CHAPTER 5: THE BEGINNING OF FALLING IN LOVE?
Serenity hardly slept a wink that night. She had been thinking of what the goddess had told her. Before she knew it, it was daylight, and there was a knock at the door. “Who is it?” she called, and that silvery voice answered, “It’s Zelda, may I come in?”
“Of course!” Serenity stood up and bowed as Zelda walked in, laughing, “Oh please Serenity, you don’t have to be so formal around me.” Serenity blushed, “I’m sorry your ma… I mean Zelda, but I’ve never been in the presence of royalty before.” Zelda took her hand and led her out of the room, “I will show you where the bath is, and then we shall meet in the courtyard to discuss about where it is you come from.” Serenity nodded; a bath was just what she needed.
After she had bathed and changed into some other clothes, she was led by a guard into the courtyard, where Zelda was waiting. The courtyard was beautiful: there were small flower gardens everywhere, which held beautiful blooms of almost every color imaginable. There was also a few small fountains, and a small brook surrounding the area. A few shade trees were present, with benches under them. There was also a set of stairs that led to a window that looked into the throne room in the castle. Serenity sat down next to Zelda, who turned and said, “I met with Impa last night, she is also my attendant. She informed me of the reasoning for your journey here.” Serenity nodded and showed Zelda the same mark on her leg that she showed Impa. Zelda smiled and nodded, “so it is true then. You are truly the last of the Faierikins, aren’t you?”
“Yes, I guess I am. I would have mentioned it sooner, but I really am still finding out the pieces of my past and of my destiny.” Zelda shook her head, “Don’t be sorry, Serenity, I understand completely. I can tell that you do not pose a threat to us,” she leaned back and looked at the blue sky, “so tell me about your world, please?” Serenity sighed and thought to herself, "how am I ever going to explain all of the differences between our two worlds, I mean, my former world, or… wow, even I’m getting confused." She looked at Zelda and began trying to explain the amazing feats of the human world.
Two hours had passed, and Serenity had done better than she thought she had. Zelda was very intelligent, and understood most of what Serenity had told her.
“Such amazing things your world holds,” Zelda stated in awe, “I am amazed that even YOU understand it, and you lived there your whole life!” Serenity giggled, “Yes, that is true; however I hope to never see it again. My soul tells me that this is where I belong.” Zelda nodded, “yes, I agree. You are a Faierikin, and you are a part of Hyrule’s destiny, and that alone says that you shall stay.” She then turned to her side and picked up a well worn dusty book, “I found this last night, it should help you understand your powers and how to use them.” Serenity smiled and started flipping through the dog-eared pages. Just then, Link entered the courtyard, “Good morning ladies,” as he bowed to what seemed like both of them. The two giggled and Zelda asked, “where have you been this morning, hero?”
“I was loading supplies that we will need on our journey. You know, some bombs, arrows, my hookshot, lots of stuff.” Serenity nodded, “yeah, I’m sure Epona’s got a lot of room on her, but what am I supposed to do about supplies, and for that matter, a horse?” Link smiled, “don’t worry Serenity; I have already thought this through. I have it all figured out.” Zelda stood up and faced Serenity, “may the goddesses protect the both of you through your journey. Good luck.” She bent over and kissed Serenity’s forehead lightly; a symbol of great respect. For being a girl, Zelda was still a good three or four inches taller than Serenity. Link cleared his throat, “Zelda, I know you don’t want to hear this, but Impa and I were discussing earlier that, well, maybe it would be safest if you went into hiding.” Zelda looked concerned, “do you really think that is necessary? Is Ganondorf really going to escape?” Serenity spoke up, “begging your pardon Zelda, but I don’t think I would be here if he wasn’t.” Zelda nodded, “I guess you’re right. I will leave for one of the neighboring countries. I have friends there who will gladly help me. Send word for me at once when the Evil One is defeated.” The two chosen ones nodded, said good-bye, and headed to Hyrule Castle Town.
After walking toward the town for some time, Serenity looked at Link, “do you really think he’ll go after Zelda again?” Link sighed, “I wish I knew for sure. All I know is that he wanted her power last time, and she banished him to the Golden Land. If and when he gets out, he’s going to want revenge, and I don’t think he’ll stop with gaining the Triforce of Wisdom, or the Triforce of Courage.” Serenity nodded, knowing full well that both Link and Zelda possessed pieces of the Triforce, since Zelda explained it to her. A few more minutes of silence and Serenity asked curiously, “Were… you and Zelda… you know… ever…” Link looked over at her, “Hu? Oh…” he blushed and looked ahead, “no not really, we became good friends because of what happed all that time ago, but other than that, no.” He gave a small glace at Serenity, and blushed even more, “why?”
“I don’t know,” she shrugged, “it’s just that where I come from, stories of the Hero and the Princess always ended with them falling in love and living happily ever after.” Link gave a small chuckle, “wow, happily ever after, hu? I wish that were the case, then Ganondorf wouldn’t be coming back,” he stopped suddenly, startling Serenity.
“To tell you the truth, you were the first girl I ever…” he was really blushing now, “that I ever… well, kissed.” He turned away quickly, but Serenity gently grabbed his arm and turned him around. His eyes were so blue, and she could tell the innocence in them, “You were the first for me, too.” They stood there for a few minutes, lost in each other’s eyes. "Is this what they mean by starting to fall in love…?" Link thought, then quickly dismissed it, "no, it can’t be. She’s too perfect for someone like me. But I can’t help but think as I look in her eyes, maybe…" He didn’t have time to finish his thought, because their lips had met and were locked in a kiss. This one was more meaningful than the others, for it was followed by Link gently, and cautiously, putting his arms around Serenity, pulling her just slightly closer. When they broke, they stared into each other’s eyes for what felt like forever. Link was the first to move, “Uh, we should really get going, we’re losing time.” Serenity nodded, “yeah, you’re probably right. We need all the time we can get.” With that the two continued walking to the Market.