Hello everybody! Here's a new story that I've suddenly come up with and wanted to write down. To be honest though, I've been wanting to write a story based on "The Legend of Zelda" world for a while. The only problem was that I wasn't sure how to get the story going. I didn't want to make a story that followed the same style to some degree as the games. At the same time, I knew I was going to have to change my perception of the characters since Link is actually going to talk in my story. Believe me on this; whether or not a character talks completely changes how the other characters around them act.

But yeah, I think I've finally managed to come up with a suitable idea. Some of the characters might be OOC (out-of-character), but that's the result of having a Link who can actually talk back. There are also going to be some characters that are completely mine, so don't be too jarred out of the story if you come across an unfamiliar name. Other than that, this will probably not be your typical Zelda story or storyline that is usually seen in the games. I want to make Zelda a bit different, and I think that this is going to be a good start for it.

Now that I've gotten all that out of the way, I'll leave you all alone to read this new story. Please don't forget to leave a review telling me what you think about it. There's not too much on here since it's pretty much the prologue, but I hope it's enough to at least grab your attention for the next chapter. With that said, until the next chapter to this or any of my other stories on here everybody!

Prologue

"We've arrived, milord," the man said as he and the man he was charged to guide arrived at the front of the majestic doors to Hyrule Castle. "If I may say, it's quite unusual for you to be conducting business here in the evening hours. I take it that you have something of importance to discuss with His Majesty?"

"My business is of no concern to you," the other, a young man speaking in a tone that echoed his state of power, replied. He ran a black gloved hand through his thick black hair as though it had just been tossed against heavy winds. "Your job is to merely see that my travels are safe and without incident. You best remember that before you overstep your bounds again. Otherwise, you'll find yourself escorting my horses from their stables!"

"My apologies, my prince," the escort humbly stated with a bow. He then quickly went to the doors and opened them. A third person, a man whose face was obscured by a black hood, silently followed them from a distance.

The Hylian guards that stationed by the doorway saw this exchange but paid no heed to them. In fact, they even stood at attention as both men entered the castle, their metal armor clinking slightly because of it. The royal crest of Hyrule was proudly adorned on their chests, its golden brilliance reflecting off of the evening sun.

After the three entered the grand halls, the doors closed. Despite being large, it seemed rather devoid of life apart from the occasional soldier standing guard. Every pillar was cut from the finest marble, the walls also of the same build and covered with beautifully woven tapestries depicting generations of the royal family. All the stones had a brilliant shine as the torches that hung on the walls flickered. What little light that was left from the setting sun also illuminated the hall through the wondrously crafted yellow stained glass ceiling which helped give the area its golden glow. All those involved with the building of this castle were no doubt proud at the work they did in raising this wondrous representation of the kingdom.

Wasting no time marveling at the surrounding beauty, the trio immediately made their way down a corridor to their left. While not as big or grand as the main hall, the ambiance of a regal dwelling was still apparent. No longer was the area bathed in a pleasant golden light; it was now a natural color with flickers of orange showing from the torches. Soldiers and maids alike appeared to frequent these corridors, and all stood at attention as the three walked on by without paying any heed to it all.

"Xagrun," a woman addressed bluntly once the trio made it to the far end of the corridor that was both secluded and had two separate paths. They were heading down the one that led to the royal gardens before being stopped by the addressor.

"…Princess Zelda," the lord said in a tone just above a whisper. His mouth curled into a smile that was part smirk before turning around to see the woman.

Standing in the other hallway that led deeper into the castle was a young woman dressed in a beautifully tailored dress. Its color was akin to pink that had been touched with the slightest of red, the hem nearly touching the ground but raised enough to expose her simple yet equally elegant brown high heel shoes. The straps were of pure ivory white and were the only things that hung around her bare shoulders. Her blond hair which bordered on brown was combed back and flowed naturally over her shoulders. The only thing keeping it from unduly flying about was the silver tiara that marked her royal lineage.

"You're dismissed!" Xagrun waved his hand at his escort who merely bowed before becoming scarce. The other hooded man remained at his side. Zelda merely nodded at the guards stationed in the area who took it as their cue to leave. It was now only the three of them in the secluded hallway.

"I'm pleased that you called me here for this meeting, milady," he started while keeping the same half-smirk. "There are some matters that I wish to discuss with you."

"And I as well," she agreed while moving towards the other.

"Then I hope we have the same concern in mind. You see, your father and I have been in talks for a while concerning the wellbeing of our nations. We've already drafted a treaty, and the members of his council have inscribed their names on it. However, His Majesty cannot sign his name until all members have done so. You are the last of his advisors whose name has yet to be on the treaty. Might I ask why that is?"

"Because your treaty is hardly beneficial to the people of my kingdom," the princess replied as she stopped a couple feet away from Xagrun. "I know most of the members on the council and their political stand on this issue. I also know that most of them would never agree to such a deal which entails your forces occupying our towns and villages. The only reason why they would suddenly turn against their ideals would be because you cast a spell over them! My father refuses to talk to me about the subject despite being both his daughter and closest advisor. But I know him, and he would never agreed to have your men occupying our villages during the course of your stay."

"My dear princess, why must you be so suspicious of me? I've been here under the grace of diplomacy for all but two weeks. I haven't done anything for you to warrant such suspicions. The presence of my soldiers in your towns is merely a sign of my goodwill. They are willing to grant protection to your people alongside your own soldiers."

"If it's really goodwill, then why have I heard of stories concerning your men forcibly taking over my soldiers' posts? I've even heard of some bullying the local farmers! Some are barely able to get by; your men's harassment isn't making their lives any easier."

"Your people are merely feeling uneasy at the introduction of an unfamiliar power into their simple lives," the young man explained while leaning against the wall as though he owned the place. "Some unsavory rumors are bound to fly about in such times. I wouldn't pay them much mind. Is that the only reason you refuse to sign?"

"Don't think you can fool everyone with your act, Xagrun," Zelda replied suddenly, her tone carrying heavy disdain. "You may have wooed your way into the hearts of my father and the council, but I can see right through you. I don't know what it is, but the wellbeing of both our kingdoms is not what you truly desire."

"Ha, I see why you've been granted the right-hand seat in the council! The fact that you're His Majesty's daughter must've played no role in such a decision. Your wisdom and foresight in such matters is truly remarkable.

"However, our wellbeing is of utmost priority to me," Xagrun emphasized before making his way towards the open doorway at the end of the hall which led to the royal garden. "Just imagine it for a moment, Princess Zelda. With the forces of both Hyrule and the Gerudo tribe combined, there won't be any other kingdom who would dare plot an attack against us. Our numbers will far exceed that of the enemy military, and that would be enough to ensure an extended period of peace for our people if not an everlasting one."

"And I agree with you on that," she conceded while following closely behind. The hooded man also followed at a further distance. "Peace through strength would be a wonderful thing. But like I said, there have been unfavorable stories going about regarding your soldiers. What good is peace if the kingdom isn't able to resolve its inner turmoil? Even if I didn't have a problem with the treaty itself, I would never sign it knowing that there's unrest with my people due in part to your presence."

"Then perhaps we should find a way to fix that." Xagrun stopped short of the door and instead chose to lean against the doorway. The black cape clasped around his neck fluttered a bit against the breeze. "And I believe I know just the remedy. Truth be told, you've been the object of my fancy for quite a while. I know that your people hold you in high regard, quite possibly higher than His Majesty himself. Were we to wed, then perhaps they would become more open to the presence of my forces. Our marriage would be proof of your acceptance, and that should reflect to the people in time."

"I would rather fall into an eternal slumber than allow myself to bow before you as my king and husband!"

"That may be how you feel, but don't forget that such a thing might be the only way to properly unify our countries. This treaty can only go so far. But regardless, I will not pull my forces out from your towns and villages. Even if I didn't have the blessings from the king, it's perfectly legal for my men to occupy your lands. So long as I'm here, they must do everything they can to ensure my protection. If it means that their techniques at keeping the peace are put to question by your citizens, then so be it. It wouldn't do you good if I were to die here and talks of conspiracy are allowed to float about."

"I hope you're not threatening the well-being of my people, Xagrun. While you may be a prince, even you have boundaries with what you can and cannot say."

"Oh, I assure you it's not a threat," the prince replied with a low chuckle before turning around to face Zelda. "I'm merely stating the truth. My men are an extension of my power, and I don't intend relinquish it from your kingdom. As a visiting royal who brings a proposition that ensures our prosperity, my peaceful occupation is perfectly legal."

Instead of answering back, the princess kept quiet. She continued to stare defiantly at the prince. Said prince kept his half-smirk smile while looking on in triumph. The hooded man was still a respectable distance from them both and silently watched the exchange.

"I see you've realized the futility of arguing over this point," he continued on. "You're a wise princess; you know there's nothing you can do to best me on this. With such wisdom, you must also know that this may be the only way to ensure your kingdom's safety. The Gerudo can prove to be wonderful allies; we are also known to be terrible enemies. Even if only for the sake of your people, you should consider signing the treaty. That may be the only way to ensure the staying of my hand from calling upon an unfavorable war."

"That's an interesting offer you bring before me," Zelda sarcastically replied. "With you being the descendent of a mad man, such a suggestion actually sounds peaceful."

"Your Highness, please don't put me together with him." The prince actually looked a bit insulted at the comparison. "I may be his descendant, but I'm nothing like him. I'm actually trying to ensure peace between our kingdoms. I don't want a war, but I will consider it if you continue to deny His Majesty the opportunity to even accept my offer."

"You talk about peace, but your actions in running your kingdom say otherwise. I've seen how you rule over your people, Xagrun. You put them under martial law with little to no freedom for moving about without supervision. Even a Hyrulian representative living within your borders can't walk about without a Gerudo soldier accompanying her."

"As it is with my citizens, these are precautions to ensure her safety. It wouldn't do good to have my people be killed by an assailant who's hidden themselves amongst the masses. The nighttime hours are notorious for brigands to come out and hunt for their next victims. And in terms of your dear representative, I wouldn't want a needless war to start between us because of her uncalled-for death."

"And then there's the tactics you're known to employ during negotiations with your neighboring countries," the princess continued on without regard for the other's answer. "It's already known throughout the land that you coerce and strong-arm the Zora Kingdom of Hylia. Because their stream cuts through your valley, you threatened to dam it up if they refused your demands. Then there's the Gorons in the mining town on Death Mountain whose shipment of Gerudo Ore you withheld until they gave you unrestricted access to their mines. Were it not for the fact that Kakariko Village was half owned by my kingdom, you probably would've tried to pull your influence over those people as well! And I've yet to speak about the strange company that you're known to surround yourself with as of late."

Upon this comment, the silent hooded man grunted in response. His hood shifted a bit, and Zelda could see a bit of white from what was no doubt a mask he wore. Clearly, the person took every precaution to make sure his identity was kept hidden from prying eyes.

"You say you're not like him, but that's far from the truth! Everything I've mention proves that you rule through threats and extortion. You don't try to act with diplomacy, so the fact that you're here even trying such a tactic is suspect. That's why I don't trust the premise you've presented about your treaty of peace. If given a choice, I would rather that he were here instead of you. At least he had the courage to show his face before my ancestors before even bothering to try taking over Hyrule. He dared to get his hands dirty and would never take the coward's way out for power through extortion alone!"

Before Zelda could say anymore, she felt something painfully connect with her right cheek. The action was so sudden; she fell to the ground.

"I suggest you mind what you say, Princess Zelda," Xagrun warned in a dangerously low tone. He had since withdrew his outstretched hand that was used to slap the girl. "You're right now treading on thin ice. Don't forget that my men are stationed in your towns and villages. All I have to do is say the word and they'll raze your land from the inside-out. I'm prepared to take a no on my treaty as an answer. The question now is are you ready for the consequences that will arise from your stubbornness? Are you prepared for all the lives that will no doubt be lost weighing down on your consciousness?"

The princess merely picked herself off the ground without a word. Her tiara was knocked askew, and she adjusted it once she was back on her feet. The prince made no move to help her, and his silent follower continued to stand afar from them as though he were merely a bystander. There was a good chance that the Hylian guards would have arrested the man in for assaulting the princess regardless of his social class if they were around.

"Understand that you have no power to fight against me on this," the prince finally said. "Whether you sign the treaty or force me to have my men destroy your lands from the inside-out, your kingdom will be under my control. I only hope that you choose the former as I would hate to destroy the beauty of Hyrule. That and I've worked quite hard to get on both your father and the other council members' good side."

"…Don't think for a moment that you've won, Xagrun!" she replied defiantly. "It's true that I haven't the power to stop you. However, you're walking along the same path as he did all those years ago. When Hyrule was threatened, the legendary Hero of Time appeared and saved us from his tyrannical rule. You're already on that same path. I trust that even you remember how the ancient legend goes. If you intend on trying to take control of this kingdom, then my resistance will be the least of your worries."

"If the hero incarnate does exist, then why hasn't he shown in the two weeks I've been here? Surely he would've at least heard the rumors about my men by now."

"But you can't deny that he's out there somewhere. After all, both you and I are living proof that the legend is true. And when the Hero does come around, you'll meet the same fate as your ancestor did!"

"…We shall see soon enough. But until then, don't put all your hopes on the teachings of decrepit old scholars. Now if you don't mind, I'm afraid we'll have to end our meeting here. As stimulating as it was talking with you, I've some important business I need to discuss with His Majesty. By your leave, Princess Zelda." Xagrun gave a mock bow before heading out into the royal gardens where the king's chambers lied on the other side. His shadow calmly followed suit without any regards to Zelda as he passed by.

"…I will stop you, Xagrun; whether it's by my own efforts or that of the Hero's!" Zelda said once the two were out of earshot. She then walked in the opposite direction towards the castle's kitchen in search of a cold cloth to put on her cheek that the prince had struck.

Well, that's the prologue for you. I figured that it'd be good to start out with a bit of political drama. If you strip away the fantastical adventures that are the game, then you would probably see a lot more political tension between the different kingdoms. And being that The Legend of Zelda is kind of set in like the middle ages where lands are separated by kingdoms, I thought that it would be good to have such tensions.

Before you guys go asking me in the reviews how to pronounce Xagrun's name, it's like this. X is like a z, the "a" is like the a in apple, and "grun" is like "grunt". Hopefully, that will make the pronunciation of his name less confusing. I created this name because I wanted a villain who's name both looked and sounded rough. The syllables in the name are somewhat rough in nature, and I feel that an X in a person's name makes it look rough. That and you rarely see the letter in a name, so I figured why not?

In terms of Zelda's character, I've always felt that she had the ability to hold her own provided that Ganon hasn't incapacitated her first. Whenever she's already rescued and helps Link with killing Ganon, she always seems sure of herself and confident. I tried to reflect that in this little bit of political tension while also making her sound more like an independent woman instead of a classic damsel in distress. That might happen later on in the story, but I promise that Zelda's character isn't going to be mainly damsel in dire distress or dressing up like a Sheikah warrior just to hide in plain sight.

And for those of you who hate the somewhat proper way of speaking I have Zelda and Xagrun talking, don't be too miffed by it. Being that they're royalty, I can't see them talking as casually as a regular commoner would. With that said, not everybody is going to be talking as formally as I've made them do. It will most likely be a mix of casual and proper depending on who's talking to who.

So yeah, that's all the explanations that I'll go into as of now. I hope that you enjoyed this story and will take the time to leave a review. Until the next update to this or any of my other stories on this site everybody!