Hi friends sorry for the delay. I've been busy with the end of year exams and I took a break with another fanfic (you should check it out if you haven't already). As I've said on my profile later on in May I'll be able to update more frequently, when most of my work is done and I have big plans for the summer. This chapter was difficult to write for many reasons and was getting close to being 10,000 words. I had to sort of step back and go back to the core of the story. It can be all to easy to get lost in your own writing sometimes but I think it turned out okay.

With my other fic I started to thank people here as the messenger thing doesn't seem to work sometimes. Just skip over this if you don't want to read, I just need to show my apprication for all the feedback.

I wanna thank AndrewInevitable and Frostking104 for the continued reviews. I'm so happy you like the story.

OvertDemise thanks for the review I did send a message a while back, not sure if you got it but I'd love to help out with your writing, and its cool I'm pretty weird too.

Thanks to all the guest reviews too. All reviews are massively appreciated especially the ones with feedback. Guest talking about the punctuation thankyou! I looked back through the chapters and god it was bad. I've tried to fix it but I might go through the story as a whole and edit when I have time.

Thank you to all those of you who followed also I'm happy to see there are people who actually want to see the story through.

As for the favorites. Thank you so much, I really appreciate the love

Anyways, I apologize for the essay. On with the story.

Chapter 11- A Knight's Beginning

Here goes bloody nothing

Link fixed the ceremonial hood over his head and let out a quick nervous breath. He had managed to wash all the grime and dirt from his hair, after all he had been on the road for what? Two years? It felt good to be clean again and he would be more than happy to meet his squire friends again, he sure did miss them.

The air didn't seem to flow properly into his lungs, it stagnated and cut off as he let out the shaky gasps.

The King was friendly enough right? He had always seemed fond with Link the few times they had met, so receiving blessings from him was going to be easy, the hood was certainly going to help.

Then there was the anointment of spring water from each of the fountains of the three goddesses. For that he would have to remove his hood and would be done by some priestess.

Then there was Zelda, goddesses he wanted to see her again and talk that they once did but he couldn't. Those times were wrong and a Knight had responsibilities he must adhere to. Alfonzo had told him to let go of the past in order to become stronger and it had worked but it was difficult to maintain that barrier. With her around he wasn't sure if he could hold it.

Even if the ceremony was technically in his honour, as his Father had said, most would be senselessly drunk and uncaring. That would give him the chance to slip out before anyone could have the chance to talk, or even worse, dance with him.

"Master Link it's time."

Link pushed the air out again. His ears prickled, heart raced and legs ached to move. Link's body was preparing for a fight, it just happened to be preparing for the wrong one.

Link focused his mind and walked out of the room. The lush red carpet almost bounced under his feet, he wanted to curl up in it and just sleep through the whole thing. Would that really be so bad?

Guards lined the hallway and stood there expressionless. The King probably could've saved on just buying statues, they would've probably serve the same purpose. Still Link pulled the hood over his head a little tighter and felt himself shift uncomfortably under their gaze.

He walked into the inner sanctum as a fanfare almost shocked him out of his boots. The room extended into a larger circle and around the sides circled a large number of both nobles and guards.

Most were Hylian but in their mists he could spot a few Gerudo, Goron, Rito and Zora. To see any familiar faces would do him well but, they were all unrecognisable and hardly friendly. They looked at Link like a hungry wolf looks at the lone and cold traveller.

"Come forwards Son and bask in the light of the three," the King's voice bellowed down to him and filled the chamber in its stern grace. The King was not on the tall throne above but instead level and straight ahead, yet still he towered above Link.

Link walked slowly forwards keeping his head bowed in respect and as he reached marking of the triforce, which gleamed slightly from the descending sun. He knelt in the middle.

He pushed his head even further down like he had been taught and stared at the brown top of his foot. He was sure as twilight more comfortable looking at that then at the crowd around him.

"In your trial you have shown virtues that are unparalleled in the realms," Rhoam had begun to recite the ritual; it was here where Link's new life would begin.

"Through Power, Wisdom and Courage you have shown yourself to be than worthy of all the Goddesses. With this great strength I ask you to pledge yourself into the service of Hyrule and by extension the Goddess Hylia herself. Is this what you desire?"

"It is…" Link's voice came out a whole deal more gruff then he was expecting, as he shoved any thoughts and reservations into the floor below his feet.

"Do you swear to defend the Kingdom and its family, to be released from service only by death?"

"I do," he stated, unwavering.

"Do you swear to never turn to the dark…never cower in the face of evil?"

"With all my heart, I do." Link hesitated for a quick moment before looking up to face the King. "I pledge myself to you and the Kingdom of Hyrule."

The King brought his hand down from where it had been extended and smiled genuinely to Link. He was sincerely relieved. "I accept your pledge, bring forwards the ointments."

Link looked to watch the priestesses enter the room. Suddenly his heart thumped at his chest like a wild bird trapped in a cage, he was on fire.

At the head of the group was Princess Zelda of Hyrule. It had been almost two years since he had last seen her. Her Golden hair seemed to shimmer behind more brilliantly than ever and her skin was milky pale but gleaming gently in the natural light that filled the chamber. She had grown quite beautiful and Link felt his already shivering legs shake with more intensity. And in Hylia's good grace those green eyes then shone out towards him like the beacon on the lighthouse in Hateno.

She moved forwards the three girls walking gently behind her each carrying a basin with the water from each of Hyrule's sacred fountains. The princess's eyes rested on him though he knew she did not know it was him beneath the hood. How would she react? He wanted so desperately to know.

Zelda walked forwards each step seemed to pass beneath her silently as all the onlookers stared directly at her. She had grown used to the looks, though most were not warm. Many of them whispered constantly behind her back. Her inability to access the power had spread around the castle and they hated her for it.

The figure knelt there before her was not what she had expected.

She had expected someone…bigger perhaps. The person before her was only a boy only slightly bigger than herself. Still she yearned to withdraw the hood. She was just as curious as everyone else to see the Knight to be.

Her shadow cast over him as she softly took the sides of his hood. With the same moderation as one would use handling a delicate Rito child she began to bring the hood back. As light began to swarm over the boy's face revealing each feature one by one she felt her heart squeeze in her chest hard.

It was Link. There was no mistaking it.

He looked up at her innocently, though his face was devoid of any noticeable emotion. His eyes still burned up at her with that unmistakable brilliant blue. His cheekbones and jawline had narrowed and accentuated over the past few years. The loose mess his hair used to be was now tied back neatly behind his head, with the exception of two long sideburns which seemed to burst from his temple like water from a fountain.

It just all worked rather well and when Zelda realised she had been staring at him a little too intensely, her cheeks became flustered. She shrugged it to the side.

He left me, when I needed someone more than ever he just left. It didn't matter though he was now everywhere in her mind. If she was to be completely honest, Zelda was just glad to see him again.

She ignored the slight quiver in her hands and one by one she placed her hands in the spring water and pressed her fingers into Links face with three vertical motions, one on each cheek and ending with one on his forehead. Zelda realised she was breathing rather heavily.

"Rise now as a Knight of Hyrule Link of Hateno," her father's voice shocked her back into reality as she felt herself be drawn back into the world around her.

Link's eyes had left her now and looked up to the King now filled with grit and determination as the crowd around began to clap enthusiastically. After all, the feast was only just about to begin and the night was certain to be full of many festivities.

The cool air of the night was welcomed by the guests as song and merriment filled the several tables outside in the courtyard. The Castle had opened its gates to all, as dictated by tradition. With so many in attendance that tables had been set up in several areas of the castle in order to fit in the vast number of guests.

In open spaces above the more regal halls, the common masses danced and sung into the night. The sound of flutes and lutes reverberated around everywhere. It reminded Link much of the harvest festivals in Hateno and how joyous they had been. He missed home greatly though the thought of it made him sick to his core.

Smells of roasted meats, of rice, fish and vegetables, filled the air with a pleasant warm aroma. Link could hardly wait to tuck into all the food, he had gotten pretty tired of the steamed mushrooms on the road. However, as he was the only one to be knighted tonight he would have to do the rounds and allow himself to be greeted by as many as possible.

Numerous wreaths of flowers lay around his neck giving off quite a pleasing but slightly sickly sent of wild flowers. It was Hylian tradition and was a token of affection, many of the girls had approached him rosy cheeked ushered over by their giggling friends to throw it over his neck. He had already gotten quite used to the attention, and the jealous looks from the other young men made him smile a little on the inside.

In fact he was enjoying himself quite a bit more than expected. All the people he had spoken to had respect in their voices, it was strange to not be talked down to. In their eyes he was no longer the idiot child he had once been.

Strong arms wrapped around him in a crushing embrace.

"Welcome to the order, looks like we're brothers now Link!" Alfonzo grinned at him. "How do you feel? Any more knightly?"

Link looked over himself, "You tell me I think I look the same."

Alfonzo glanced at him eyes moving all over until they rested on the wreaths. "Hmmm…well it seems your certainly popular Link, you look like you've practically rolled through a field of flowers."

Link shrugged but couldn't help a smile tug at the sides of his mouth.

"Well beautiful, you better come and meet the others, they're just dying to meet ya," Alfonzo said, as he directed him towards the side of the open courtyard.

Link was practically dragged over to a small table in the corner. Several knives had been slammed into the likely priceless table and none of the Knights sat in the chairs except his father. One leaned against a pillar throwing knives at another holding a board, another sat on a keg opening the tap as another rather merry knight lay down beneath it letting the crimson liquid flow into his mouth.

"Guess who's here," Alfonzo announced to the group. "New blood everyone."

Three of the Knights perked up immediately. The tallest one with large bags beneath his eyes and jet black hair jumped up in shock as a knife slammed into the post beside him. He was less well built than the other Knights and boasted a quite lanky, tall frame, much like a scarecrow.

"Watch it Boudi!" his eyes narrowed at the woman across the room. Her red hair was tied up in a high knot and she grinned fiercely back at him.

She looked as tall and strong as a Gerudo, despite not boasting their ridiculous hourglass frame. Her face was quite plain, though it looked as though it was a look by choice. He had heard from his father it was almost impossible to be taken seriously as a Hylian warrior if you were female.

"Pay attention you drunk fool and I won't have to," she retorted, sneering at him.

The two Knights around the barrel shot up like a hot footed frog and sped towards Link. It was clear they were both brothers, twins actually. Both looked young likely only ten years older than Link and were rather short for their age. Still both boasted rippling muscles and various scars throughout their body.

"Maude,"

"Claude,"

"Nice to meet you," they both said extending a hand, laughing hard at the fact Link's eyebrows had nearly lifted off his face in confusion.

"Cut that crap out we talked about the weird twin stuff," Alfonzo muttered as he went and sat down on the table next to Bryne picking up a cup of wine and necking it. Bryne had lit his pipe and was preoccupied with some letters on his table. His father had regularly informed him of the stresses of occupying such an esteemed position.

Alfonzo pointed over to the swaying knight barely holding the board. "The drunkard over there is Beckle," he then moved his stretched arm to the woman holding a knife up aiming it across at the board. "And that one is Boudi, she may look like she wants to crush your skull but deep down I'm sure she's lovely."

"If you want you can be the next one to hold the board," she spat at him as Alfonzo held up his hands apologetically.

"Hey Link! Nish too meat yoush," Beckle waved before he ducked away from another knife, the wine had clearly hit him harder than he had expected.

"Yeah, hi Link," Boudi said and gave Link a generous smile.

"I thought there were more Knights?" Link stated more as a question then anything else.

The twins were behind him each placing a hand on his shoulder either side.

"Ugh don't worry about them mate," Maude groaned.

"Yeah mate most of them are about as interesting as a wet log, us seniors are the best ones. All except Boudi of course," Claude agreed as the female Knight shot him an annoyed look.

Alfonzo turned to Link putting his feet up on the chair he was supposed to be sat in. "We're the last of the Knights to be inducted by the great trial, most died in the Shieka uprising. It's rare for the trial to be performed these days. It requires around twenty squires to not be a just a waste of life and even then only a few ever return, the twins were the last to pass the trial. It was a bad one."

The two brothers began to push him towards the table and forced him quite gently into one of the chairs and each took a seat either side respectively on the table.

"Don't worry though, you're in good hands, we'll take good care of ya," Maude showed Link his hands, like a child attempting to get away with stealing a toy.

"Too right mate, by the end of the night you'll be well inducted. When is he of proper age Al?" his brother turned back.

"He'll be sixteen in three weeks," Alfonzo eyed the twins cautiously. He had picked up an apple and was peeling it with a sharp knife.

"Ah mate I can't wait, though tonight we're going to have fun, proper like," Maude grinned.

"We're just dying to see your skills first-hand mate," Claude leaned in closer

All the Knights began to stare at Bryne expectantly and as he noticed their stares a slight grin tugged at his mouth.

"You want to take him on…sure be my guest. Just not tonight."

The twins groaned.

"Awh c'mon boss, and here I was thinking the boredom was finally over" Claude moaned.

"Yeah boss, you're not going to refuse the real trial when he turns sixteen though right?" Beckle asked from behind the wooden board, voice slightly muffled.

Bryne sighed, "Yeah, you can do your bloody stupid induction, just don't kill him too much he'll have training the next day."

The Knights grinned to each other. Link didn't really want to know what that was about, though the senior Knights were known across the land for their heavy drinking capabilities. His imagination didn't really have to wander too far to know what it was about.

"I can hardly wait mate" Claude got up and slapped Link on the shoulder. "Boudi you think you can stand against my mighty liver."

She slammed her knife into the table in response. "Please you midget, I could drink you under the table, right her right now."

"Shut it," Bryne ordered. "Link has the honour of sitting at the Royal table tonight in the great hall tonight and will have the pleasure of engaging in conversation with the aristocracy."

"Best of luck kid," Claude chuckled. "I heard the princess is lovely this time of year, not a total pain in the arse at all."

"But she is a pain in the arse mate?" Maude turned to his brother quizzically who slapped him hard on the back of the head.

"Shut your mouths that's the future Queen of Hyrule," Boudi called across. "And you two are really not the ones to complain about someone being a pain in the arse."

"Good luck Link," Alfonzo grinned down at him.

Link looked around the group once more before saying his goodbyes. He then got up of the table and walked towards the exit of the rom. As Link looked back towards the table, one last time, he saw Boudi smash Claude's head hard into the table to a chorus of cackles from the other men.

Link made his way down the hallway. The decorations became more extravagant the further he moved down the hall, with lush tapestries and fiercely burning torches that illuminated the whole corridor.

Sure Link had spent years climbing the castle but running away from guards and climbing the towers really did distract him from how beautiful it was.

He emerged into the vibrant sound of the great hall. Instruments echoed along the hall in a lively tune that just seemed to make Link walk a little more rhythmically.

As dictated by tradition a Knights ceremony was a far more casual affair than most celebrations and as such some of the distinguished guests were dancing on the tables merrily. It was an ancient tradition done before for the warriors of old. In the centre of the hall couples danced back and forth to the music. Most of the guests stumbled about and screamed out profanities to one another.

Link swerved around the rather drunk dancers and made his way to the high table, where he could spot the King sat up high on his throne. His voice was seemingly able to pierce the loud clatter of the hall but then again Rhoam had never been a quiet man.

Link's heart fluttered a little with panic. He was going to have to speak to them now properly. The King was friendly enough he could handle him. The maids were often fine as well as they seemed more shy than even Link was. The lords and advisors were slimy to no end but, he could handle that. A dry sense of humour had helped his Dad survive the past few years and it could serve him in the same way.

But then there was her, Zelda. Link had little clue what he would say to her. Seeing her again had felt so strange and he was struggling to keep his mind clear as thoughts raced around his head, rampant like wild horses.

Don't be sat near her, please Hylia don't make me sit near her

"Link my boy please be seated, here is a chair in your honour," the Kings booming voice shocked Link away from his thoughts as the huge figure pointed to a chair opposite himself. "Sit…sit."

Link moved gingerly towards the chair and surveyed the table. To his right were some distinguished nobles, lords, commanders and advisors. The chancellor himself sat next to the King whispering something into his ear and earning a slight smile from Rhoam.

Then to the left were a few more lords, some were from other areas of Hyrule. Link spotted a Rito and a Gerudo somewhere though he did not recognise either. And of course there was Zelda, sat on the other side of the King and eyeing him with the same curiosity as when they had first met. The maids he had seen with her sat next to Link on his side of the table.

Link didn't delay any longer and sat down in the chair. It creaked slightly as he leant into it and Link had to resist sprawling out.

"Get this man a cup of my finest wine," Rhoam roared.

Remember what Pa told you, manners.

He looked at the food lining the table and almost prepared to throw the rules out the window there and stuff as much into his face as possible.

"Link, I could not be more pleased with the progress you have been making. It is nice to know that there are some people can rely on these days," Rhoam said, his eyes had crinkled slightly in fondness. "It feels as though I'm surrounded by people who can't get anything done."

Zelda looked down at her plate, biting down on her lip hard and Link looked across at her hesitantly.

"For you my boy, my office door will always be open. You should come and tell me about your journey. You're father has been rather restrained of late and refuses to share." The kind look on the King's face had not faltered and Link found himself relaxing just a little bit.

"It's nothing," Link shrugged. "I've had the support of my father too, which was beyond helpful."

The jab slipped out of his mouth before he could prevent it, the small smirk from Zelda confirmed that it had come out how intended.

That was stupid

Link looked tentatively at the King but, thank Hylia, the quip had gone over his head. Surely the King wasn't used to hearing them in the first place.

"It seems you have the same senseless modesty of your father too," the King scoffed. "Wouldn't you agree Cole?"

There was no doubt in Link's mind that much like his first seat the Chancellor had elected to sit on a rather plump cushion, so that he didn't look embarrassingly small.

"Of course your majesty," the Chancellor sneered across at Link with his strange grin. "I've heard so many good things about you Link. Unlike many others you have accepted your destiny with open arms."

Zelda gripped the table again and Link looked across at her. This feeling of powerlessness, he thought he would never have to experience it again. He hated caring, each jab felt like it hit him too.

"We all try are hardest to serve I'm sure," Link said, trying to not let protest slip into his tone.

"Some just serve in the wrong places," Cole said, glaring down the table in the Princess' direction.

"Enjoy you night Link, I'm sure we will have time to talk later," the King grumbled, he was clearly quite bored of the whole situation and got up from the table to thank those in attendance. The chancellor was not far behind, slithering across the ground after him.

Link let out a shaky breath as the sounds of the room returned to him. He grabbed some food from the centre and began to eat, as slowly as was possible for him. The princess had turned to her side to talk to a maid. It seemed the goddesses were finally on his side for once.

"Well you certainly handled that well…"

Link's eyebrows rose as he turned to the girl sat next to him. She was smiling at him, relishing in his attention. The maid was rather pretty and her red hair flicked across her face like a wave.

"Astrid, pleased to meet you," she extended a hand to Link.

He ignored the hand and simply nodded back. "Link…"

"So…Link, how are you finding the night so far?" she asked him, eyes gleaming with lascivious intent.

He looked down at all the food before him as his stomach rumbled like a storm. "I can't complain, I guess."

The best way to accept that such a huge feast was in his honour was to pretend it wasn't at all.

"If I may be so forward, all those years of fighting what were they for, was there someone you were trying to impress?" Astrid asked.

Link frowned. "Sorry I don't follow…"

Astrid sighed. "Do you have a girl or a maid here that you like?"

"I…uh," Link hesitated. Now he could feel the princess' eyes on him again and the attention made him feel a little uneasy. "I mean…no I don't. I had other reasons you know."

"I'm sorry I just assumed…" it felt as though she was closer than she had been before. "Though from the looks of you it looks like you have plenty of choice," she gestured to the wreaths of flowers.

"I kinda want to forget about those…" Link said. "Sorry I've never been a great talker, I was always better at fighting and the other physical stuff."

Astrid raised her eyebrows. "I can see that. I'm sure you'll be happy to hear the dance is starting soon."

"I mean erm…" Link chuckled. "I don't really know how to dance."

"What!"

Link turned in the direction of the voice across the table in shock. When Zelda realised she had spoken out so loudly she immediately went red and turned away.

"I mean, everyone knows how to dance right?" she whispered closing her eyes, likely wishing for the whole ordeal to be at an end. Link couldn't explain why but for the first time that evening he could not control the smile that formed on his lips.

"Well I did when I was young, at the festivals in Hateno but that was a long time ago." He thought back to the festivals and how he and Ma would dance across the grass to the merry folk music. His father had told him the grief would go with his training and it had eventually on the road but ever since he had returned to the chaos of the castle, he found the pain returning.

A heavy drum beat from the musician's area prompted a buzz of excitement across the table as couples got up to the floor to dance.

"Better learn quickly then Sir Link," Astrid jeered before grabbing Link's hand and drawing him into the dance.

"Hand up on my waist! Look down at me," she hissed whilst smiling at the other guests.

"Right got it…what do I do now?" Link questioned, he felt rather awkward in his own skin suddenly.

"Just move to the music it's not difficult Link," she said. Link felt jolts of laughter press into him from her close body.

The music began, slow but still no less vibrant than before and Link shook into movement as Astrid began to step backwards and forwards.

"Ow! Watch it," Astrid exclaimed. Link realised he had stepped on her foot. "I've talked to a few knights before about it, if it helps think of it as fighting."

There was a certain elegance to fighting that Link understood, his father had often described it as a dance. However, for the past two years he had only fought for survival or to kill. Doing that hardly seemed appropriate given the environment.

Still, Link felt himself slowly get into the rhythm. He felt he could read the maid and which movements she was about to make, until eventually they moved as one. Twisting and turning, making many around them stare in wonder.

"There you go Link not bad…" Astrid murmured trying her best not to break the concentration plastered onto Link's face.

"I think I'm getting the hang of this!" Link said. He could feel the music following through him and you could almost say he was getting go-

Link's foot caught on a bit of carpet and he flew across the floor landing heavily against the side of the table. He groaned to himself, hot embarrassment flowing up to his ears and cheeks, making him refuse to open his eyes.

Luckily there was no laughter and it seemed that most had not even noticed or even cared. Likely a lot were too drunk to even see a few feet in front of themselves.

"Need a hand?"

The voice was gentle and friendly he prepared to look at the mocking grin of the maid. As Link opened his eyes breath stalled in his chest.

"You know you really ought to be more careful…" Zelda drawled to him, hand extended out towards him as the gentle light of a torch illuminated her from behind.

Link grabbed the hand and pulled himself up coming in close to the princess. She smiled at him earnestly.

"Here, I'll show you how," she grabbed his hand and brought it to her waist and enclosed the fingers of her other hand in his. "Just relax…"

Link remembered to breathe again and drew in the air carefully.

"Take it slowly don't expect to be doing any fancy moves you're clearly not ready," she said, smirking up at him.

They began to move once again to the music and Link suddenly felt himself relax considerably. All thoughts of the evening, its implications, the attention, they all faded away.

"I just wanted to congratulate you on your achievement, your father must be very proud." The compliment seemed almost wistful in tone.

Link shrugged. "He was never really the type of father to praise their son."

"I can relate…" Zelda whispered. Link believed her. "I appreciate you sticking up for me back there at the table, at least in what way you could, these events can be hard."

Link nodded. He realised he had been looking into her eyes unblinking for quite a while and broke his gaze suddenly.

"To think I used to love these things as a child now I just feel all these eyes on me, glaring in disappointment," she was looking around now. Some of the nobles sat at the table were staring at them. Whether it was over the princess of Hyrule or the newly coroneted Knight was unclear.

"If I'm to be honest I was kind of hoping to sneak away at some point," Link admitted.

Zelda looked at him with mischievous glint crossing her face. "There's a shortcut further up it leads to a small courtyard at the top…"

Link took a moment to think. This was beyond proper but the thought of staying in the hall seemed to drain all energy from him. "Go ahead, lead on."

"C'mon how you lasted the past two years moving that slowly I have no idea," Zelda grabbed Link's hand and dragged him up the last set of stairs.

Soon they emerged into the fresh night air which rushed into Link's face like a wave. The courtyard was tiny barely the size of their modest house back at Hateno… He needed to stop thinking about that damned house and the demons that seemed to reside there. He just couldn't help it though. Everything seemed to link back to there and back to his mother.

The yard itself looked rather deprived. The arches looking over Castletown were crumbling and thick vines grew up their side. Despite the fact the whole area was quite a deal overgrown, there was a kind of elegance and harmony to the wild taking over where it had likely once lived.

Link cautiously approached the edge and looked out over it. The lights of the town were vibrant in the darkness of the night. Torches shone out in extra brilliance and the clatter of music and chatter could be heard down below. The loudness of the masses seemed a whole deal more peaceful up here.

Zelda had moved to the side and was studying Link with a carefree smile, as she watched him be captivated by the view.

"I should've known you of all people would appreciate a good view. I come out here a lot it's like being out there again you know." Her voice was gentle and hardly disturbed the night air. "Still I'll admit, tonight the town does seem to steal the show."

"It's not bad is it…" he murmured still captured by the expanse in front.

"Link…" Zelda whispered, he turned to meet her gaze perplexed. "Why did you go? Without telling me too, I thought we had an understanding…"

"I just…I had to." Link left it at that. It was simpler to not explain the whole thing. He had not even talked about it to his father. At least not in full, he mentioned it now and again only to be shut down by the stern Knight.

"You don't have to explain it to me I understand, after all it was your desire to become a Knight," she said, volume still barely registering to Link. "If I am honest I'm happy there is some reason now. I thought you had just gotten bored of me, or found some other friend you preferred better. I pretended to hate you for a while."

Link had always wanted to be a Knight, ever since he was young child, when he didn't even understand what a knight was. Of course his father always warned of the difficulties but they did little to stave off the passion.

The past two years had been motivated by something entirely different. He never wanted to feel that way again, how he had felt back in that damned house. He wanted to feel strong and day by day he did feel his strength grow. It felt right to be out there. The road felt more of home than anywhere else had for a long time. Hunting and battling, they had all become second nature.

Now he was a Knight. But excitement or pride were not among the feelings he felt. He had waited for this moment ever since he was a boy but now he didn't feel a thing.

"I am thankful for the time we had together, while it lasted," Link admitted. "Those years were good."

"You know we could do it again…be friends once more. With you as a Knight it may not be so improper, we wouldn't have to hide it." She had inched closer to him but Link had firmed up at her approach.

"We were children then Zelda, we did not understand, it wasn't right." Link fixed his gaze on the horizon.

"What do you mean? We're practically children now Link…" her kind look was now moving into a scowl.

"We have greater responsibilities now, I can't be sneaking in and out of the Castle anymore," Link spoke nonchalantly.

"You don't know a thing about responsibility," Zelda snapped. "You have no idea how long I've had that weight on me and how difficult it is to be unable to do anything under it."

Link turned and met her fiery gaze, it hurt to be like this but he had to throw away the boy he was, remove the distractions that plagued his mind. By being cruel now perhaps he would spare her of some pain. "Maybe its best we concentrate on that then, rather than messing around."

"You sound just like them you know that?" Zelda turned away and paced towards the vined wall. Taking one hand she brushed it through the leaves. "We don't have to 'mess around' or act like petulant children anymore. I'm not asking for much, we shared a bond all those years ago and I don't want to let that go. Does that really go so badly against your new moral code?"

"I can't," Link replied. "I just can't…not anymore. I'm not the child you knew two years ago. Much has changed since then. It's better that you accept that and that we leave one and another alone."

Zelda turned in a huff towards the door. "Do whatever you want Link. But don't you dare push your own self-doubt on me… Oh and also you're wrong."

"Huh?" Link questioned as she paused at the arched doorway.

"You haven't changed, not one bit."