Hello, all! Welcome to my newest story! This story will be in first-person, split between Zelda and Link. I will make a note in bold text when the point of view changes. Enjoy!

Disclaimer: I do not own the Legend of Zelda series, in whole or in part.

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Zelda's POV

Dear Princess Zelda,

Today was quite uneventful. A few individuals were still in their drunken stupor, but we made good time to Mido. We will stay here for the night, and set sail at dawn tomorrow to Eastern Hyrule. As they say, "Red skies at night, sailors' delight; red skies in the morning, sailors take warning." Thus far the sunset has brought on various shades of red, so we hope for the best.

Please pass on word to King Harkinian that all is well so far. It is evident that Ganon's forces have yet to cross the sea, as they surely would invade Mido first. Although word is that at least some of them have sequestered themselves in the Island Palace to the Southeast. If necessary, I will sojourn there to check things out.

Until we meet again, your ever-faithful warrior and protector,

Link

I held the letter to my heart as fresh tears fell from my eyes and rolled down my cheeks. My best friend, my protector, and the young man that saved my life from Ganon had been called to war. Ganon had somehow called up forces from beyond the grave. Apparently turning a sorcerer into a pile of smoldering ashes with an arrow and a magical sword isn't as permanent a solution as it used to be.

I wiped my tears away and folded up the letter, placing it in the envelope so that I might bring it down to my father, king of all Hyrule. You see, I am Princess Zelda, daughter of King Harkinian. My mother died during childbirth, and as my father serves his royal duties, my nursemaid and dear friend since my birth, Impa, cares for me. Although now that I'm nearing sixteen years of age, looking out for me and acting as my confidant more accurately describes her duties.

Going to the vanity, I set the letter down and sat in the chair. I picked up a brush and began to run it down the length of my brunette hair. Once I finished, I lightly dabbed my aquamarine eyes, slightly swollen from the crying, temporary as it was. I adjusted my dress before at last making my way down to my father's quarters. Pausing outside the double doors, I knocked softly.

"Enter!"

"Father, Link's first letter has arrived," I explained, curtsying to my father before hugging him and handing him the letter. He put on his reading glasses, then removed it from the envelope and read it several times over.

"Well, I'm glad that the dear boy sends a good word," he said at last. "Although I don't quite understand why he did not address the letter directly to me."

"Perhaps he feels it improper," I suggested. "I mean, he's lived here for sometime, but he is still a bit awkward around you."

"True enough," he nodded in agreement. "Just make sure his correspondence doesn't turn into love letters," he smiled teasingly.

"Oh, Father!" I sighed.

"Dearest, I know you may not be interested in marrying right now. But you will soon be sixteen. It is time to choose someone. Normally members of the royal family are discouraged, nay, forbidden from marrying someone... not of noble birth, but I am willing to make an exception, provided you find someone that makes you happy and is of strong character. If it happens to be Link, so be it."

I had to grin. "Father, he is a protector and a friend. Why are you so sure I wish to marry him?"

"Fathers know these things," he insisted. "Just because I am King of Hyrule and absorb much of my time in political matters, does not mean I lack knowledge in matters of the heart. I, too, fell in love once, with your dear mother, rest her soul. I have never stopped loving her."

"Well, we have more important things to worry about right now. Like Ganon's forces," I reminded him, smiling ruefully.

"Well, like I said, Link sent good word. The party leaves tomorrow at dawn for their date with destiny. Once they arrive on the other side, we shall see what fate awaits us. Even in preparing for the worst, let us still hope for the best. Now, now, run along, Zelda. You have studying to do, do you not?"

"Yes, Father," I said obediently, curtsying and bidding him farewell.

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Link's POV

Exhausted, I clambered up to my room, as the knights and my fellow soldiers continued their merriment in the tavern, chanting drinking songs and passing time with the coquettish bar wenches. I shut and locked the door and flopped onto the bed, kicking off my boots and rubbing my sore feet. I don't think I'll ever understand the allure of alcohol. Having just turned sixteen a mere two weeks ago, I could have alcohol if I wished, but seeing how others act is enough of a deterrent for me.

Besides, what if we were to be surprised? At least half of my traveling companions would be unable to stand up on their own without swooning at this point, much less be able to draw a sword and attack Ganon's forces. But none of that seems to matter to them.

I went to the window and looked outside. I could see Lake Hylia sparkling; we'd managed to find an inn near the shore. If King Harkinian had had it his way, we would be sequestered in a private inn, but Princess Zelda and I had convinced him that it was best if the soldiers stayed amongst the public inns, to blend in better. It's bad enough that the uniforms we have to wear stand out like moving targets.

I sighed as I watched the lake water glitter under the pale moonlight. In the daytime, the lake is a bright blue, like Zelda's beautiful eyes. Gosh, how I long for her. But she is the heiress to the Hylian throne, and I could never have her. I only left two days ago, and she probably has plenty of young noblemen pursuing her already.

I pulled off my tunic and cast it into the corner. I'll go down to the lake later to bathe and wash my clothes. I know I'll be pretty much wearing the same outfit daily, but that doesn't mean I won't wash it at every opportunity.

I sat at the small table in the room in my undershirt and leggings, and penned another letter to Zelda. Hopefully one that will be for her eyes only.

Dearest Princess,

I am sitting here in my room at the inn in Mido, looking out at the lake, and it reminds me of you. In the daytime, its blue waters sparkle and shine like your eyes, and it reminds me that you await us back at the castle with your father. I hope the violence ends soon, so that I can go back to protecting you at the castle, instead of from afar. Absence does indeed make the heart grow fonder.

Before I signed the letter, I stopped to read it once-over, and immediately crumpled it up and threw it into the corner. This will never do! Here I acknowledged just moments ago that I can never have the Princess, yet I sit here pining for her, ready to pour my heart out to her through a letter.

I took out another piece of parchment and started again.

Dearest Princess,

Even in the midst of danger, Lake Hylia has never looked so beautiful. I guess it is a sort of dangerous beauty, like the sirens that lured unwary sailors all those centuries ago, only to curse them. Its beauty only serves to make our party long for those left behind as we strike out into the unknown.

I write this to you unaware of what awaits us tomorrow. Should this be my last correspondence with you, let it be known that it was an honor for me to be your protector. Nothing I've done can ever compare to this position, and I forever promise to do all I can to see to it that your safety is never compromised, even if it means my death, or worse. I took the vow to protect you with complete honesty.

Let it also be known that I have come to recognize you as much more than someone to protect. I trust you implicitly, as you have never given me reason to doubt you. Should I make it through this terrible time, I look forward to the dear friend that awaits me back at the castle.

Your ever-faithful protector and friend,

Link

Much better.

After proof-reading the letter, I sealed it in an envelope, addressed and stamped it, and put my tunic back on. Gathering some toiletries, I stopped first at the post office to drop off the letter and purchase some more parchment and envelopes. As I browsed the products, I noticed a logbook, much like the one the commanders were instructed to keep throughout the journey.

I checked my rupee bag and noticed that I had enough money, since I hadn't squandered it on gluttony and sins of the flesh. I purchased the book, deciding to use it as a diary. That way, if and when I returned to North Castle, I could show the princess the details of the journey. For she is very curious, and fortunately not faint-of-heart, so I fear not to show her the details, no matter how gruesome. Provided her father never finds out, for he thinks her more refined than she is, and would surely object.

After paying for my purchases, I thanked the postmaster and secured the items in my sack, then made my way down to the shore. I walked along until I was a fair distance from the town, in hopes of not being caught. This is one time I do not mind being alone in the dark.

I dropped my stuff near a tree, but brought my sword just to the line of the tide, should something happen. I disrobed and easily dove into the deep water, for the shore drops off quickly. The water was cold, but quite refreshing.

As I swam about for a few minutes, I could feel my muscles relaxing. I thought of the princess, wondering what it would be like if she were here in Mido with me. Of course I wouldn't be bathing in front of her, but I wonder if she's ever come here for a vacation. I know she's been here countless times, but as far as I know, they've all been diplomatic trips, whether she actually comes with the king, or simply on his behalf.

One of these days, I'll have to take her down here for a swim.

I hurried up to the shore and unpacked my toiletries, making quick work of my bath. Once I was done, I toweled off and began to wash my clothes. It was quite a warm evening, so I hung them from a branch for a few minutes to start drying. Although it didn't bother me to walk back to the inn in wet clothes-it wouldn't be the first time-I wanted to write in my diary.

Dear Diary,

Today is the first day of Summer. The Sun beat down on us all day. I long for the refreshing waters surrounding North Castle; I guess Lake Hylia will have to do for now. This is probably as peaceful as the lake will be over the next week or so, as we cross it.

I sat there for a few minutes trying to think of what to write next. Wow. This is harder than I thought!

I decided to return to my room and finish my entry before my roommate, Cort, comes up to disrupt me. I put on my clothes, picked up my things, and made my way back, oddly relieved to see that Cort was still too preoccupied to come upstairs. I figured I would have a good hour to myself before he would be up, pestering me. Nice as he was, he was not enjoyable to be around after indulging himself for an evening. At least with my being there already, he could not bring in a maiden.

I walked up to my room and opened the window, undressing and hanging my clothes near it to allow the breeze to finish drying them. Crawling into the bed, I turned up the lantern and opened up the logbook, then began writing where I'd left off.

I dread the rest of the journey, particularly being on the sea. Hopefully the wind will remain with us.

I am also quite unnerved at what awaits us on the other side. Some of the merchant ships that have come in since our arrival have brought stowaways, who say that one of the towns was so devastated that the residents fled to a secret hiding place to rebuild. I fear that that is only the beginning...

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