and kissed it as he did when we met.
He sent me a sly grin, before waving and walking off. I stood there for a moment, holding my rose, before walking into the room.

And I almost had a heart attack.
The room had been decorated with rose petals. The bed was next to the large window, and under it was a small side table, a table clock, oil lamp, and vase of water on top. A not e was under the vase.

"I hope you like my decorating. Also, that rose must be awfully thirsty. Here's a vase for it.
-Zelda"

I smiled. I put my rose in the vase, and it instantly looked brighter.
I looked closer.
Small pink sparkles danced on top of the water.
'It must be infused with magic.' I thought.
I looked at the bed. The posts rose to the ceiling, pink sheers covering them, pulled around the bed. The bed itself had at least half a dozen pillows, all shapes and sizes. The floor was dark wood, like Zelda's floor. A pink rug was in the middle of the room. The curtains were also pink. The woods were white, the bed, the dresser, mirror, and armoire. There was also a desk, and pretty little chair, equipped with a new diary, larger lamp, and... a dagger.

I walked over and picked it up. Another note.
"If you ever go outside the castle, or town, alone or not, I want you to take this with you.
-Link"

Surprised to see his name at the end of the note, I examined the blade. It was kind of big, almost like it was made for a child. The handle was worn brown leather, and a red gem was in it's hilt. The sheath was polished, burnished wood.
"Kokiri" was etched into the sheath, near the bottom.
'When did he...'
I shook my head, putting it in the drawer of the desk, along with the note.
I went and closed the curtains,and soon I heard three sharp knocks, and hear the door open.
"Helloooo!" I heard Zelda call, carrying a large basket, and a maid carrying another two baskets.
"I thought the point of knocking was to be granted permission to enter." I said, sarcastically.
She only laughed.
"Well, anyway, these are your dresses and undergarments. And some shoes. If you want jewelery, you'll have to borrow mine for now."
The maid excused herself then, and shut the door softly.
"I'll help you put these away and change to a nightgown of your choice." she said, as I began rummaging through the brand new clothes.
"How in the world were these completed in one day?!" I asked, holding up a rather ornate dress in blue.
She laughed.
"Well, we have about fifteen girls on hand who know how to operate the machines. The other five cut and hand sew."
I looked up in wonder at her, before shaking my head. She brought some hangers, and began putting them away as I looked through them.
As I began to get to the undergarments, I held up one of the brassieres. It was rather large, but I trusted Zelda getting my sizing right, since she stared at me for quite a while when I was changing.
I then held up something that made me blush a little.
It was a skimpy little thing, that looked like it'd barely cover my arse. Lacey, pink, and flowy. I knew what I was getting into, but I still protested.
"Why in the world did you have lingerie made for me?!" I asked.
"Why, for when you and Link finally decide to-"
"That is enough of that!" I said, trying to be firm, but laughter wormed it's way into my voice.
Zelda only laughed, and put it in the drawers.

We put everything away, and Zelda said that as her chambermaid, I had to help her out of that stupid cage.
So, I followed to her room, and did as she asked.
She began to pry, that grin on her face.
"So, what did Link do when you said goodbye?" she asked.
"What he did when we first met." I said, nonchalantly.
"Which was?" she asked, sarcastically.
"He took my hand, owed, and kissed it."

She gasped so loud I jumped.
"He kissed it?!"
"Well, yes. You're wrong about him, as well. He does talk quite a bit, and about feelings as well."

She stared at me, mouth agape.
She quickly pulled off her brassiere and on into a simplistic nightgown.
"You," she said. "Are absolutely amazing."
I gave her a puzzled look.
"You got Link, the Hero of Time, to come out of that damned shell of his! I have been trying to do that for years now! I really don't think I've heard this much of his voice, let alone seen his smile, as much as I have today!"
I simply snorted.
"Well, maybe try taking a different approach. I don't know. He opened right up to me."
She huffed.
"I'm rather jealous, if you can't tell." she said, picking up a brush and angrily whipping it through her hair.
I laughed.
"What else? Did you talk much in the garden?" she asked.
"Well, I commented on the moon being lovely, and I quote!" I began, starting to have fun boasting of my night. "'Not as lovely as you.'" I said, in my calmest, warmest voice I could muster.

Zelda dropped her brush.

"You best be joking!" she said, absolutely astounded.
I only laughed, blushing. "If only!"
"I am... I am dumbfounded. He has to be in love with you, that's the only answer." she said, fake swooning.
I flushed some more, and Zelda took notice.
"Are you getting the butterflies from him now?"
She laughed.
"Whatever. Did you talk of anything else?" she asked.
"Oh, yes," I said. "I told him of my dream, but.. he acted a bit strange after."
She quirked a brow, then yawned.
"Hmm. Today has just been too exciting. You will tell me first thing in the morning! Also, a maid will come make your bed and clean, so don't worry about it."
She walked me to the door.
"Goodnight, Aella. Try not to dream about Link too much."
I was about to protest, but she clicked the door shut before I could.
I sighed, and walked back to my room.
I let my hair down, laying out everything I'd borrowed on the dresser, undressing, and laying the clothing and shoes across the chair. I wrote a note on a page I took from the diary;
"Please return these to Princess Zelda. Thank you.
-Aella"
I sighed.
I changed into a nightgown, simple, but comfortable. I began to look through the dresses for the one I awoke in. I found it at the very back, probably put in there before Zelda even brought the other clothes.
I turned off the large oil lamp, and made my way to the bed by moonlight. I laid down, the bed suddenly feeling very comfortable. Before I knew it, I was drifting off the sleep..

-end chapter-

Oh, Lordy!
Sorry for such a long chapter. I might split it in two, so if what I just said doesn't make any sense, that's why. I seriously think this is the longest chapter I've ever typed. But my think-train left the station, and I was on it for once. I'm going to continue writing, but I knew I needed to end this chapter before it got any longer.

Does Link actually like Aella? Or is it just his wholehearted kindness?
And who does the voice belong to?

~bye