The Lucid Stranger

The young Princess Zelda stared pensively at the balcony in the castle courtyard where she met Link a few months earlier. It never ceased to amaze Zelda that Hyrule lay in ruins and the Triforce rested in the hands of Ganondorf those few months. Link, who believed Zelda when even her own father doubted her, valiantly defeated Ganondorf, which allowed Zelda to restore Hyrule to its former state. However, such a restoration completely erased the memory of the Hylians so that only Link, Zelda and the six sages recalled Ganondorf and the terrible acts he committed against Hyrule. Again, Zelda found herself in a similar predicament as before- her father would not believe her and would probably question her sanity if she relayed the events of the previous months to him. But how could Zelda model the Hylians and go about her daily life as if nothing had happened?

Zelda frowned and pondered her reflection in the pond that encircled the courtyard. An adolescent stared back at her with a fair complexion symbolizing her high class and golden locks bound in a headdress that she would remove when she came of age. Hylians often complimented her cerulean eyes, and if they were important enough to meet her gaze, they might also comment on the wisdom and sincerity her eyes held. A wisdom that had seen more than the average Hylian could expect to see in a lifetime. A sincerity which she bestowed on all who came into contact with her. Both she shared with a friend she was not certain she would ever see again.

Zelda's mind replayed the day he left: The two embraced as Zelda silently shed tears that dried on Link's emerald tunic. He said nothing for many minutes, seeming merely content to softly stroke her back while Zelda reflected on all they had overcome and Link thought of his desire to locate Navi. Finally, after what seemed like seconds to Zelda, he held her at arm's length and whispered, "Wait for me, I will return to you." Zelda nodded and watched his figure even after she could no longer distinguish him from the plains of Hyrule Field.

Everyday since then she found herself sauntering through the courtyards as she eagerly awaited his return. Only as the days and months blended together, she felt time standing still rather than healing. Everyday she would hear his voice or see his smile. Everyday there was something that reminded her of him. To Zelda, the struggle with Ganondorf and Link's heroics seemed like an illusion just like his leaving was. Everyday she struggled to avoid falling back into old routines for she feared if she did, then she would truly be no better from having had such a monumental experience. Everyday she held onto the hope that Link would return and restore order to her confused world. Everyday she was disappointed.

But something is different about today, Zelda thought. I know he is coming back today, she told herself.

She thought that maybe if she believed it enough, she could convince herself that he was really coming back. And about an hour later, Zelda had to convince herself no longer.

Link quickened his pace as Hyrule Castle loomed into view. His body protested with several aches and pains, but Link ignored them knowing there would be time for rest later. He must see Zelda! These past few months impressed upon Link how important Zelda really was to him. His desire to see her again enabled him to overcome every obstacle in his path until he salvaged Clock Town and was again free to roam Hyrule. It was then he could think of nothing else but returning to the one person who understood the significance of being the Hero of Time; of sacrificing his childhood so that others could enjoy their life unabridged.

At Link's grueling pace, Hyrule Castle was before him in a matter of minutes, and he maneuvered in such a way to avoid the familiar routes of the Hylian guards. Having had many occasions to develop stealth, the guards took no notice of him, and his spirits soared at the sight of Zelda in the courtyards. She strolled around the flowerbeds of daisies and roses almost completely disenchanted, but with a slight hope contained in a few of her steps. That slight hope magnified as soon as she noticed him. Her face illuminated with a smile, and the two were embracing in a matter of seconds. Zelda giggled joyfully as Link twirled her around. The two of them eventually fell to the grassy bed beneath them, completely dizzy, but their eyes dancing with laughter. It was Zelda who finally spoke.

"Y-you're back," Zelda huffed, still catching her breath. "You're really back!"

Link smiled and nodded, unable to find the appropriate words to convey his excitement. Zelda took it upon herself to speak for him.

"I cannot wait for you to tell me of your travels! We have so much to talk about and now that you're back you'll be staying for awhile, right?"

Finally finding his voice, Link evaded Zelda's question and relayed his adventures in Clock Town. Zelda listened intently, and it was not long before Zelda realized that Link, too, had been lonely. In all of his travels he could not form a connection with anyone that related with him the way Zelda did. Though neither realized it at the time, the connection was based on more than a close friendship. There was a blossoming attraction between the two of them that the mind of children could not understand.

Three years passed and Link and Zelda spent several afternoons sauntering through the castle courtyard or simply sharing ambitions that had not yet been corrupted by the cynicism of adulthood. To Zelda, it felt like time started moving again. To Link, it felt like he was regaining some of his lost childhood. During one particularly deep conversation as they lay sprawled on the courtyard grass, Zelda finally voiced a thought that had been bothering her ever since Link's return.

"Link..." she paused until her turned to look at her. "Don't ever leave me again."

Link directed his gaze back skyward and stared at the cumulus clouds, trying to designate different shapes and objects to the otherwise unremarkable clouds. Every so often he felt he would identify one, but it was not long before the clouds would shift and form a new shape.

"Zelda, I can't see into the future..." he finally spoke.

Zelda, who had been gazing at Link the entire time, finally turned so she was also facing the sky. She pointed her finger at a cloud.

"Link, what do you think that one is?"

Link followed her finger to a rabbit-shaped cloud. He identified it and she pointed to another. This continued for many moments before Zelda turned back to him.

"Link, I know we cannot see into the future, but right now I want to believe that this moment will last forever. Will you still promise me even though things might one day change?"

Link turned so he could meet her gaze.

"I promise."

Both held each other's gaze for several minutes, almost daring the other to turn away; to break the promise. Then, as if drawn by a magnetic force, the distance closed between them until their lips met in a short, uncertain peck, which then progressed to a passionate renewal of their promise. Lost in the wonder of their first kiss, neither Link or Zelda sensed they were being watched by a cloaked figure who was plotting their demise.

News of the blossoming romance of Link and Zelda spread like wildfire throughout the castle. Link, having no desire for the public eye, voiced his concerns to Zelda. She reassured him that the castle staff would lose interest after a month, only, three years later, the gossip was as potent as ever. Link couldn't even walk through a corridor without overhearing the hushed whispers of nearby handmaidens or receiving a covetous gaze from a castle guards. Although he pretended not to notice such blatant attempts at secrecy, his face still flushed from every whisper and he bore every stare branded upon his back. Most of the maidens resigned any attraction to Link to curiosity, with the exception of Melodia who didn't feel the slightest reservation in her attempt to win the princess' love over. Link always managed to politely decline her advances, however, lately she had become much more aggressive. Link inwardly groaned as he noticed her gazing upon him with a controlled smirk. Her brunette tresses were bound back in a loose ponytail, and she wore a shapeless navy dress, the traditional attire of Hylian maids. Her overall apparel, though unflattering, was topped by an apron which she tied so tight that it accentuated her curves and compressed her cleavage so that they rose and fell with every breath she took. Link did his best to avert his gaze, but Melodia never hesitated to bend or walk so that more of her flesh was exposed. She carried a tray of dirty dishes which she quickly rested on a conveniently placed cabinet.

"Good morning, my lord! What time are you meeting me for the ball?" She asked, casually placing a hand on his forearm. Link stared at her hand a moment before smoothly recoiling his arm. Melodia, however, did not seem the least bit disenchanted, and continued to gaze upon him with a knowing gleam in her eye. The kind that always left Link feeling guilty.

"You are wasting your time, Melodia," Link repeated a well rehearsed line.

Melodia pursed her lips, and though Link hated to admit it, she was pretty even when she was upset.

"You always say that, but I think it is you who are wasting your time. Do you really think the princess will have time to spend with you at her coming of age ball? She will be too busy greeting guests and fulfilling her royal duties. Surely she'd feel burdened having to entertain you as well," Melodia replied, with a slight teasing edge.

Link paused as he hadn't taken the time to consider this. He knew Zelda expected him to escort her, but maybe it would be best if he were out of the way. At least enough so she wouldn't have to worry about his well-being. Melodia actually had a good point...She seemed to sense this, for she smiled with condescending satisfaction.

"You would do well to find another escort. Maybe if I-" but Link hesitated for he didn't want to give her a false hope, "never mind. Find another escort."

Link was rescued by a servant who requested Melodia's help in mopping a spill. Link seized on her distraction and hurried away before she had time to respond.

Melodia had been right. Zelda's royal duties kept her confined to her throne so that he had only seen her briefly as he escorted her inside the ball room. He said little as they approached her throne, noticing that nearly every man stood transfixed by Zelda's beauty for none had seen her garbed in anything other than her royal robes. Her dress, an off-shoulder that lightly clung to her arms and waist, accentuated curves and bosom that her royal robes concealed. Her waist-length tresses shone a gold of such rich luster that seemed to be further telling of her genuine and kind nature. Once she stood before her throne, she released his arm and favored him with a loving, radiant look.

"Wait for me, I will return to you."

Link could not resist smiling at the familiar line. He made his way to a corner of the ball room, hoping to avoid the attention of Melodia. A welcoming speech was made by the king before the string instrumental commenced. The musicians performed several waltzes with a proficiency the Hylians had never before witnessed. Hundreds of guests gathered to dance, and though a few maidens approached him, Link politely declined. He was content to merely admire the dancers as they executed several complicated spins and maneuvers that Link was sure would have him on the floor in folly. Occasionally he glanced at Zelda, who by this point, had already greeted well into the triple digits. Hundreds more remained to be greeted, but Zelda welcomed each guest with a dazzling smile that conveyed sincerity and delight. She never balked and always politely blushed at the unoriginal compliments the eligible bachelors bestowed upon her. Link overheard several guests discussing her beauty and even one contemplating proposing marriage to Zelda, all of which caused Link to swell with pride that Zelda loved him.

After several hours passed, Link grew tired of evading Melodia's vision and made his way to the courtyards. The chirping of the nocturnal critters and the bristle of the breeze was just the break he had in mind. He approached the fountain and suddenly paused for he realized he was not alone. A person was stooped on the opposite side of the fountain, the shadow of a nearby oak disguising the facial features. The stranger stood upon noticing Link. Link stepped closer and took notice of the stranger's masculine height and stature. The stranger remained in the shadow, keeping his facial features a mystery Link.

"You do not fit in," the stranger's husky voice spoke, startling Link.

"What did you say?" Link asked, believing he misunderstood the stranger.

"You do not fit in," the stranger repeated.

Link paused for many moments, expecting the stranger to explain his peculiar comment. The ensuing silence continued, and Link replied when he was sure the stranger had nothing more to offer. "What do you mean?"

"Only those who do not fit in prefer the courtyards to the royal ball or the company of a maiden," the stranger replied, matter of factly.

"Then that means that you don't fit in," Link retorted.

"How right you are," the stranger replied in a way that made Link feel foolish for stating the obvious. "But you can learn to fit in."

"What do you mean?" Link asked, cursing himself playing right into the stranger's hands. The stranger, however, did not change his tone or make any mention of his satisfaction at winning Link's curiosity.

"Most give up their childhood dreams and allow maturity to take its course. They resign to monotonous roles in their youth, in which they will remain until their dying day. You have dreams of adventure that have been blinded by your love. Your love is now a higher priority than your dream, but I can help you achieve both love and adventure," the stranger replied solemnly.

"How?" Link asked, surprised at how quickly he was taken by this stranger's offer. No, I'm just humoring him, Link justified to himself, but was still not convinced. How did this stranger know that which Link denied to himself?

"Read this book," the stranger simply said, reaching into his bag and extending a worn, leather-bound book to Link.

Link, somewhat delayed by the stranger's simplicity, finally accepted the book he proffered. It was entitled Mastering Lucid Dreams. The word "lucid" stirred a sense of familiarity, and it did not take long for Link to recall that a lucid dream was a dream in which the dreamer was fully aware he was dreaming. He could often exert control over the scenery and could accomplish impossible tasks such as flying or traveling at great speeds. Still, Link failed to see the benefit. A dream was a dream, right?

"Why should I care about what will merely cease to exist when I awake?" Link challenged.

The stranger was unperturbed by the challenge and wasted no time replying.

"In life you are limited by your physical capabilities as well as your expected roles. For instance, was there ever a villain you would have defeated more efficiently if you were stronger? Was there ever a moment when you desired to display affection to your love but were prevented by societal expectations? In dreams you are not bound by such petty things as properness. You can behave exactly as you will or become stronger than your potential. You may wake, but the memory will remain. You can have as many adventures as you desire and never once leave your loved one behind. You can behave as you desire and not suffer damage to your reputation. Isn't that worth something?" the stranger asked more rhetorically than to Link.

Link started to reply, but stopped at the sound of approaching footsteps. He set the book down and turned his back on the stranger. Link heard Zelda before he saw her.

"There you are...I have been looking all over for you! They are about to start the last dance!" she spoke with a sense of urgency.

His spirits began to soar, but were grounded when he remembered the stranger. But when he turned to search for him he found the stranger had vanished! He felt Zelda's hand suddenly clasp his arm.

"Let's go before the song ends!"

Link blinked and broke out of his reverie. "You know I don't dance."

"And you know I don't care. Now come on!" She tugged on his arm with surprising strength. Link stumbled after her as she led him to the center of the ball room. Dancing couples gave way expectantly so that Zelda didn't once have to slow her pace. Suddenly she stopped and flung her arms around arm.

"But people are watching!" Link protested, glancing around nervously. It seemed the stranger had Link's proper nature pegged.

Zelda pulled him close, pressing her cheek to his, and whispered in his ear, "I'll make you forget they are here."

Link was first aware of his racing heart, then of Zelda's arms tenderly encircling his neck and finally of Zelda's hips as she enticed him to sway along to the music. He realized his own arms were awkwardly at his side and he quickly moved them to embrace her waist. She responded to his relaxed posture by gently resting her head against his soft emerald tunic. With the exception of their first kiss, the two lovers kept their affections private, and for the first time during his romance with Zelda Link felt an oblivion to the public eye. Had he experienced his usual self-consciousness he might have remembered that he left the book in the courtyard. He might have also noticed the mysteriously cloaked stranger approach a maiden and lead her away. Instead a gaze was shared between Link and Zelda, a gaze that reflected a mutual harmony and bond signifying their love which had withstood the trial of three years. Their lips met in an electrifying renewal of the promise they made only a short time ago, and continued seconds after the music stopped playing. The only thing that outlasted the kiss was the ire in Melodia's eyes.