Endings and Beginnings are often one in the same

Pain, was the first thing that registered in Zelda's mind as she began to come to. A throbbing pain in her head, a burning pain in her stomach, and much more acute than those was the fact her whole body ached even her hair seemed to hurt. What was wrong, had she been in some sort of accident? Her muddled brain just would not bring back the memories of what had happened to put her in such a state. As she was trying to remember yet not think hard enough to make her headache worse Zelda felt as a cool cloth being applied to her forehead then a gentle but still echoing voice spoke. "Zelda dear, are you awake? Can you open your eyes?" She instantly recognized the voice as that of her longtime caretaker Impa. Cracking her eyes open slightly Zelda was relieved to find the light in the room was dim, she was sure that anything too bright would have felt like hot needles sticking into her brain. Her vision was fuzzy at first but a few blinks brought Impa's concerned face into view above her. She tried to speak but her mouth was parched and her throat felt scratchy.

"Don't try to speak just yet Your Highness. You have been unconscious for a few days now; let me get you some water." Reaching over to the bedside table Impa poured a class of the blessed clear liquid before helping Zelda to sit up enough to sip at the refreshing liquid. It felt so good on her throat that if she had had a choice in the matter she would have drunk the whole glass in one go. Of course Impa would not allow this and only gave her small sips at a time. As she sipped she noted her headache eased to some degree allowing her to think more clearly. With her head clearing her memories slowly trickled back but they were gaining momentum with every second. The journey, her search, the Tierney's, the battle, the Light Spirits, and…Link! Link had been hurt she needed to help him!

Instantly she tried to jump from her bed but Impa easily restrained her weak attempts. "Please Impa," she begged in a raspy voice. "Link is in trouble I need to help him." "Calm yourself My Grace; you have missed more than a few things while you were sleeping. Link is fine. He too is resting and recuperating in his own room. Estelle is tending to him and when you are well enough you can see him."

Did that mean that they were successful, that they had defeated the shadow twins? She was about to ask but Impa beat her to it. "I realize you have many questions as do several of us. When everyone is well again we shall hash out the details of what has occurred. Until then rest easy knowing that everything is as it should be." Impa poured another glass of water for her before leaving her to sleep. Initially the peaceful realm of unconsciousness eluded her as her mind ran over and over the events that had transpired. She tried on several occasions to rise out of bed but found the pain to be unbearable, by the Goddesses how had Link always seemed to move about unencumbered even after a severe injury. Giving up on that idea she sank back the pain having worn her down to the point that sleep could now take her.

Several days passed before Zelda was well enough to walk again and Impa said that Link had finally gained enough strength that he too could walk. According to Impa, Zelda was recovering mostly from her physical wound and having her magic drained dangerously low. Link had no physical wounds, since the Light Spirits had healed them, but he had used every ounce of strength and magic he had. They were both quite lucky to be alive at all but Impa would not tell her how the feat had been accomplished insisting on waiting until everyone could tell their tale. It was for that reason that Impa was carefully guiding her to one of the large sitting rooms. They were set to meet with Zelda's parents, the King and Queen, as well as Estelle, Anjean, Impa, Clovis, and surprisingly Hahn to hear everyone's stories after they left about what had happened.

Upon entering Zelda discovered she was almost the last to arrive; only waiting on Link, Estelle, the King, and Queen. Link and Estelle arrived just seconds after Zelda and Impa. He was very pale and needed some support to walk but otherwise looked none the worse for wear. When he saw Zelda he gave a small smile before coming to sit next to her. Zelda was about to ask him how he was but was interrupted by the arrival of her parents. Once everyone was settled comfortably, which mostly involved Estelle and Impa fussing over Link and Zelda, they were able to satiate their curiosity of the happenings of the last few days.

The King, Queen, and Clovis started out by explaining that things had been normal in the Kingdom up until just a few days ago when the darkness took over. At that time the Tierney's had burst into the throne room babbling nonsense. The Knights and guards had tried to subdue them but the darkness had taken them far too quickly. In almost a heartbeat those trusted with protecting the lives of the Royal Family turned on them.

Clovis had managed to get the couple away from those who might do them harm only to find the darkness had taken them too. Clovis had found he had had some immunity to the plague and though he recognized it as some form of Shadow Magic he was unfamiliar with it as he had only ever achieved the rank of guardian. Luckily the love the King and Queen had for the other was enough that it kept them from attempting to harm each other though they continually berated others. At last all Clovis could do was to seal them in the Royal Family's Wing and hope to keep them safe. After that he did his utmost to protect those in the castle from not only the others but themselves too, for the madness blinded them from even seeing that their actions might cause themselves harm.

Estelle confirmed much of this and while she had not been taken over she had witnessed many who had. She too had tried to help and protect as many of her fellow workers as possible. Her deeds had resulted in a few injuries though mostly minor one looked as if it would inhibit her ability to carry anything too heavy with one of her arms. According to Seres and Bandam she would likely have little movement from now on, to the afflicted appendage, which meant it was very likely she would have to retire as head caretaker.

Zelda and Link told their part of the story next with Zelda doing most of the talking in the beginning but Link contributing with more frequency then he had ever done before. Then both told of their individual searches in the forest and in the temple. All were pleased that Link had managed to make some new, if not odd, friends though perhaps it should have been considered reuniting with old friends instead. When Zelda told of Layol she suddenly remembered her promise to come for the poor man; immediately she attempted to leave and make good on her word. Impa advised that she could not travel even the short distance but she would send a messenger hawk to Kakariko Village where the passage would let out and just in case go to the temple herself after they had shared their stories. After a few moments of debate Zelda conceded to Impa and continued with her story. Zelda then explained about Fi and the harp transforming itself. "I have never seen anything like this harp before," said Zelda, "but from now on I am keeping it close by."

"Now that's good to hear so next time you visit I'll know you have it on you and should be ready to defend yourself properly in an instant. I'd bet you went and got yourself distracted and that's how you ended up being sliced open. How many times did I have to tell you to focus on the task at hand?!" Anjean would have likely biffed her in the head as she was apt to do had they not been across the room from each other.

"Anjean, you're being a bit harsh. Considering how far she has come in such a short time the Princess did remarkably well defending Link while he pushed away the darkness. In truth they both did well since Link didn't attempt to do two tasks at once. It is thanks to them we are all able to sit here chatting about it now," said Impa in mock sternness towards her mentor. Anjean did lift her cane this time striking Impa squarely on the noggin.

"Mind your tongue girly when you're talking to your elders," said Anjean with an impish grin. "Besides just because they reached their levels and are the saviors of the Kingdom doesn't mean they still can't learn a thing or two."

Shaking her head at the aged Sheikah woman Impa told them of their part in the story after Link and Zelda had left. "It wasn't long after you two departed that one of the scouts reported the dark cloud beginning to take form over the castle. We quickly gathered the entire village so we could decide on how to proceed since we knew basically what was happening and that it would take you both a bit of time to accomplish your tasks. Several people were sent to Castletown via the warp songs in order to help there while others remained here. We had used an ancient forecasting spell that called upon our great deity Skadi and with her help were able to see where the epicenter of this dark storm would be. We prepared then headed towards Hyrule field though we had a few days' travel ahead as none of the warp songs would take us near enough to walk and we would need the horses."

"We traveled as fast as we were able all the while watching the terrifying sight of the darkness growing ever stronger to the point even we were having trouble warding off its ill effects when the dark column appeared. Shortly before we arrived we could see the bright pure Light that made it seem as if the very forces of Light and Shadow were warring against each other in the sky. We know now that that was exactly the case. We spurred our mounts to a dangerously swift pace forgoing all caution."

"We arrived just as the battle was done though and watched as first Link then the Princess collapsed. The two Shadow Sheikah were screaming on the ground and that was when we understood what they had done. You see the Sheikah can actually turn themselves into the very shadows we flit in and out of. It is a process one must think carefully on for once it is done there is no going back. The transformation increases your power in the shadows far beyond what a normal Sheikah is capable of even at mage level but it restricts you as well. The Sheikah may be a people of Shadow we can still exist in the world of light, but once this ritual is complete you can no longer exist in the light only able to live through the darkness and shadows. Likewise your powers are at their strongest during the dark of night for you draw strength from them but in the light of day you would be weak. If they had succeeded with their plans their power would have been second only to Ganondorf's."

"When one does this ritual they put their physical essence as well as their magic into shadow amulets that you must protect for they are the key to your existence. They allow the shadow to keep its form, for without them they would have melted into the other shadows around them unable to move about. They may also be used in place of many magical objects but here again one must be careful. They used their amulets to open the path to Demise's Hell and if I'm not mistaken that is also how they were able to choose which realm they took Link to. Because your past lives had destroyed him your blood would have allowed Ganondorf to be resurrected, and by feeding him your souls they would have returned his power to him. If it would have succeeded it would have been the perfect plan for you two are the only ones with the power to stop that man. If you were to be killed in his resurrection then there would be no one to stop him from spreading his tyranny throughout Hyrule. They were taking quite the chance though since there was every possibility Ganondorf might have taken their amulets from them. He could have then used them for whatever design he planned without fear of them turning on him."

"As we arrived we found their two amulets near the heart of where the dark column had stood and both had cracks spreading about them. The amulets house much power but are extremely fragile. The smallest amount of light causes pain to the shadow attached to it. Prolonged exposure or a large dose of light can utterly destroy the amulets. There was nothing we could do for them; both of the amulets shattered and the two evaporated into shadows neither truly alive nor dead. Tatl and Tael will forever be conscious of their existence but they will never be able to rise again; it is a cursed fate but in some ways it is fitting for their crimes."

"After that we attended to the two of you by healing the Princess as well as we could between Anjean and I then taking both of you back to the castle. Link was lucky to be alive at all and were he not blessed by the Goddesses he would be dead. He had expended so much of his magic and energy into the battle between those opposing forces of nature he nearly depleted his own life. We had no way to help him and could only hope that he would recover, but as usual Link surprised us," said Impa smiling at the boy who to the surprise of many in the room smiled back.

"Bandam and Seres worked on you both I just wish we had some way to replenish your strength and magic Link for even though you are up and about it may take months before you can even consider using magic again; even Zelda will need some time to recover in that area." At this Zelda's head shot up, "Link tell them how to make those potions once you do we can get some made and we will be better in a matter of seconds."

All mouths in the room, minus Link's and Zelda's, fell agape and their eyes turned from the young Hero to the Princess and back again. "Well speak up dear boy," said the King. "If you have the means to a miracle potion we will have it made up in no time." Link winced before replying.

"I'm afraid blue potion takes around a month to make and the ingredients for it are hard to come by. But there is an older couple I taught to make it on the East side of town who may have some ready…" "The East Side," interrupted both the Princess and Queen Saraid. They looked at each other a moment before the Queen continued. "Why would you teach someone on that side of town such a wondrous thing as this blue potion? Nearly everyone in that sector is a criminal of some sort and if they are not now they will soon be."

Link looked down at his hands mumbling until Anjean spoke up again, "Boy, if you don't start speaking up and go back to not talking I'll put a spell on you that makes you voice every inner thought that runs through that thick head of yours."

Link looked up in horror at this prospect before speaking, "I'm sorry Matron Anjean. Your Majesties this was actually something I have wanted to bring up to you for some time now," said Link rather hesitantly. "Well go on my dear boy you are as good as a member of the family now so share your ideas with us, we quite welcome a different viewpoint."

Smiling a bit Link continued, "I'm sure you remember when Clovis mentioned I was making frequent visits to the East side of town. You see Lady Impa mentioned to me that it was the poor side of town and that both of Your Majesties," said Link while nodding to the King and Queen, "had been attempting to find some way to clean the area up. I wanted to see what was going on there and if there was some way I could make it better. I did what I could and met with many of the people there finding out about them as much as I was able. The vast majority are good people who'd made some bad choices in life and now found themselves stuck there with no way out. It is hard to come by decent jobs when that is the area you live in. Most only resorted to things like prostitution and theft because there really was no other way for them to get by. If they could they would take another line of work in a heartbeat. That isn't to say everyone there is like that, some truly enjoy the criminal lifestyle and would readily continue it."

"I had an idea that if maybe there was a way to get more of those that want decent jobs a steady income then it would help decrease the number of problems. Then if there was a way to provide more food to them at little to no cost it would also help ease their burden and not drive them to find other income opportunities. I thought that if a couple jobs were created and a few business owners who were fair were talked into hiring some of the people from that sector it might start making a difference."

"On one of my trips I talked with the Stitches and they said they would not be opposed to hiring someone to deliver their clothes as it was getting harder on them and that the person could help move the heavy bolts of fabric and carry any supplies for them when they had to go to fittings like here at the castle. Mr. Lantos said he was looking for an apprentice in his shop and Telma said she could use a couple more hands. It wasn't much but it was a start. Then I thought about food and finding a way to get them a few more regular meals."

"Huh," laughed Estelle. "Yer one ta talk about gettin' regular meals. I swear I'd have an easier time getting' a Zora to enter a sumo match against a Goron than gettin' you to eat more than once a day." At this comment everyone at the table laughed while Link blushed slightly before valiantly continuing.

"I did some research and found out that a lot of food goes to waste here at the castle so after talking to Qasim in the kitchen he said that he wouldn't mind if the leftovers were taken down to that side of town because at least someone would get to enjoy it. After thinking it over we decided that most of the food could be stored and then every few days it would be divvied up into packets and handed out to the residents on that side of town. I also thought community gardens might be a benefit in every sector of town where people live. If a person worked so much time in the garden then they would get to take home a certain amount of the spoils from it. It would bring each community together as a whole while elevating some of the burden. It would also create a few extra jobs since people would have to log hours worked and portions taken. Even the noble sector could have a garden and if they didn't want their share of the crops they could be donated instead and maybe that noble could receive some kind of recognition though I don't know what. In these gardens we could also grow the different plants needed for the potions making them more readily available thus keeping down the cost of making them."

"On a trip when I was looking for a suitable area for a garden I noticed a couple working with some herbs and plants. After some investigation I found out they more or less were the apothecaries for the area. They provided different medicines for the people who could not afford a traditional healer. They're a bit odd with the husband having a fascination with fried frog eye balls and eggs and his wife smelling of odd mushrooms but they make good medicines. I taught them how to make both the blue and red potions with the deal that I would help them find ingredients if they continued to provide affordable help for those in the area. I promised I would discuss all of this with all three of Your Majesties but before I could we left for the Sheikah Village."

Everyone stared at the young boy for several reasons, one of which was that none had heard him speak for such a long length of time. The King was the first to break the silence that followed, "Well now, of all the things I have ever heard I never thought I would hear a plan that every single aspect of it was aimed to help others and gain little to nothing in return. I would very much like to implement many of those ideas straightaway such as the leftovers from the kitchen. I do have few requests though of you my dear boy. One is that when we manage to implement these gardens you take time to show those who will be watching over them how to properly tend to them as I have heard you are a bit of a green thumb. Second I would like you to join in on the council sessions from here on out. I believe your insight would be invaluable to them. Third I never want you to hesitate to bring something like this up again. You are one of the future rulers of this Kingdom and as such you must learn to speak up; otherwise I will ask Anjean to stay around awhile longer to help teach you to use your voice. That also reminds me we should make haste to get out the invitations to your Engagement Ball. It will be rather short notice but you both must be married by the age of nineteen and an engagement must last at least a year. Zelda is very near to turning eighteen and you Link will soon follow. Tis a shame we had to send back all those gifts for now those who come will have to find something else to bring."

Link looked quizzically at the King before asking a question that had plagued his mind, "I'm sorry Your Majesty but why must they bring gifts? We already have so much; why not advise them to give the rupees they would have spent to someone in need?" The Queen was the one to answer this time, "I am afraid that while the notion is both noble and good it is not feasible. To ask our invited guest to do so would be tantamount to a slap in the face as well as saying that their gift is not good enough for us. We need to keep relations with them so we must accept what they bring rather we need it or not."

Link nodded his understanding to the Queen's words; not everything could always turn out perfectly the way you wanted. "Link do you think you could make three copies of the directions to make those potions," asked Impa breaking the silence. "I would like one here at the castle then I shall send one to Renado in Kakariko as I believe he will have a great use for them, and then one for the village as I'm sure Anjean could find a use for them."

"Quite right klein eins, we'll have to use them to patch up our next couple of Lone Guardians," she chuckled out clapping Hahn on the shoulder. Zelda looked shocked, "You chose to be a Lone Guardian Hahn that is quite an undertaking."

Hahn looked a bit nervous before he replied, "Yeah, Tru and I, we kinda already decided that's what we want to do, like Impa, and the others they all want to be Guardians like Clovis. I think having you two around really helped inspire us."

"It's a good thing too," said Anjean in a cheeky manner. "There haven't been nearly enough of our people willing to become that which we are meant to be. It's a lack of proper fealty if you ask me." All three other Sheikah rolled their eyes at the older woman earning them each a blow from the cane.

Estelle got up while the three Sheikah argued to retrieve quill and parchment for Link and Impa, since she also had to write a quick missive to Renado. While the two were writing there was light talk about the exploits of the past few days amongst the others before Hahn suddenly changed the subject. "Link, what happened to that scar on your head from when the building collapsed or any of the other scars on your face?" Link seemed quite shocked by this and began feeling around for the slightly raised bumps indicating where a wound had once been, also getting ink on his face from the quill he still held.

Impa laughed lightly before responding, "I'm afraid the only scars you will find young Hero are your newly acquired ones. Even the Princess' one scar from the time she fell down the stairs has vanished though she will have one on her abdomen now to replace it. I believe when the Light Spirits infused their power into you it purified and healed you both, inside and out. You now have a chance to start anew, the both of you," said Impa smiling.

Link seemed completely awestruck and it was only after Zelda's gentle reminder that he needed to finish the copies after she took a cloth to his face that he managed to focus again. "By the way," said Zelda. "Where are the Tierney's have you already sent them on their way again?" The room grew dead silent for a moment all faces stricken in the realization that the two abhorrent men had not been found or dealt with.

The King quickly called for a search since when Link had fallen unconscious after having drained his power all the spells he had enacted at the castle dissipated. An hour later both Lord Lorcán and Donovan Tierney were found in the same room they had held Link captive. When they were brought to the room where the gathering was present the guards informed the party that they had found the men had once again stolen from the King's lauder as well as the kitchens. It seemed they had also managed to find their way into the King and Queen's rooms and taken some of the King's clothing and jewelry. Though, the stolen finery did not conceal the marks still upon them from their time spent as puppets of the dark twins. Dark veins could still be seen stretching across several areas of their skin including their faces.

Both men appeared before the gathering red faced and intoxicated but still as haughty as they had ever been. "I thought I made it very clear to the both of you what would happen should you set foot in my Kingdom again," said the King solemnly.

Lord Tierney sneered at the man while saying, "We had no choice in the matter Your Majesty," the last two words were said with such sarcasm that it was shocking that it was not dripping from the man's mouth. "We were brought back to these foul lands against our will and held prisoner by your little King to be. If you wish to blame anyone blame him. We will happy to leave if you should provide us the necessary provisions to do so."

The King was about to reply when the Princess laid a hand on her father's arm indicating she wished to speak. He motioned her to continue. "Tell me Lord Tierney just what do you believe are the necessities for a journey." The man gave the girl a scathing look before replying, "Well my dotty little damsel of a Princess the basic necessities are proper clothes, footwear, food, water, horses, and a means of protection from both the feral creatures and the elements." The Princess raised an eyebrow at this before turning to Link. "Tell me Sir Esquire Link Celadon, when you journeyed to Hyrule from the land of Ceylon was any of what Lord Tierney mentioned provided for you during the journey?" As this question left the young Princess' lips both the noble's faces went pale.

"Well Your Royal Highness Princess Zelda, I had clothing but it had been provided to me about two years previous to the Tierney's possessing me; they never once gave me an article of clothing to wear and this includes footwear. I was told I was only to eat any scraps that were left in the pot after meals, but there never were any. For water I was allowed to drink from streams when we stopped but it was never provided during the excursion and I always had to go in search of it for not only myself, but the horses, their men, and themselves too. I was not allowed a horse of my own and walked the whole way and had no tent or sword for protection."

Zelda smiled at Link's response, "Well my presumptuous Lord Tierney, as I see it you truly do not believe any of those things you listed are a necessity as you did not provide them for one of your servants. Therefore, I must ask you strip off the garments you have stolen from my father and leave this castle immediately. You may keep the under pants though as my people should not have suffer that ill of a sight."

The Tierney's looked ready to explode and Donovan actually did, "You wench, how dare you try and degrade us in such a manner!" The once light atmosphere turned hard in moment as those words left the young noble's mouth.

Before anyone could stay anything Link stood, and though he was still weak strode purposely with a straight back; head held high towards Donovan Tierney. Standing directly in front of one of his former masters and tormentors staring him in the eye expression as stoic as ever Link swiftly pulled back punching the man squarely in the face and sending him into the wall. Lord Lorcán Tierney gave a cry at seeing his son downed then rushed at the boy. Link met his clumsy attack with a quick punch to the stomach before flipping him over his shoulder so he landed harshly on the stone floor knocking all the air and fight from him.

"I will not tolerate to hear you speak of the Princess, my friend, and future wife in such a vile disgusting manner. Should you ever do so again, I will ensure you never speak again. Now I would suggest you do as she ordered you to do and leave. For unlike you I do not believe in further degrading an already cursed man but if you insist on staying here I will not hold back."

Donovan turned to the boy talking thru a bloody nose and lip, "What do you mean cursed, you filth!" Link smiled an empty smile with no humor in his eyes, "The Princess and I were able to force Light back into you but it did not fully return your souls to you some darkness still clings to you. There is no magic that can ever remove the darkness or make your souls completely your own again; you made a deal with the darkness itself and it has forever tainted you. That is why you bear those marks and you always will as a sign of your foolishness. If Tatl and Tael were still around they could force you to do their bidding, as they own you still. It is only by a miracle of the Goddesses that they cannot comeback, but the magic that they used to bind you to them is an ancient one and from the moment you made that deal your lives were forever bound to be cursed. How that curse may choose to enact itself on your lives I do not know but it will forever haunt you and you shall never have all that you once did, that is certain."

Donovan having used the wall to stand again then lunged for Link again while screaming out, "Damnable Pig!" Again he was sent to the floor by Link this time with a swift kick, "Leave this land it does not need the likes of you who are forever cursed and driven solely by greed, power, and the need for revenge, even in its dungeons don't deserve the likes of you two." With that he turned to go sit back beside the Princess managing the entire time to not show the weakness he felt in his body.

"Guards," said the King, "like my wise daughter said make sure they are stripped of all that they have stolen then parade them through town making sure many see how far they have fallen due to their wickedness. Once out of town they are to directly leave the Kingdom but will be given just as much as they would give to others, which amounts to nothing." Looking directly at the two flabbergasted men still sitting upon the floor he spoke his next words with every ounce of menace he possessed, not a hint of his usual joviality was to be seen.

"I am taking the advice of my future son and banishing you for I agree our Kingdom does not need the likes of you infecting even its most deplorable of places. However, if I should ever hear of you two setting foot in my Kingdom again you will be imprisoned for the rest of your days within the dungeon and be forced to work in our prison labor groups. Also should either of you insult my family again while you are within my Kingdom, and I include my future son in this, I shall put you in the stockades in front of the town and let the people have at you." With those parting ominous words to them from the King they were dismissed; dragged from the room by several of the guards.

The weeks that followed this event were a flurry throughout Hyrule as it worked to recover. Luckily few had lost their lives in the dark plague and a memorial had been erected in their honor that also gave tribute to both Link and Zelda for their heroism and thanks to those who helped protect the ones who had been taken over by the darkness brought forth by the Shadow Twins. The Master Sword had been returned to its pedestal to await the next Hero and both Link and Zelda had found time to go and play with both Saria and Skull Kid several times.

Estelle had stepped down from her position since she could no longer do the job. She still lived in the castle but it was obvious to many she was depressed from not having things to do or people to care for, though she still doted on Link quite a bit ensuring he ate enough since his thinness never seemed to fully disappear.

Much of what Link had suggested be done to help the East side of the town had been put into effect with great response. Though it was still too soon to tell how it would play out, crime reports seemed to have dropped and the overall feeling of the area was hopeful. The blue and red potions were quite the success and after they had seen how quickly it had allowed both Link and Zelda to recover; the King and Queen had ordered to have a stock made up of the brews that would ensure enough to help heal any injured if there should be a skirmish. It was now also a requirement that any guard or Knight going into battle or traveling on duty should carry a red potion with them in case of emergencies.

The potion couple, as Link had said, was quite adept at making the brews and now found themselves no longer living in poverty. They did keep true to their word by providing help to the poorer families with minimal cost.

The Tierney's, despite their protests to the contrary had made it back to Ceylon but what awaited them there was not what they expected. Lady Voirrey had believed the two dead and as such took another husband who now managed the Tierney's estate. The woman had claimed that the she did not recognize either man when they showed up and both were promptly cast away. No more was heard of Lorcán Tierney though various rumors were bantered about that he had either become a beggar or had been captured as a slave. Donovan, in an attempt to regain his lost wealth and power, had turned to a life of crime. He proved inept at this and during a failed kidnapping of a nobleman's child had been imprisoned. None had been sorry to hear the news and in fact for once Impa did not mind the rumors that bandied about as the staff prepared for the Princess' and Link's Engagement Ball.

Link and Zelda were given little information for the plans of the Ball and in truth everyone who had information on it had been sworn to secrecy as the King and Queen had a surprise for the two. The day of the Ball found the two each sequestered into their rooms with one of the Stitches happily working away at them, Mr. Stitch was far happier working on Link than he had been with Donovan. The two were dressed in complimenting outfits and the Princess had managed to talk the cobbler into making a more decent and comfortable pair of dress shoes. Unbeknownst to the couple the King and Queen had forgone much of the usual decorum on the Ball and invited not only the Stitches and Mr. Lantos, along with his new apprentice Fado. But the entirety of the Lon Lon family as well as the Gorman Triplets were also invited. Malon had asked if they could bring dates and when she had been told yes she had promptly asked the blacksmith's apprentice Gabora. Groose had even managed to work up the courage and despite his bumbling mannerisms asked Ilia to the ball, to which she gave a prompt and firm answer of yes. Anjean as well as her students had also been asked to join the special night.

As both Link and Zelda looked out among the crowd gathered before them, they had just been announced into the ball room, they saw the many familiar faces nearby to their astonishment. "My dear friends," boomed out the King beaming at the gathering. "Several months ago many of us had gathered here in a celebration of the coming nuptials between my daughter and another man. Like many I was ill at ease about this for the reputation of the man and his family was not a good one. Luckily the Three Golden Goddesses have always favored our Kingdom and the very people who I believed would bring about an age of depression and misery for our beautiful land of Hyrule actually brought with them the means by which it was saved. They returned to us one of our own who had been lost to us for many of years. This young man quickly proved himself to be of an infallible character long before we realized just who he was. He has seen, done, and gone through much for someone who has not even reached his eighteenth year, but like a sword is heated and bent until it reaches perfection this young man too was tempered. All that he has been put through has had the end result of perfection in many ways. For despite all he developed a kind heart and immeasurable courage. It is due to this Courage of his, my daughter's Wisdom, and both of their selfless heroic acts that we are able to stand here in celebration this very night."

"Not long ago I stood here having to expand upon a happiness that I did not feel for the marriage of my only child to an unworthy man. During that time decorum demanded I praise that union with words that would have been better used on the young man here today. I will not insult him, however, by using these same words. However, this time I can truly say I am proud of the young man here and happy he will be the future monarch of this Kingdom for I know he and my daughter shall look after it well."

"Now as many of you know and as I have touched upon already our Kingdom was recently saved by both my daughter the Princess Zelda Sophia Nayru Nohansen and her fiancé Link Celadon Esquire. I have thought of many ways to honor them for their deeds and in truth nothing that is in my power to give is equal to that of what they have accomplished. I decided the best way I could give my thanks was to make sure that no matter where they should go their titles would tell all of their valiant deeds. Thus I would like you both to take a knee if you would."

Though, shocked both complied with the request, albeit Link was quicker on the uptake than Zelda. Taking out the ceremonial sword he had at his hip the King performed the Knighting Ceremony to each in turn giving them their respective titles as he did so. "You shall be known from this day forth as Lady Zelda Sophia Nayru Nohansen Bearer of the Light of Wisdom and you shall hence forth be known as Sir Link Celadon Bearer of the Light of Courage together you shall both be known and as the Eternal Lights of our Kingdom, now rise." The young couple did to a tumultuous applause which the King let go on for several long moments before it simmered down.

"Now I know many of you are tired of hearing this ole fuddy-duddy speak but you must bear with me a little while longer yet for I have one more presentation to make. You see our young Sir Link here was a hero to our Kingdom many months before he was known and The Hero, for he had saved my daughter's life. At that point La vie de mon Artérielle came into effect, at the time I postponed my decision for eleven months from that date so I would have time to contemplate the appropriate reward. I no longer believe it is necessary after having observed and heard from Sir Link for some time now. I now have full confidence in the gift I shall bestow upon him. Sir Link if you would again please take a knee?"

Link obeyed and though he was surprised managed to conceal it. "Sir Link Celadon Bearer of the Light of Courage to the Kingdom of Hyrule several months ago you saved my only daughter, my blood, from the most terrible of men. As such I am bound to give you something that would be of great value to you. I postponed my decision so I might award to you something you would hold dear. During the months I have come to know you I have discovered you are a man who seeks only to help others and there would be no gift of monetary value that I could give that you would find worth with. As such I have decided to return your family's estate and land to you bearing the cost of rebuilding. However, I also know you have no need of the land or house as you will be living here at the castle with my family. Therefore I have deemed that the estate and land shall be made into a safe haven for former and runaway slaves so that they may learn to reenter normal society and find peace and care with no worry of being forced back into a life of cruelty and servitude. It will also be a place where those who have never had the fortune of learning a trade can go to find either work or people who will teach them. It will work with all of the towns and villages within Hyrule to find those who seek help there, places to live and flourish. The Estate shall forever bear your name and your Family's Coat of Arms. This is my gift to you a way to forever be of service and help those who cannot help themselves. You may rise."

Link did so but at the slowest pace he had ever obeyed a command he was far too stunned to react any quicker. After a moment he gained enough of his bearings to realize everyone was waiting on him to say something. Though still not comfortable speaking in front of many people, he knew he must. "Your Majesty, I am deeply humbled and grateful for your insightful gift. Words cannot adequately express my gratitude in knowing that others will be able to find solace, it is truly the best gift I could have ever received and I thank you. If I may make one request though," asked Link. The King nodded for Link to continue. "A place such as that will surely need someone of a motherly nature to look after the people there and show them kindness and love. Many people helped me to get to where I am now, but I can only think of one who would do well there and be able to help those that come to the home for aid. She would also be able to teach others how to aid the needy that come to the home. I would request that when it is ready you make Estelle the overseer and caretaker of the house and its inhabitants. As well as perhaps let Shyla and Justine go to work there if they wish as they too would be of great help."

The King pondered Link's words before breaking into a smile and nodding happily. "Yes if they agree to it then I believe you are right they would be ideal for the task." The King's enthusiasm seemed to break the solemn reverie of the guests and an even louder applause was heard throughout great room. After the din died down the King smirked; looking coyly at the young couple, before finishing up his rather long drawn out speech. "Now such an auspicious evening deserves to be started off with something rare and beautiful thus I have decided that both my daughter and her fiancé shall start off this evening with a duet."

Clapping while turning to the two he urged them to the stage to perform for their guests. Both Link and Zelda called forth their instruments while looking at the other. They had only ever played warp songs together and those were not exactly appropriate for the evening. Link knew none of the traditional songs and Zelda had never learned to play by ear. However, as they looked at each other a silent understanding passed between them. They may not know how they would accomplish this or any future endeavors but one thing was for certain. Come what may they would continue to face things with the other by their side.

A/N: Well folks that was the final chapter of this story. I hope you liked it and were satisfied with the ending. Since the story is over I won't be able to reply or thank you in the notes any longer so I'll do what I can now. Thank you to all who have read this story, reviewed, and put it on their watch list. It truly means the world to me that anyone would even like my stories let alone set it up to watch for them to be updated.

winterrose782000 thank you for your review on yesterday's update and I hope you had fun while traveling.

I also need to apologize for some of my notes yesterday. I was in a rather foul mood from three days of nonstop issues at work and I brought those frustrations home with me thus they came out in my writing. This is the reason why I should only update on weekends or non-work days. So to put it bluntly I'm sorry, you're here to read a story not to hear me gripe.

Now as some of you may know I won't post a story until I have it completely written out which means you likely won't be hearing from me for a while until I get the next one done. I don't know which of the three I am working on will be done first, though I have a slight inkling at the moment. I am hoping in at least a month to have one done but I'm not going to hold my breath on it either. I have two new games and about a dozen books I got recently that I have been itching to play and read. Regardless of how long it takes me though I hope some of you may join me for that story. I will tell you now though that no matter which of the three gets done it will be very different from this one. In fact the only commonalities of my stories are that they are Legend of Zelda based and I tend to give Link a very rough time of it.

If anyone has any questions on this story feel free to PM me and I'll answer as soon as I can. Again thank you so much for reading this story and if you get a chance, go check out the song fic on my page as well. Don't let the fact it's based off a country song scare you. That is a really good song and while I may not have done it justice you should try and listen to it via your preferred method.

Until next time, Later