A Legend of Zelda fan fiction. LoZ Is owned by Nintendo. No warnings here, unless you get offended by words like ''ass'', and they're not often used.

The Green Garb


Only at night was Castle Town less crowded. During the day however, even the shop employees were out for their midday break, running around the populated streets, packed lunch under their arms. Link had to be extra careful not to be pushed around by the insensitive city folks. Clearly, the streets were too narrow for the amount of people they received on a daily basis. When walking on the side, he had to jump over crushed fruits or spilled wine. When walking in the middle... let's just say it was nearly impossible to reach the middle of a street.

''Watch it, twerp!''

''How rude!''

''Hey kid, buy something?''

All words travelled from one ear to the other without stopping for a break at the brain station.

A while ago, he had tried to talk to the guards for the second time; he showed them his hand again, scratching it to prove it wasn't paint.

''Nice try, buddy, but we ain't dumb. Now go away, the King is getting impatient and if he gets angry enough, he'll throw all imposters in the dungeon until the real one shows up.''

Unfortunately for Link, he was so expressive the guards had to kick him out, knowing the pigheaded brat was up to no good.

''Don't come back, ever!''

Maybe at night, yes. Surely it'll work. But he couldn't think straight with all that comotion around him.

Perhaps by sitting near the fountain of the central plaza he could listen to the passerbys and get an idea about the current situation.

He ran to the place, jumping over fallen baskets and barely avoiding the imposing grown-ups until he finally reached the pearly white fountain. The plaza was filled with young men and women flirting, some old people having forgettable conversations and some children having bursts of energy. Not exactly a private room, but Link soon found himself a place to sit and enjoyed his short moment of reflexion, warmed by the stone structure of the fountain who captured the sun's heat. The regular sounds of flowing water massaged his mind as he thought about showing the public his hand. If they could accept him, His Majesty would be forced to do the same.

For support, he looked at the statue of a woman holding the vase spurting out the fountain's water. He wished it was one of the Goddesses so he would pray to her, but he knew it wasn't possible. The holy three were always represented together; this female was alone. Must've been a Great Fairy. Some said small lights could be seen dancing on the ripples at night and he resented the rumor starters: many nights he stayed up waiting for the fairies and nothing ever hapenned, except for getting a lousy salary the next day for his lousy job as a sleepwalking cucco herder.

He started to form another idea at the thought of cuccos, -a catch, jump and fly type of idea-, until one of the nearby conversations on a rather embarrassing subject rang to his ears.

''No, until I see the new hero, Junius can get lost.''

''He's going to stay with the princess, dear, don't get your hopes up.''

''Oh? You think the king will let that happen? You think a handsome young man will loose his time with a spoiled child when he could have me, a fully grown and experienced woman?''

''Lucky your father isn't here or else you'll end up locked inside your own room!''

''Can you blame me? Have you ever heard of an ugly hero?''

The small Hylian didn't bother listening to the rest, disturbed by the rumors going on about him. All because Iona failed to mention the strong, brave lad wasn't even a pre-teen.

Well, he was pretty skilled with sharp, pointy sticks, but he was only so good against the dreaded stalchildren, keese and deku babas. Against any trained soldier, or kid for that matter since some children with parents had the luxury of learning the art of fencing, he didn't stand a chance.

If tektites invaded the princess' room, then he would be useful. But if an assassin was sent the only thing he could do will be to throw himself in front of her, allowing her to run away while he was stabbed to death by flying daggers. Also probably bombed and whatnot.

That wasn't a perspective he enjoyed.

The King still had to be warned about his mistake as soon as possible or else, knowing them nobles, chaos will ensue.

He'll try again, it was his duty. With a determined look, he took off with an accelerated walk towards the castle, eyes on the prize, only to be stopped by a small hand tapping his shoulder. Strangely, the contact created shivers all over him. He turned and blinked several times, confused by that tickling feeling and surprised of his surprise. After all, it wasn't the first time someone wanted his attention in this town, no matter what the reason. Besides, with all these people around, it could've been an accident as well, mistaken for another child.

The person with a curious case of static electricity turned out to be a girl his age, her red hair highlighted by golden filaments and her eyes deeply blue. She was wearing a light blue dress that gave her a fancy look and the innocence forming her features gave him a feeling that could be described as warm.

He always had a weakness for beauty.

''What took you so long?''

Her voice was soft, but slightly bossy. Like those grown girls towards their grown boys at the Central Plaza. Then he thought...

''Well I... Huh?''

''The King is waiting for you, and he is starting to lose his patience.''

''Tah... Hm... Well...''

The king can get lost was his first thought and he was wise enough to keep it for himself. So many other things, both questions and answers, rushed through his head and none were filtered properly into a clear sentence. Trying to arrange them, his arms went into a frenzy of incoordinate movements, pointing from himself to the castle passing by the milk bar and, eventually, ending up pointing at the little girl. His stare intensified and followed his finger's direction, finally looking into her eyes, distrusting.

She laughed at him.

''Oh! I understand. I don't think the guards believed you, seeing how you react to unpredictable events. I'll let you in, mister Farore's favorite.''

She seemed to enjoy making the boy confused with her mysterious whispers that were somehow never overshadowed by the loud voices from the crowd around them. The girl took his hand and happily started a run towards the royal buildings. Link decided to play her way. After all, what could go wrong?

Her hair looked incredibly soft and shiny, as welcoming as a bed of hay. Something about her movements put her apart from the other little girls. He had to look at her feet to convince himself she was actually touching the ground. As they both took contact with the paved street, his forehead bumped into her shoulder and he tried to stabilize his mind.

The little girl had come to a sudden stop amongst some shoppers and had turned to him again, a little ashamed about her own attitude.

''You understand, don't you?''

His mind was screaming no but his head was mindlessly nodding.

''Good then!''

Quickly, they were at the castle's entrance again. Being there, alone on a clear road with nothing but two guards at the gate and a cute little girl on his side gave him doubts about the chances he had to get through.

The duo of annoying guards had left their shift, much to Link's relief, however he was still nervous at the idea of being rejeted again and having to dig his way inside. Or fly. What was his other idea again? Another forming plan was quickly pushed away by the fact that they were already inside castle territory.

''Welcome back,  princess. May we ask who is that?''

''A new friend.''

''Do you have permission? What about the new hero?''

''You'll see soon enough, soldier. Our King has waited long enough.''

It was true then? The princess did have a gift no normal human had, explaining how she knew it was him who was blessed and not some random tall man with bulging muscles?

He thought he was going to see the king right away so big was his shock when she stopped yet again just before entering the courtyard, hidden from any indiscrete eyes and ears.

''I have to tell you something. By Nayru, where are my manners? You've deduced I am Zelda. What is your name?''

She had started talking in a rush, but quickly her voice became soft, caring and interested. Enough to make him forget the urgency of her first sentence.

''Link.''

''What do you think you'll see and hear?''

Good question. He answered as if afraid to be wrong.

''To be involved in your security?''

''Quite right. My previous guardian passed away not so long ago, may the Goddesses take care of her soul...''

His curiosity on how she died was shoved away by compassion. Zelda herself had to make a short pause to control her conflicting emotions, closing her eyes and slightly lowering her head, so he felt genuinely out of place for a moment, but he couldn't tell the princess anything for she went on before he figured out the right thing to say.

''However, even if my father expects to see a strong man, he shouldn't let you go. If the news of your birthmark fell into the wrong hands, who knows was misfortunes will befall on you. I was worried actually, there's someone in this very castle I won't trust with my dishes, yet he has won my father's trust as if they were sworn brothers. But I thought this over: if you stay outside he will eventually find you, if you stay with me I can teach you what I know and you'll be ready for anything! Will it bother you to stay here with us? Do you have a family or close friends you feel you can't abandon?''

That sudden thought hit him mercilessly.

No one out there truly depended on him.

The few he trusted didn't expect to see him again, but nothing was done to highlight his departure. After the death of his grand-aunt, who took care of him for seven years, he travelled from town to town, learning the ways of life as he moved around, making several trust-worthy friends, but no one to call family again. He simply shook his head with a blank stare, uncomfortable with the feeling those thoughts provoked, and that didn't go unnoticed by Zelda.

''Let's go'', he said.

Instead of saying anything, instead of pitying him, the princess took his hand again, smiled warmly to reassure him and slowly entered the road to the courtyard.

***

The castle had beautiful floors made with white stones, decorated with various plant-like designs without allowing the visitor to keep his or her eyes on the ground. The walls were dressed with detailed tapistries highlighting the royal crest in most cases, but some unique ones represented myths and legends dear to Hyrule and its leaders.

What kept the visitor in awe however was the plant-life outside; green all over with a hint of colorful flowers cunningly placed to please the eye of even the most cynical passer.

A great playground, to Link's opinion.

To his displeasure though, when he met the king his spirit was crushed. Didn't matter how intimidating the throne place was with its heavy-armoured guards and golden decorations all over. Didn't matter how terrifying the sound of his footsteps echoed on the high ceilings and far walls; Link felt rightfully insulted by the ruler's reaction to his sight.

''My daughter, I demand you bring me news of the Wielder, knowing how you were feeling his presence in my city, and how do you repay me for your moment of freedom? You bring me a random playmate? I should've sent someone with you. Why didn't I send someone with you? Didn't I send someone with you?''

''Oh, but father, there was a huge misunderstanding.''

Zelda asked Link to remove his glove and show his left hand to everyone in the room, starting with the noblest man in Hyrule. The four guards surrounding His Majesty and the two at the door gasped with no restraint. The big man himself, however, wasn't too pleased.

''He's the hero I kept hearing about? He wields the Triforce?''

''That's the misunderstanding, father. This child is destined to own part of the Triforce, but he does not have it yet, that is why I ask you to accept his presence in our castle, to protect him from any harm that could befall him.''

''So instead of getting a babysitter, I get yet another baby to sit and watch? Are the gods kidding me?''

This time, Link refused to stay silent. To be fair, even if he wanted too he couldn't, overtaken by impulsiveness.

''I can fight! I need some coaching, but in no time I'll be Zelda's guardian and her foes will have to watch their ass!''

''Listen well, younglin: there's no way I'm letting a brat such as you close to my daughter. Especially not with such impolite and crude manners!''

The boy was taken aback by the harsh words that hit him. The princess, on the other hand, didn't seem bothered.

''Father, you couldn't be expecting a prince to come before you. His handmark is true, you cannot deny him. I can teach him how to feel the powers around us, it'll help him gain his Triforce and when he does, he'll be of great use for your land.''

He had calmed under his daughter's voice, though he refused to show it. What would he tell his people? That a new bearer had arrived, and they usually didn't appear without a purpose. This could mean a new crisis was up ahead and who was the one destined to handle it? That tiny child who admitted he was unable to properly handle the weapon on his back! The gods were kidding him. Better accept the brat than admit he genuinely doubted the Great Ones.

As long as he figured out a way to keep him out of important matters.

''Just take him out of my sight while I decide his fate. Take him to the gardens. You over there, tell a maid she needs to sew his uniform. Someone call Ronzes, I need a list of tutors that won't feel ashamed to teach a street urchin.''

Link, still between the urge to prove the king he was well educated and the urge to sulk, was quickly pulled away by an excited princess. The castle's employees who watched them run by couldn't help but to smile at the sight of their princess being openly joyful, though they weren't too sure about what to think when looking at the boy following her.

''Bet you ten rupees he has fleas.''

''I'll add in lice for twenty rupees.''

***

She was jumping and giggling, showing the newcomer all the corners of ''her'' garden and their purposes.

''Here, you can sit like this and if you make sure these leaves cover anything shiny you have, you can spy on people!'', she said in a whisper.

''Here is a great spot to run! If you don't tend to fall, that is, for you must stay on the paths. I know the grass is softer but please bare with me, Link. They'll kick you out if you touch the grass.''

To that, he stepped out of the grass he had fun tapping with his boots and onto the paved path to give her a guilty stare. He couldn't help it! Soft, perfect grass was great to slide on.

''These windows allow you a look into the southern corridor. Most of the mean-spirited authority passes by that corridor so if you feel like doing anything funny, you must make sure no one's coming from there.''

A detail he carefully stored in his memory.

Zelda was balancing her forearms, her delicate little mouth opening and closing as if trying to choose what to show him next. Then, she just settled and he saw her eyes shine. He was pretty sure his shinned too at that moment.

Without knowing it, he gave her his warmest smile.

''Are you hungry?'' she asked.

''I could demand you get fed and rested properly. Afterwards, well if it doesn't bother you, I could show you some archery and you could show me what fencing moves you know!''

Link nodded frantically, but stopped his upcoming reply at the sight of Zelda's unexpected severe stare. Before he knew it, a maid had popped up behind him, measuring him from all sides and making him so uneasy and jumpy she eventually lost patience.

''Excuse me, may you give the boy a break?''

''I'm sorry princess, our king wants his uniform done before supper... Hey, can you stop moving?''

The little damsel didn't get a chance to come to his help since yet another person ran in.

''We were searching for you two for some time now! Is that the boy? By Din, lass! Get your hands off him and bathe him as soon as possible!''

''But... the garb? I have to sew the garb!''

''Once cleaned he'll even weight less! Chop-chop!''

The princess finally voiced in her opinion again.

''Master Ronzes, since when do you allow yourself to be so rude towards one of my guests? ''

''I'm sorry, princess, but your father is making our lives hard enough right now. You'll see him again when we're done, meanwhile you should go study your History.''

Defeated, she hopelessly seeked Link's stare. The poor boy was lost by the way the two adults were taking him away, -as a sack of vegetables actually-, but seeing how shamed Zelda felt because of this entire situation, he swallowed his confusion and showed her a brief, valiant look.

While her reducing silhouette disappeared behind a door.

***

Ronzes looked taller than he really was. His age was similar to the king's, although he was leaner and his facial features harsher.

''I have to test your knowledge to know just how many tutors could even consider taking you in.''

So, he was about to have his own tutor, whatever that was, his own uniform, hoping it would be comfortable, and...

''Ow!''

That evil pretty-face of a maid kept scrubbing him like a shirt of epic filth.

''Answer this, boy: if twelve Sheikah men travel to Gerudo Desert by ship, how much time will it take them to reach the Colossus?''

Link swore this was a trap, so he asked.

''I must know: what's a Sheikah?''

''You don't know what a Sheikah is?''

''Why would I ask?''

How uneasy he felt; usually he wasn't snarky. Then again, usually no one bathed him like a dirty rug. No one bathed him, period. He was ten, for Din's sake.

''Let's just say it's not relevant to the answer of this question. So? Give up, twerp?''

''A week?''

''A week!?''

The robed man sounded exasperated by that answer.

''The answer is you can't reach the desert by boat: it's surrounded by canyons and... Gah! Where have you been living? Under a cow?''

The boy didn't bother looking at the man anymore. No use fighting him, he told himself. The maid on the other hand...

''I can clean that myself!''

''Oh, and I guess you want us to turn around while we're at it!''

The lass wasn't expecting such a gaze in return.

''Fine, have your privacy! Dee!''

She left a piece of underwear close to him and turned her attention elsewhere. Nothing was needed to be asked to the man for he was already away in his own world of arguments, unable to come up with a brilliant plan to show Link as a great student to the tutors he knew and trusted.

Uneducated brat with a tendency to reply when unneeded and an irresistible will to show just how ignorant he is.

The boy just had to take it like a man. Soon all of these excruciating annoyances would be over and he would see Zelda again. She was the only human being until now, in this joy-forsaken castle, who seemed to enjoy his company.

And let's face it, he told himself, she looks like fun company.

Done cleaning his lower body, he dared a good look around before talking to the despotic adults .

Behind him, near the fire used to boil his bath water, was a piece of light-brown tissu partially burnt, probably overseen by the desperate castle employees. He recognised, with a hint of anger, the tissu as a part of his old shirt. They didn't ask if it was dear to him. Of course not, who would care? They were just preocuppied with the safety of their princess, who couldn't afford catching the bugs of an outsider. What bothered him the most was the thought of them seeing him as a plague bringer.

To that thought, his anger rose and he refused to talk to them for the rest of the day.

''Are you done yet, or are you mute? Maybe you have some hope so let's keep trying.''

Ronzes was still trying to test him while the maid started measuring an almost naked and barely dried Link.

''If keese tend to multiply by five every month, how much would you have in two months starting with one keese? Analyse out loud.''

The boy ignored him.

''Are you really that dumb? Another one, to give you a chance. Who wrote Stalchildren of the Stars?''

The maid had started sewing some white shirt on him. He was getting worried as to how he'll get it out if she had failed her measures. His lips stayed sealed.

''You have no culture! How about this: what's the most dangerous bird in Hyrule?''

Oh, how he wanted to answer that! But he clinged to his idea of ignoring the insulting man.

''I guess the cow you have been living under was dead. Then answer this: who's blessing do you have?''

The easiest question of the pack, was it? Too bad he truly didn't know. Zelda said something about that, but he forgot. All his energy was spent on his eyes, not his ears, back when she mentionned something about it. Since even that question brought no answer, Ronzes figured the child was sulking.

''This is genuinely to be remembered as the day I've fallen so low. I'll be in my quarters. Don't forget to send him off with some guards, Nezz, or he could break our precious vases for the sake of some hidden rupees.''

Fallen so low? Doing what? Link hoped the man was thinking about his burnt clothes.

A sigh of relief expired through his lips when the blond maid told him to sit down while she continued his uniform.

This is a sad day for my freedom.

***

Her delicate little feet were tapping rapidly on the hard, shiny floors. Dress slightly lifted to avoid tripping, she jumped the last couple of stairs and turned to a vast corridor decorated with severe portraits of ancient rulers, male and female. It had been a while since she last took the time to stare at them and this time was no different. Not a gaze towards a heavy-boned bearded man in red, no eyes met with the past queen's cold irises, no examination of the authenticity of her own portrait.

Not even a quick look towards a painting of the heroic ages.

Nothing mattered more to Zelda than finding her friend.

He had to be ready by now. Running alone in the castle was quite enjoyable, however it still caused her painful feelings of loneliness. She also had to warn him about something as soon as a true moment of privacy pointed its nose.

The way her last guardian died was doubtful. A young, healthy woman, who surely had some Sheikah blood in her, just became ill one day and passed away the next. A non-contagious disease they kept saying. She knew it wasn't true.

The princess felt bad about not telling him sooner, too excited to show him around instead of taking the time to find the right moment.

Impossible to feel completely worried. He could tell her so much about the outside world!

The soldiers watched her carefully as she passed, afraid to see her slip and fall. When she finally reached the dinning room, as huge as it was empty most of the time, she stopped.

There were some guards, the kitchen employees, her father, all unsure about her behaviour, and Link.

Unsure about his looks.

Her sudden mad giggles were uncalled for, and she knew it, but she couldn't hold them back.

''Zelda, behave yourself. You'll be sitting next to your new guardian.''

A great opportunity to talk some more. The table was huge and rectangular, so even if she sat next to her father, she could whisper to Link without causing much trouble if the boy sat to her side.

That day though, the king had an important meeting with one of his counts so he needed his daughter to sit at the other end of the table. It's been some time since the man was living in the castle, but when he dined with the king, it was about subjects that only concerned the two men.

Clearly this was an adult's world. The young boy had to hop on the chair and while he was making himself comfortable, while the employees were standing by, ready to serve as soon as the king gave the order, Zelda whispered:

''So, what's with the get-up?''

''It's my uniform.''

He arranged his collar with fake pride.

''Sure makes you look threatening! Plus, green is definitely your color.''

''Well, the pants are comfortable. And they make me look manly.''

''You'll need a lot more than those pants to look manly, mind you. Aren't you a little hot with that undershirt? And boots?''

She looked under the table for a better look at his footwear.

''Not exactly fancy! I don't understand my father.''

''Please don't rub it in'', he growled.

''And you can take off your hat, you know.''

''Not the hat, I like it, I can hide stuff inside!''

''Like what? Can I see?''

''My dignity. No, you can't.''

Her crystal laugh filled his mind like sunlight. She then blinked several times, looked at her right glove, arranged it and ignored him. Link worried again, -what did he do wrong this time?-, and then she winked at him.

''Link, we'll both have to learn how to look emotionless in public.''

Zelda's low voice became all so serious, all too low and quite frankly intimidating.

''You'll start your first lesson right away. A man will soon enter this room, and I want you to analyse him without him noticing. I also want you to show him you are no random brat. You are under my protection. Just be sure you sit straight, eat silently and never stare intently.''

The boy tried to corner the cause of Zelda's sudden lack of humor. Instead of saying anything else, she eyed the gigantic entry door and waited motionless, hands delicately put together in front of her.

He kept staring and, after a few seconds, lost patience. Observing the dining room and its guests, he realised all who looked at him didn't do it in a very friendly fashion. The king himself though was ignoring him. After all he's been through to contact that man! Well, no hard feelings. Link had doubts about his own capacities too when it came to protecting other people.

He always did his best to do so, but he was still a child with a hard, hard time to get up early morning without someone, or hunger, throwing him out of bed.

The severe-looking Hylian, fingers impatiently tapping the table, suddenly rejoiced. Someone was entering the room and for that someone, His Majesty stood up and greeted the gentleman.

''Ah! Good to see you again, old friend! Come, let us introduce you the new inhabitant of our noble castle.''

Zelda's traits hardened at the arrival of the gentleman as she kept her eyes on a blank point before her. The tall blond man, skin as pale as a dead man, walked by pass them and shook hands with the king, lowering his head only a bit.

''Can you believe it? It's this young boy the Goddesses sent us! He could be promising, but he's still the one with my dear daughter's life on his hands, and I would like to talk to you about that later this evening. Meanwhile, Zelda my child, can you do the honors to our estimed Lord Dussel?''

At last, the newcomer saw the children. He seemed slightly amused by the littleness of Link, and that displeased the princess. Refusing to succomb to anger, she stood up with all her available grace and presented as emotionlessly as she could.

''This is Link. He bears the sacred symbol on his left hand, meaning he is destined for a part of the Triforce. Because of that, he will be under my protection until he comprehends the power he has and the one he will eventually obtain, but I will also be under his trustful protection.''

To that the king added, much to Zelda's displeasure:

''When he learns how to handle a weapon, that is. The child needs much training, I've heard.''

In no time, people will actually fear me, Link took the liberty to think.

It might have been his expressive grimaces, but the gentleman's stare became sharp all of a sudden. Instead of being polite and looking away, -after all, that man was of noble blood-, the kid stared back with defiance. It sent shivers down his spine when he understood he had just then signed a war treaty.

With one stare.

''My king, I would be pleased to test this child's fighting skills whenever you feel the time is right.''

With that, Farore's chosen knew the man would be present the day an ''innocent accident'' would kill the child. For some reason, he felt the urge to see Zelda's reaction to that and he saw, with that determined stare of hers, that he had her full support.

''Another day perhaps, my good friend. Today, the boy will eat and rest. Tomorrow morning, he will give his oath and in the afternoon he will be presented to the public.''

''All so quickly, father?'' the daughter asked.

''Yes, my dear. He is just your guardian, no need to make a fuss. Just a ride on the streets to show you have someone next to you. Count Dussel, will you give me the honor to stay close to the children during the ride? I am afraid he's not all that intimidating by himself so possible foes might as well see a competent fighter in the picture.''

Link's ego was stepped on, crushed and juiced by the king's words. Little did he know how much the princess felt it too.

''May I ask, my liege,'' started Dussel as a maid carefully helped him sit down, ''does the boy know how to handle a horse?''

Zelda frowned, seeing the expected humiliation and aware of its importance. She worriedly eyed her protector and felt devastated to see him so ashamed.

''As I feared,'' sighed the king while he silently gave the maids permission to serve, ''he stinks like a horse yet he can't ride one. We'll just have to give him old Berthy.''

The plates coming in were frankly surprisingly large and filled for the few people they were feeding, at least to the young boy's eyes. All food types were present and most dishes looked extravagant for food. His own dish was filled enough, yet the presence of servants ready to rush in whenever someone wanted something from one of the large central plates told him he was supposed to have a very large stomach.

''Father, Berthy went lame last month. She's the one who just retired.''

The young girl hated herself for reminding him that, but better take the problem into her own hands than to let the unwelcomed man plan another humiliation.

''On the other hand, Starly has had some work today and tomorrow he'll be as fit as Berthy in the old days!''

''That gelding doesn't have pleasing eyes, Zelda. He looks narcoleptic and even lame Berthy looks more intimidating.''

''But his mind is balanced, he follows well the other horses without trying to change his position and besides, his legs can carry him anywhere, unlike Berthy who needs to be kept under retirement.''

Taking his mind off the crispy-looking bird-thing in front of him, calling his taste buds with its reddish color, Link finally spoke out.

''Why not a soldier's horse? They look dodongo-proof.''

''Do you think we'll let you ruin a good horse, boy?''

Dussel's aggressive mockery was an invitation for an equally snappy reply and Link would've thought of something if Zelda's foot hadn't gently tapped on his heel.

''Don't worry, my own horses are good enough and I'll show you how to look good riding one, while not actually riding at all.''

After a confident wink, with a ladylike smile, she gave a nod to her father, who was already eating mouthfuls and delicately handled the fork and knife set for her.

The count grimly studied the youngster for a moment. The kid swore Dussel could see through him and beyond, eying his desires and maybe even his origins. Somehow, it wouldn't surprise him if the man suddenly sprad out the cons of his bloodline if what he'd find out was humiliating enough. Frightingly, as though the gentleman had discovered what he was looking for, Dussel look cruelly amused and turned to the king to start their private conversation.

The adults of the room thought the nobleman just couldn't take Link's presence as anything serious, but the children knew he grasped all too well the importance of Farore's will.

Perceiving the possible threat the count represented, his guts torn with the feeling of hate towards his twiggy self, Link poked his cooked volatile with a loss of appetite.

***

They had escaped from the adults' doubtful eyes through a serie of detours admist the castle's corridors. Their decision was wrong; the grown-ups already saw Link as a bad influence over the princess, as if she'd never done anything bratty before, and the moon was rising really fast.

I don't care what this would do to me, Link thought, I feel free again!

I must admit I'm having more fun than I should, but he should know everything, he should get his chance to back out.

Pass floral barriers and the guards guardian them, pass walls unlit by the torches, the kids reached an abandoned corner of the castle, unreachable from the outside world since everything around it was tightly guarded against outsiders, but great to hide since all efforts were concentrated on possible entrances and exits.

She looked everywhere, making sure enough shadows hid them long enough if someone was to come by, and asked him to sit down under a bent, leafy bush.

''So, what did you think of your first day?''

''Exhausting, and then some.''  he answered in the same whispery tone.

''It figures,'' she said laughing a bit, ''but, you know, if you believe this isn't your place, I can trust you'll be able to take care of yourself. Father won't mind, that's for sure. Dussel however...''

''If he really is after the Triforce, I would have had to confront him anyway one day or another.''

''You're right. The way he was looking at you though! First day and it seems hostility wasn't enough, now you have to watch your back. I feared he couldn't be trusted, but now I'm confident he'll dedicate his free time to torture you.''

With that fact, it was tempting to accept her offer and leave the heavy burden to deal with nobility to someone else. Then, it came to his mind how hostile the princess herself was towards the false gentleman. Such a light-hearted little girl couldn't feel threatened just for the sake of it, he believed. Remembering the unusually menacing attitude Dussel had, even as an arrogant noble, he knew he couldn't leave her alone anymore. Whether he was after the Triforce or not, the count deserved the princess' mistrust and Link would stay on her side, at least until the man leaves.

''He can try to kill me, it won't be different from fighting keese on fire.''

Zelda looked pained by his confidence, shaking her head in regret, she at last spoke about her true fears.

''My last guardian died poisoned or cursed. They keep trying to tell me she got sick and nothing more. I know it's untrue; one day she got sick within an hour. She would've died sooner if it weren't for the healers here who spent their time giving her water and placing spells on her. No matter how hard they tried, they lost her the next day. Back then, Dussel was spending some nights amongst us. There was already a rumor that Farore had chosen her new favorite already, but rumors are what rumors do. She was like me; she mistrusted the count. Not a single day could he meet me one on one, and sometimes it seemed as if he wished he could.
When father wanted a new guardian for me, since Hyrule seems a little tense since these past few years, Dussel insisted we could make some research about the other wielder of the Triforce, about the only one who could be trusted with my safety since the Hero is always linked to the royal family's safety. Of course, my father believed it was a waste of time until he heard about you.''

Link stayed silent for a handful of heartbeats, trying to take in what it all meant. It didn't take him too long to put aside the fear of what could become of him and ask the thing that bothered him the most.

''After your guardian died, did Dussel get a chance to talk to you... alone?''

''He tried.'' Her unease pressed heavily upon his shoulders. ''Scared as I was I avoided him as best as I could. Father knew my dislike for him, but he trusts the man with his life so I couldn't count on him. When I finally decided to let him come and see what he would try, the word about you had spread and it's as if he forgot about me.''

She shook her head again and her hands trembled with emotion. Seeing how she bit her lip to regain control of her thoughts, the boy gently rubbed her shoulder and watched her become calm again.

''I'm sorry Link I... just realised how selfish I was. Telling you it would be safer for you to be next to me while deep inside I just lunged to be next to someone again. Look, I know other people I can trust, and I know what I can do for myself. He might be intimidating, but he can't harm me. I might fear him, but he can't harm me. You should go if you feel uneasy, the Goddesses will know how to guide you no matter what your choice is, and so will they be able to guide me.''

''I've never heard a kid talk the way you do.''

Zelda's stare, a mix between surprise and confusion with a hint of offended shock, brought a smile to his lips.

''Doesn't matter what will happen, princess. I'll stay here to remind you of your age.''

His memory tickled him with images of the young princess excitingly showing him the gardens, telling him everything about the troubles he could cause and the ones he should avoid at all cost, everything a kid needed to know. Now though, she was worrying over problems that should've been on the king's lap, not hers. All her life she'll be stressing over things that'll give any lady wrinkles before her time.

Now she gets the chance to be with someone her age and I'm planning to leave her alone?

''Your enemies are my enemies, let me bug them with you. The rest of the time, will you be immature with me?''

He wanted to sound funny, immitating the ''grown-ups'' who spent their time around the fountain in pairs. Not fully aware of the princess' lack of knowledge regarding what he's been observing for some time now, not fully aware her primary source of information were books, usually more detailed on what anything meant than the mind of a ten year old child could deduce, he was astounded by her reaction.

Zelda had thrown her arms around his neck, laughing in a mocking manner yet still managing to make him feel he had said something that meant more than what was intended.

''You know, you're going too fast, but you're still cute. Besides, I can't date you, ever! Silly boy!''

''A date?'' he muttered, ''isn't that where babies come from?''

''Your innocence amazes me'' she said, interrupting her hug, half amused and half worried.

''Yours too, honestly'', he answered with a smirk.