Real Love

Link returned to Hyrule and lived in the palace for 7 years, the time he had spent fighting Gannon until he was defeated was now a time he got to spend within the palace walls. The reason was to protect Zelda and make sure she was safe. “I have no idea what might happen in the coming years Link, please you must stay with me!” These were the words Zelda spoke upon his return from Termina.
Palace life at first was hard for a young man like Link. He was used to grass and trees and galloping around in Hyrule field on Epona. He was not used to marble walls surrounding him inside or out, or having gardens laid out in a certain preference instead of a beautifully natural landscape. Imported food from other kingdoms also surprised him. Link was used to eating what was given to him, but all the food he had eaten was from Hyrule. In time, he got used to it.

After living in the Royal Family’s palace for 7 years both Link and Zelda grew into fine young adults. In this time, Link’s love for Zelda grew, as the years passed, he realized this but would not let the princess know this. “She may think I have a desire to rule as King of Hyrule someday, but all I want is her hand,” he thought. One day, Zelda was at a meeting of the Royal court, so Link decided to take Epona and ride down to Zora’s Domain. He wanted to seek council from his greatest mentor, King Zora.
Riding Epona was something he enjoyed so. Feeling the softness of her creamy white mane and brushing her nose to calm her always made him feel better. Together they shot out of the stable and out the castle gate into Hyrule field. Riding free felt so good, the wind in his bright golden hair, picking up great speed, ah, it was so good to be free!

Entering Zora’s Domain, Link remembered what it was like seven years ago, when his “fiancé” Ruto gave him the Zora Sapphire. King Zora had told Link he could not marry Ruto, she was to only marry those of Zorian blood. “Do not worry Master Link, there is someone better for you,” King Zora would tell him. Link understood this, as he could not imagine having a Zora for a wife! He gathered up his courage before entering the throne room, although he had had many conversations with the King of Hyrule himself, King Zora was his Mentor and had a great respect for him. “King Zora,” he said timidly, “It is an honor to see you again your majesty.” He bowed low before the King. “Master Link, it is wonderful to see you again, please rise! You are welcome in my court. Is there something you wish to seek my guidance on?” “Yes your Highness, actually, it’s about Zelda.” “Princess Zelda? Is she alright?” The King said quickly. “There’s nothing wrong, I…just needed to ask you something about her” “Oh, I see,” King Zora looked at Link with compassion is his eyes. “Well, I have thought about it many times, and, I can’t stop thinking about her.” “Oh?” The King said with the look on his face that usually meant he knew something. “King Zora, a long time ago, you said there was someone better for me than Ruto, I believe you, but the thing I wanted to ask was…” “Yes?” King Zora was patient with him; he was mostly when Link was worried or sad. “Is she the one I am supposed marry?” Link had a worried and concerned look on his face as he asked the King his stunning question. “It seems as though you wish to ask her hand in marriage, is this right Master Link?” “Well…yes, your majesty, it is. It she the one you spoke of?” Link quietly awaited the King’s answer, though sometimes it was hard for him, especially now with such an anticipating question. “Master Link, what I said was that there was someone better for you, I did not say who it was.” “I know your majesty; I just want to know if Zelda is the one.” “I will not tell you if she is or not but, I will tell you to follow what is in your heart. Look for signs and you will know the answer yourself. You may see it is harder to know real signs than what you want to see.” As with anytime King Zora spoke to Link, he wanted him to be able to figure things out for himself, with a little help of course. “Thank you your highness, as always, you of great help to me.” Link once again bowed low before the King and took his leave. “Do not forget to follow you heart Link!” The king said as he left.

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