A Noble Steed

Ch. 3

By: Cutegirlmayra(sorry I've been out of it for so long L I kinda have been preoccupied with a new show I'm watching, called Doctor Who. I'm in love with Clara! She's the perfect person for The Doctor! Anyway,… I kinda want to do a fan fiction about them too T-T but, I figured you all have waited long enough for this one, so here it is! The next chapter!)

Link scrubbed…. And scrubbed…. And scrubbed some more of the dirty old pots and pans of the kitchen. He sighed, placing another perfectly clean plate on a huge stack of them. Three more stacks to his already five bundles of kitchen items. He yawned and rubbed his face, training will start soon….

He got up, and went to do his next chore, but then he heard a clang of some kind and looked down to his feet. In a tizzy of panic, he quickly dropped to the ground and picked up his hero doll that Zelda had given him, begging the goddess's it wasn't scratched or broken.

Fine… it was just fine…

He sighed in relief. 'One of these days', he told himself, 'I'll really save you…'. He put the doll in his hat and walked outside, putting his green tunic on over his white undershirt. As he walked to the garden, the maid girls near the other side giggled and watched him as he cut the weeds and watered the flowers about the half enclosed area.

One girl was pushed out among them, and seemed to be pressured into doing something as she dusted off her dress, took a deep breath, and walked to the boy.

"Um… sir, you are a knight in training, are you not?" she asked, nervously but kindly.

"Oh!… em." Link looked behind his shoulder and then to her, nodding to a 'yes' to her question.

"Um…uh… is your name Tink?"

"…Ehh?"

"It's Link, Tonnai, Link!" a girl shouted from the small crowd of little maid girls that had gathered to watch the strange scene; most were supporting the young girl though.

"Oh!" the girl turned around, recognizing her error, and then looked back to Link, "I mean Link! ….sorry…" she whispered the last word and clinched her dress in embarrassment.

"Eh..? Haha." Link had a sweat drop down his face, but then kindly laughed to show he wasn't offended by her mistake. Scratching his head awkwardly, he nodded again to show he was who she was looking for.

"Oh good." the girl let out a uneasy sigh, letting all the tension she must of felt inside her out. "I don't have to hold my breath anymore, phew… anyway, The young princess has requested I give you this letter…. Though she insisted it was a… 'treasure map'…" the girl gave the questionable letter to Link, who eagerly took it.

Hearing it was from the princess, he ripped the letter open with speed and precise effort to get the message out as soon as possible. The girls looked a little spooked by his rushed attitude concerning the letter, but then giggled, probably thinking this was a love letter of some kind.

Tonnai ran back to her friends as Link read a riddle that didn't make any sense.

Red, green, and brown

Are all the colors that hang around.

In this happy place,

The wind blows at a steady pace.

Here you will find a key,

That will unlock a mystery!

Link looked up from the letter with a unamused face, 'Can't she just tell me where to go?', he thought to himself. Then he sighed happily and let out a smile, 'Still… this is kinda cute…'. he looked at the detailed scribbles on the paper, and the landmarks that were portrayed on them. It had been three weeks since he last saw Zelda, is this what she was doing that whole time..? A treasure hunt game?

He only had a short time before training started, so he felt the weight of time on his shoulders and quickly dashed to the first marked location that made any sense to him, the Goddesses statue.

As he ran up to the statue, not to far from the garden, he looked around almost out of breath. The statue portrayed the three goddesses, each twisting out of a single stone. the triforce's symbol was on the splitting spot where the goddesses emerged and went in different directions from eachother. 'Nothing red here..' he sighed in disappointment. But then, he thought about wind… the poem mentioned it. Where would one find wind…? 'Of course!'

"Hyah!"

Link jumped up in joy, and ran with excitement to the one thing he knew Zelda was infamous for around the castle. The tall apple tree….

The tall apple tree was infamous with the young princess, because it wouldn't be the first time she got stuck someplace dangerously high up. The tree was close to her balcony window, and so, when she was younger, adventurous, and a tad bit rebellious… she would grab some of her bed lining and make a rope. Being the clever girl she was, she would try and run away to see the outside world by climbing to the tree and eating or gathering apples for the voyage she would hope to make. The problem was, however, there wasn't much success in getting downdue to the fact she was so small. They called her 'The Purple Cat', because she would call for help while clinging to the tree like a kitten, and purple for the fact that she was a royal. however, outside the castle, the legend was that a thief had tried to steal the princess's apples, and when they unmasked him, it was a cat that could talk and ended up cleverly getting away. Strange, how legends are made and passed down, isn't it?

Link didn't have any time left, once he was at the tree, he noticed a small box on the ledge and a key on the ground. He grabbed the key first of all, and then tossed it lightly in his hand as he looked up to the tree, thinking of a way to get to that small chest... "hmmm… aw-ah!" he thought of something clever, why climb when you can knock it down? He took out his trusty sling-shot and picked up a rock.

THUNK!

CRRREEEK~

FLOSH, BONK-TONK-TONK

Yes! The rock hit it's target! The box slowly moved to the side, and then finally, fell down the tall tree and bounced on the ground a bit. Link hoped the item inside it wasn't fragile as he used the key to open the lock. Inside the box, he noticed another letter, and face palmed himself. How was he suppose to solve this mystery before training? The sad truth was… he couldn't, he would have to wait. And that, literally, killed him to wait.

Back near the front of the castle, the knights in training sparred and prepared for, what the knights called, 'False Combat' in that no one was really fighting to the death, but it was suppose to reenact a battle like scenario. Link sat on the side with his training sword and held the letter in his hands… he wanted to read it… but would have to wait till he was excused from training… good thing he finished his chores or he'd have to do those after too.

"Hey, Link!" a boy said, walking up and patting his back. "What'cha got there? A love letter?" he was about to take it when Link pulled it away from him and shook his head violently.

"What? It's not!? Aw man, that would have been so funny! Well then, what is it? Can I have a peek…?" he reached for the letter again. Link had to friendly glare at him for him to back down.

"Alright, alright. But how do you explain this then?" he pulled out the hero doll from his pocket.

Link gasped, and took off his hat and rummaged through it.

"It's not gonna be in there, friend. Haha! What's a guy like you doing with dolls anyway? I thought some girl gave it to ya with the love letter. She got the hat wrong though..." he examined the doll while Link looked to him and then blushed slightly to the side. "She got the color wrong and all…"

Link offered his hand to the boy, signaling he wanted the doll back.

"Alright, alright. Chill out, man. I was just curious is all…. I wasn't planning on keeping it or anything… besides, then all the guys would think that I'm the one playing with dolls! Haha!" the boy laughed as Link looked down embarrassed. He looked back at the doll and smiled, glad it didn't fall into the wrong hands, and adjusted the blue cap on it's head.

Then, finally, training ended.

"Awh! Link! You did fantastic today! As usually, you are the brightest student here. And usually the most honorable one too… what happened, sonny? Why'd you disobey orders all of the sudden?" Link's commanding general over the young recruits had pulled him to the side, knowing Link was a good boy who usually did everything in his power to be a good solider, so hearing this ill news surprised and worried the old man. Link started to truthfully explain about the princess and how he felt concerning her being copped up in her room all alone for half the day and how he was against it when suddenly a elite knight called his name.

"Link! Come here, boy." The knight called.

"Well, by Din's flame… that's the royal elite guard Austan. What does he want with you, boy? You didn't hurt the princess, now did ya?" the general said, more concerned now. Link shook his head, how could he even think of such a crime!? He got up and walked over to the knight, bowing and looking down respectfully.

"Eyes up, recruit." the knight said, allowing Link to look at him. "The scholars and I have been told to escort you to the king's hall, come with us."

Link's mouth dropped, the KING?!

As Link made his way into the large hall of the royal courts, he felt so inferior that he kept his hat slightly down over his eyes, holding it in place so the others wouldn't look at him. One of the scholars, a tall one with an almost equally tall hat scowled at him, as if hating his guts. He adjusted his glasses and kept his long rope's sleeves drape over his arms as he kept them together in front of him. The other scholars wore the same attire, but all were different shapes and sizes. Another one, fatter but with rosy cheeks and a kind smile happily looked to him with closed eyes and then winked at him. He had no idea if he was in trouble or if this was just a part of knight training. But then Elite Knight Austan stopped the parade of Scholars that had formed a ring around Link and looked back to him from over his shoulder. Link almost got the cape of his turn in his face and quickly shuffled back a bit to dodge it. "Don't be nervous boy, but you must present yourself in front of the king. You seem to have troubled him somehow."

Link's eyes grew wide,

'…. Zelda….'

Was it because of what he did? He didn't believe playing with a little girl would get him into this much trouble, but surprisingly… not a ounce of regret was in his being, nor his heart.

Link took a deep breath, and straightened his cap. He walked with strong steps and a warrior's face as he bowed before the King.

The king had a long white beard and a matching, but smaller, mustache. He was looking over a scroll with glasses, but then took them off and handed them along with the scroll to his assistant. "Boy… You are the knight known as Link, are you not?"

Link stood up straight, getting up from his kneeling and bowed slightly again.

"I see… the scholars here tell me that you've 'played' with my daughter. And now, she talks more of you than law." he sat up slightly in his throne, and Link's eyes searched the ground nervously, though in his mind, he was happy that Zelda had not forgotten him. But she didn't have to blab about their role play…

"…Hmm… what do you have to say for yourself boy?"

"Sir, if I may. The boy is silent. He doesn't usually speak." Austan approached the king in formal matters all the time, but he was given permission, as a loyal knight to the king, to address him at any and all times informally.

"Ah, my friend. I see… Boy, you must learn to speak up for yourself. I know my daughter's willful spirit… she might of ended up wrangling you into her silly fantasies without you having much of a choice. But know this,… my rules for my daughter are to protect her. A great prophesy has been told to me concerning her future, and I wish to change it. For this cause, I must keep her safely within boundries where I may always guard her. I know it seems cruel boy, and if by chance you willing disobeyed me and your ranking officials because you thought it was so, I'm afraid it is only the love of a father that pushes me to enforce such things. I know you don't understand that boy, but perhaps, if Farore smiles on you, you will one day." The king spoke kindly to Link, not a ounce of hate or malice in his voice. Only one of long suffering over this matter, and Link could hear it in his voice how he wished it was different.

"….My….King…"

"Hmm..? Austan, you said this boy was mute."

"No, my king. I said he doesn't speak much… in fact.. This is the first time I've heard his voice…"

"…I know you… love your daughter… very much. But… is it really right for her,… safe for her,… to be alone?"

Some of the scholars muttered in protest at Link's words, other looked confused on what to believe, but the fat, old scholar smiled. Seeming to be delighted by his words.

"…Hmm… you wish to be her friend, don't you, me boy?" the king placed his hands together, contemplating the matter.

"…..Yes…."

The royal guard, Austan, walked swiftly up to the boy, and lowered himself down to his level, "Boy, you speak to boldy. I suggest you-"

"Austan, let the boy speak. If this is indeed his first words upon this land, then please… do not rob him of his right."

Austan looked up to his king, and then the boy, and nodded as he looked down in respect. As he walked away, Link dared to look up at the king,

"What is the prophesy..?"

"That boy… is personal to me. I'm afraid I cannot tell you."

"then… what is the danger?"

"Again boy.. I cannot say something so important to such a young man as yourself. I'm afraid I must ask you, as a father and as your king, to refrain from befriending my daughter. That is an order. It is better for her to trust in herself and me, then to trust this world."

"B-…But!"

Link clutched the letter in his hand, and hid it up his sleeve. Sensing that it might be taken away if someone knew it was from Zelda…

"Sire, if I may be so bold…" the fact old scholar walked forward, the other scholars were appalled or looked incredibly surprised by his behavior of speaking up all of a sudden.

"She has seemed to become… more lively since meeting the boy." he placed his hands on Link's shoulder, showing he was a friend and trying to defend Link's opinion. "I think it could be a healthy thing for her. At least, let her have him as her playmate. Someone to talk to and confine to. She'll always have you of course, my lord. But even you had childhood company, did you not?" the fat scholar pointed to Austan, and then moved his hand to the empty throne next to the king.

"You speak to bodly, Capaa!" the king arose from his throne, and Link, being only a child, stepped back and against Capaa, frightened of the king's anger.

"…..Forgive me, my king. I understand your concerns… but this can't possibly be the one of legend. Nor could danger be behind this young boy's heels. I'm sure the fable the sage told you is far into the future. Please… let the girl have a friend." Capaa patted the boy's shoulder, trying to reassure him it would all be alright.

"…." the King sighed and sat back down, placing a hand in his face and circling his fingers to rub his eyes. "….I can't say I can allow it, Capaa. You are strong in your teaching and magic professions. But what do you know of the dark danger of old? How am I to be certain I can trust any boy? When I know that one of them will lead my daughter into danger?"

"My King…."

"Capaa, take the boy back. There is nothing more to say."

"But as a father, sir, you must know that this is wrong. I must protest! For the girl's sake-"

"It is because of the girl's sake that I stand firmly on my resolve! Austan, take the boy and the scholars out of here! I have work to do…" the king's voice grew in hostility and for the first time Link saw the true frightening power of royalty. The king waved his assistant back and took the glasses and the scroll and began to be as he once was when they had first arrived. Scholar Capaa looked down and sighed, patting the boy again and then ruffling his hair he smiled and walked Link out.

"It's alright, dear boy. I believe that for now though.. It is best to stay away from young Zelda. But-!" the scholar smiled and bent down to Link's level, holding a finger up to him. "Hehe, I believe you two are destined to be friends! Yes? Well, then. I shall try and reason with the king… some other time…" he got up and rubbed his hands together. "Whelp, I must find my next lesson to teach the young princess, I think I shall borrow a book or two on…. Legends….yes…" he walked by Link and seemed to be talking to himself now.

Link sighed and looked forward again. Then pulled out the letter with the new poem in it.

Trotting around the garden fields

I so do wish you knew how it feels.

To royalty a knight kneels,

But a partner he does need!

A little gift to you,

Come and find me, Link!

For I promise you a steed!

Out in the garden, Link looked around, but there was nothing there.

Then,…. He heard something and gasped as he turned around.

Clippity-clop

clippity-clop

NEEEighhhh…

Buuphrrr…

"Link!"

Zelda waved on top of a beautiful orange pony. The sun was setting, and directly behind them as Zelda giggled and called him over to her side.

"I know Knights can't own there own horses till they've reached a certain rank, but I figured I'd just give you her to look forward too. Hehe, do you like her? The ranch girl said her name was, Epona. She even comes with her own song too!"

Link couldn't believe his eyes, she got him a horse! a breathing, living horse! He ran with little boy's glee as he first hugged Zelda's waist on the horse and then petted the horse's face.

"Haha! I'll take that as a yes." she smiled. "She's yours so, come on then!" she moved up for him to ride, and patted the horses back.

He excitedly started to lift himself up, until the king's words echoed in his mind…. He slowly stepped back down on the ground.

"…Link…? What's wrong? Don't you like her?" Zelda asked, smiling again. "You know, I've been waiting till Impa and the guards left me alone to find you. I just couldn't wait to see you again! I really wanted to give you this too!" she handed him something, and he slowly took that too.

"It's a green uniform and matching cap for your hero doll! Don't tell me you lost him…" she glared at him slightly, but he shook his head sorrowfully, stating he still had it but not looking back up at her. She smiled, "Good! Then get on! I want you to feel the thrill of riding your first horse with me! Hehehe!"

Link… slowly moved one foot back.

"…Link…?" Zelda looked back at him, and then moved Epona to face him. Her smile quickly vanished, as she knew then that something was off with him. "W-what…. What's wrong..?"

Link tried to convince himself it was the right thing to do…

"…Li-link? What are you doing?"

"…..Good….bye… princess…" he dropped the green doll outfit and ran. Ran with the speed he never knew he had, and knew in his soul, that he was breaking her heart.

But what angered him most…. Was that he was doing it for a reason he did not believe.