Affection in Hyrule

Gah!!! I gotta get active here!! Wait! I got a new fic to post!! ^^




Affection in Hyrule
By Mirren

Author’s Notes:
Hiya! Once again I’m writing another spectacular Zelda fic- but not what you’d normally get from me. This is not another epic *well actually it kinda is but...*, though instead more of a light-hearted tale in the life of Mirren, Link and Zelda. Actually this is somewhat more of a love story, but I’m really not to set on finding which genre this perfectly goes into. This story is basically the Valentine’s Day special of the Link’s Little Brother saga, dealing with the holiday in Hyrule equivalent to Valentine’s Day here on Earth. It takes place a little while after "My Heroes", so there’s no Taursus, Mardera or Nepsana, but we still we see the normal Zelda characters like Malon and such, and also Teerlis will appear in here, though it’s more of like a cameo appearance *Teerlis is Malon’s boyfriend who lives and works on the ranch for those of you who don’t know ^_~*. Well, finally before we can begin, I’d just like to dedicate this to some of the most special girls in my life, and on ZU. Three of my best friends Amanda, Pam, Nicole and especially Natalie, and then my greatest female friends on ZU- Lioness, Princess Zelda123, Ryoko, Zelda_Tetra, Andi, Nenue, Lady Zansatsu, and sadida. I love ya all…^_^




Chapter One- The Holiday of Love

The afternoon. The time of the day when the sun gleamed at its greatest and emitted the strongest rays of warmth in the day. Hyrule would now be gifted with great weather and air calm and fresh. Most people were awake now, and continued their days doing what was needed. Animals and beasts had awoken from their slumbers and now scurried and scrambled about the forest, fields, mountains and rivers as the day went on…

Too bad it was rather cold out and the sun barely glimmered upon the land. It was still technically winter, so the air was very cold. Every time you breathed you could see your breath like it was a spray of steam or mist. A little snow was still on the ground, about enough to make it up to your ankles. Its white color was a beautiful thing, shining at times with glossy flakes- though it was even more fun to play in.

Right now at Lon Lon Ranch Malon was out inside the horse track as she groomed a scenic sepia stallion and as three other horses bent over to eat a bucket of oats. It was cold out, but that didn’t bother the young ranch girl. She simply stood bundled up in winter clothing as she brushed away at the horse’s beautiful hair. But that was not her only company. Atop the fence a few meters away from her and the horse, sat Mirren. The two had met a while ago, Link introducing them both. Quickly they became good friends, and often Mirren would visit Lon Lon Ranch by himself to see her and the others. He had his redwood ocarina with the yellow bordering about the holes against his lips as he kept his eyes closed and played a wonderful tune into the winter air. Malon’s head slightly swayed both and forth to the melody, and hummed it as she smiled and continued brushing the horse. Mirren moved his fingers from hole to hole and continued uncovering and covering them up as he composed the soothing, soft song. Eventually he finished, and opened his eyes as he removed his lips from the musical instrument.
“Wow! That was a good one!” he exclaimed as his hazel eyes beamed.

“Indeed” Malon added, “you’re really gettin’ good with that ocarina” The child nodded.

“Yep, Link’s been teaching me a lot now, showing me different sounds and slowly teaching me new songs” Mirren replied, “also I managed to find a nice little book at the book shop in Kakarkio Village with more songs, the one I just played was actually one in there.” Malon only smiled as she finished up then brushing the horse.

“Well I’m done with this guy, I better put him back in the stable” she stated, and set the brush down on the snow as she began to walk off with the stallion. Mirren quickly then hopped off the fence, and managed to catch up to Malon as he began to walk with her then.

“Jeez it’s cold!” he muttered as they continued along. Malon smiled and looked down at him.

“It is isn’t it?” she asked, “yeah some days I’ve barely been able to do anything outside even if there isn’t a lot of snow. Man this time can really aggravate me. Thank God for Affection Day coming up or this whole part of winter would stink!” Mirren’s eyes slightly widened.

“Affection Day?” he inquired looking a bit shocked. Malon stopped walking, and looked a bit curious by the boy’s sudden odd attitude.

“Yeah, you know where you buy cards, flowers or candy for the one you love or are really close to?” she began, “it’s mainly for husbands and wives or boyfriends and girlfriends but you still can get it for just friends” Mirren shook his head and regained his composure.

“No I know what it is I just totally forgot about it!” he exclaimed. Just then a laugh could be heard in from of them, and out from the barn doorway came Teerlis chuckling.

“Man tell me about it Mirren. I used to forget a lot too when I was younger” he explained, “heck I even forgot this year. Malon reminded me then. Heh, I think she’s just reminding everyone so she gets some presents…” Malon’s eyes narrowed as her expression went to anger,

“You jerk! I’d never do anything of the sort!” she exclaimed. Teerlis then burst out in laughter, and after a few seconds Mirren joined in the guffaw. As they laughed and laughed, Malon could only smirk and roll her eyes.

“Heh, you know even while you’re all so weird, I still love ya…” Teerlis then stopped, and smiled as he put his arm about her shoulders.
“Aww I love ya too darling…” he said, and they both laughed. Mirren smiled.

“Well I’m sorry, but I better get going now. I think I’ll go back to the castle and get some money, then I’ll go get something for Zelda...so, later!” the boy said, and then took off out of the ranch waving to Malon and Teerlis.



Short but sweet! Hope you liked it! ^^

uhh...interesting...hope to see chapter two soon!

nice dedication - !

Nice, very well-written chapter.
'sall good XD

Very nice and well written story. Except I think you forgot a few camas here and there. ^_^

Thats a good story. That you wrote well. Waiting for chapter 2.

Great story. Whens chapter 2 coming out, I can't wait.

Oh my God, this thing got popular! Sweet!! Oh yes, I've added one more girl to the dedication list, and don't worry I think that's all ^_~






Chapter 2- Gifts for the loved

Mirren was running quickly down the path of the snowy, frozen Hyrule Field and straight ahead to the castle. It was still only afternoon, so the shops in Kakariko Village were far from closing. Right now it was that time of the day where the shopping was being done the most. Almost all the people were up, and ready to go out and live their day however they wanted to. Most of them went on their daily shopping sprees now, buying clothes, food, drink, crafts, or any other little gift for themselves to be happy.

At this time of the year now, there were three main shops that would be busy as heck and loaded with customers beyond all belief- the card shops, the flower shops and vendors, and the candy stores. These three special businesses were the only ones that sold the things that people always gave other on Affection Day. Flowers as a gift of beauty and the aroma of love, a card to express your fondness in pictures or text, and candy just as a little gift to show that love can be fun and so serious all the time.

Mirren quickly crossed the drawbridge, and then picking up speed made his way back to the castle.

* * * * *

Inside the great, scenic, impregnable citadel of stone, the Hero of Time was in his room. Right now he had thrown on fresh, clean clothes for him to wear through the rest of the day. Link had already eaten a big breakfast, made for him by none other than Zelda. The two were still in love, and were very close to each other. At this point, there were officially boyfriend and girlfriend, sharing kisses together often and going out together every so often to be with each other alone on a Hyrulian night. Truly the two were not just friends, they were lovers- though even more than that…

Link had now slipped his wallet inside once of his pockets, and with that went through his doorway and out of his room. The young man had a smile on his face as he strode down the hallways of Hyrule Castle, thinking of how he was about to leave for Kakariko Village to go buy his Affection Day gifts. He planned to get something for three people. Probably just a card or box of candy for Impa, some flowers or little animal statue for Malon, and then even more for Zelda.

As he walked, the one door opened up in front of him, and out walked Mirren, tying up his knapsack to his belt. Once he managed to get it tight enough, he looked up to see his perhaps his best friend and big brother-like idol standing before him.

“Hiya Link!” he greeted with a smile. The Hero of Time smiled down at his little friend and messed up his hair affectionately.

“Hey there lil guy, what’s goin’ on?” he asked.

“I was just at Lon Lon Ranch for a while, I came back to grab some money so I could get going to Kakariko Village” the boy answered. Link smirked.

“Let me guess, to get stuff for Affection Day?” he inquired again. Mirren now looked a bit confused and curious.

“Yeah…how did you know…?” he questioned back. The Hero of Time laughed.

“Because I gotta go do the same thing…” Link replied. Mirren smiled. “Let’s go together then, you goin’ to Kakariko Village?” The child nodded. “Heh, good me too…” Mirren smiled even more.

“Then let’s go!” Link laughed again, and began to walk away with the boy by his side.

* * * * *

It was a very calm day in Kakariko Village. Apparently the cold outside had kept most people at home on this day or inside their houses. Nevertheless, there were still quite a few people all about the settlement, chatting with others, purchasing items, and even the shop owners continually hawked about their wares as people passed by the vendors. Most of the snow on the ground was gone here, after the work-force had shoveled it away and from the unremitting walking over it, it bean to melt away or just diminish.

Right now Link was at a flower shop. Mirren was still at the candy shop looking for the right box to pick out fro Zelda and Malon. Link had managed to get those quickly, a large box of caramel and dark chocolate squares- though both costing a good fifteen rupees each. for both of them. But that was *nothing* compared to what he was purchasing now…

The Hero of Time stood in front of an open show case of small jars filled with fresh soil and burgeoning roses. There were an abundant amount of them, small flowers, some big. Some with many flowers, some with fewer. Some with numerous petals, some with a lesser amount. Either way, Link wanted to make sure he got the perfect one for Malon, and the one she’d be most pleased with. After a few more seconds of deciding, he clasped his hand around one with about six small roses blossoming, with petals an elegant cerise color.

Quickly he walked over to the counter, and placed the jar on the counter as he reached into his wallet for the correct amount of rupees.

“Will this be all?” the elderly shop keeper asked.

“No, can I get one of the jars with the white pansy’s growing in them too?” the young man asked politely. The woman smiled and nodded as she walked over to the glass cabinet behind her and opened the one door. Pulling out one jar of what Link requested, she walked back to the counter, and placed it down besides the other jar.

“That’ll be thirty rupees please” the woman stated. Link already had the money ready, and placed the two blue rupees and one red one within the shop owner’s hand. Once she put them away in a basket where she kept her earnings, she put both jars of flowers inside a nice strong bag and handed it to Link. “Have a good day…” Link took the bag and nodded with a smile.

“You too” he replied, and with that left the flower shop.

* * * * *

Mirren stood before a small shelf at the candy shop deciphering on what certain candies he should buy for Malon and Zelda. He had now been in there for a good fifteen minutes, thinking carefully on what to get and checking out all the boxes. He didn’t feel like getting them some small box or chocolate lolly pops, but something prove he truly liked them both as great friends and that he did in fact had great affection for them. Already he had seen boxes of chocolate-covered strawberries, chocolate covered raisins, chocolate chunks with peanut butter inside, a vast amount of dark chocolates, white chocolate squares, chocolates with raspberry filling, chocolates in the form of hearts, caramel hearts, sponge candies, chocolate caramel and peanut butter fudges, cinnamon, butterscotch, apple, mint, peppermint, spearmint, cherry, orange, grape, and mixed fruit candy-canes, and of course immense amounts of licorice it almost made the boy’s head spin. Though still none of them seemed like the perfect enough gifts…he truly needed to find the best.

After a few more minutes though though, it seemed like Mirren had finally found that. Out of the corner of his left eye he managed to spot two boxes of candy that really looked perfect to him. One was a white one with a golden ribbon drawn on it filled with caramel covered almonds, while the other was another white box, but with a purple ribbon drawn on it and filled with chocolate covered hazelnuts. Almost instantly the boy’s eyes beamed, and he grabbed them within seconds. He rushed over to the counter, and set them both on it as he pulled out the rupees he’d need to pay for them. They were both fifteen each- but they’d be worth it. After the clerk there put them in a bag and took Mirren’s money, the child made his way out of the shop, and saw Link standing there with his arms crossed and a smile on his face.

“I see you finally managed to decide on what to get” he said. Mirren chuckled, and then smiled.

“Yeah, wasn’t too easy though…” he replied. Link smirked.

“You read to leave?” he asked. The boy nodded.

“Yep, hey you got flowers” Mirren answered as he realized the one bag Link was holding. The Hero of Time looked down at it for a second.

“Yeah, I got a small jar of flowers for Saria and Malon, I’m sure they’ll like them” he stated. Mirren looked a bit perplexed.

“What about Zelda?” the boy inquired. Link grinned.

“When we get back to the castle I’ll show ya…”

* * * * *

About a ten minutes after Link and Mirren left Kakariko Village, Malon and Zelda both were inside the candy store, looking at the numerous amounts of goodies and treats as they thought about what they’d get for the people they’d be giving things to on Affection Day. Both of them were getting something for the same guys- Ingo, Talon, Teerlis, Link and Mirren. Actually Malon had already managed to get something for Link and Mirren, now all she needed to get was a box of candy for Ingo, Talon and Teerlis. It was like the exact opposite for Zelda though, as she still needed to get something for Link and Mirren.

“Hey those look great!” Malon exclaimed as she managed to see large chocolate cows on the one shelf. Zelda laughed.

“You should get those for you dad and the others, they’ll be perfect!” the princess of Hyrule added. Malon smiled as she took three of the boxes with the chocolate heifers inside of them.

“I know! I swear I was hoping to find something like this. Great now I don’t need to get anything else” the ranch girl stated. Zelda smirked as she glanced all around at the candies.

“Lucky you, I still gotta find something perfect for Link and Mirren. And it’s even harder for Mirren because he likes so many things!” the princess said. Malon smiled.

“Looking for something really special to get him?” she asked. The princess of Hyrule looked at the ranch girl and smiled even more.
“Yep. I don’t what I’d do to myself if I didn’t. I swear he’s such a sweet, lovable kid. I love him as much as Link at times. I gotta get something great for my favorite lil guy” Zelda explained. Malon’s smile grew a bit at the heart-warming words of Zelda, and the princess got back to looking. After only a few more seconds, she managed to see something.

“Perfect!” she whispered, and then reached for large, golden bag of chocolate covered sponge candies off a rack. The foil gleamed, and on the package was a picture of three squared, chocolate covered pieces of the mouth-watering sponge candies. “He *loves* these…” Malon let out a chuckle.

“According you from before he loves *everything*” she replied. Zelda smiled.

“And isn’t that the truth…” she replied. Both of them let out a laugh now, and as Malon continued her guffaw a little more, Zelda noticed a box of Link’s favorite candies. They were the famous chocolate covered raisins- though what was so great was that box was literally gigantic. “Good, Link’ll nearly faint when he sees this. Well, guess I’m done.”

“I hope those guys remembered to get us something…if not they’re gonna wish I didn’t I didn’t buy anything for them…” Malon said. She and Zelda instantly burst out into laughter.

* * * * *

Link and Mirren were both striding quickly down the halls of Hyrule Castle. Mirren had put all of the things he bought away in his room, and was now following Link as they got closer and closer to the Hero of Time’s bedroom. He merely had a grin on his face as they continued, while Mirren seemed both anxious and curious at the same time. Link had told the boy that he got the most beautiful flowers in all of Hyrule for Zelda, and just those simple words piqued Mirren’s mind like all heck.

“Come on Link the tension is eattin’ away at me can’t ya just tell me what they are!?” the boy begged. The Hero of Time shook his head and stilled grinned.

“Nope, it won’t be as great when you first see them. It’s better to get your first glance without knowing anything about them beforehand…” he explained.

“Yeah but I don’t wanna *die* of anxiousness because I didn’t know anything about them beforehand!” Mirren exclaimed. Link threw his head back and laughed.

“Heh, you’re a funny kid ya know that?” he asked, “don’t worry though…” And with that Link stopped before his bedroom door. “You’ll finally be able to see it now…” And opened the door.

“Well good because I’m tellin’ ya this excitement and HOOOOLY SMOOOOKES!!!” Mirren literally roared when he finally saw the picturesque flowers sitting in a water-filled vase atop the one window-sill. They were purple roses, with a color greater than that of any concord grape that ever burgeoned in Hyrule. Their stems perfectly erect, and with an olive green color most stunning than that on an olive itself. The leaves on the stem draped over to the side perfectly, and gleamed from the rays of the sun on their moist top-layer. The petals on the violet roses closed up to make the perfect cup, and emitted truly one of the most soothing, gentle aromas ever. Mirren stood with his eyes bugged out and his mouth agape from the gorgeous sight. Link stood with a smirk.

“Heh, striking aren’t they?” he began, and Mirren slowly began to regain his composure, “yeah, I managed to pick those during the summer. I’ve had these growing for months now, keeping them in perfect condition to save for Affection Day. I wanted to get Zelda something really spectacular this time around, and knowing how purple roses are her favorite flowers, well, I think I did just that…” Link began to chuckle a bit as he walked away. “Yeah, she’s gonna love those things half to death…” he said. Mirren now stood gazing at the gorgeous flowers, no longer shocked but almost like he was depressed. He was happy that Link managed to find nice flowers that Zelda would like. But now he began to feel really cheerless. His heart felt it sank, and he began to think of how wonderful those flowers would be and how much Zelda would adore them. The boy sighed, and looked down to the side.

“Great…” he whispered with a disconsolate tone to his voice.

Truly the two were not just friends, they were lovers- though even more than that…

Just as a note, this does not imply that they're having sex...^_~

Sweeeeet!!! This story is awesome. And about that quote, I didn't think like that. Believe me!! Keep on writing.

nice job! you did an excellent job writing it and you really feel the characters personallities. score some brownie points for the zelda/link partnering (the way i think it ought to be...but we're all different), i give it a 7/10

wow thats really good, and written very well. i really like it.

That was great. You are a very talented story writer. And should write a book and publish it.
Good work.

Chapter 3 here!! This is a longer one, but a good one!






Chapter 3- Not out yet

The sky was as black as the bare feathers of a rook’s body. The air had gotten colder now, colder than it normally was during the day. Winds blew across the snow-covered, somewhat frozen Hyrule bringing with it a cutting chill and a howl like that of a lone wolf’s at midnight atop a tall cliff. Stars twinkled in the sky, some forming into interesting signs or appearances. Other could be seen flying across the endless galaxy, soaring over the black blanket of clouds and leaving a streak of heat and light behind in its trail. The moon was only shining at half tonight, as a good part of it was covered by the clouds. Still, the scenic bluish-white gleam shone down onto the land, giving soft, gentle aura about the freezing kingdom.

It was late, past midnight in fact. Mirren had finally gone to bed about a half-hour ago, though he couldn’t close his eyes. If he would, it’d be useless, tonight was one of those night where the child couldn’t sleep. He lay sideways on his soft, comfortable bed covered by his huge warm blanket- thinking.

He was thinking of those gorgeous flowers Link showed him earlier in the day. They were fantastic, more beautiful than ever. Mirren too found them beautiful, and happy that Link found them- but in a way he wasn’t. So far all he gotten Zelda was a simple box of candy, while Link managed to get her the same, and flowers better than any kind of candy ever produced in Hyrule. The boy felt sad and depressed still, after seeing what great gifts Link had gotten Zelda, while all he got was just a box of some chocolate covered hazelnuts. Link’s was truly much better and greater than what he had gotten Zelda.

Mirren rolled over and lay on his back as he gazed up into the ceiling. His room was dark without the candle he had burning and illuminating the room before while he read a book, which he had blown out a while ago. But now, even while to most people when they’d walk in it’d be pitch black, Mirren could see fine. His soft, young, innocent, hazel eyes had adjusted to the darkness, and instead the aura of the room was like a mixture of black and a light cerulean color. The child liked this, especially while he slept. It just seemed perfect to slumber or rest on a cold, dark night in a dark room covered up by a big warm blanket and laying on a soft bed.

But even with all of this, Mirren still sad cheerless. Unremitting thoughts and ideas were running through his head about Link’s gifts for Zelda, and then his. Compared to Link’s, they were nothing. For what Link got her, Zelda could just take the box of candies Mirren gave her and feed it to the birds.

“Is mine really nothing compared to Link’s?” the boy whispered to himself. Silence fell within the bedroom. A wind hollowed across the window, and Mirren thought harder than ever before. Was Link’s really the better, greater gift?

Suddenly, and oddly, a bit of a smirk grew across the child’s face. “Nah…she’ll still like mine…who cares what Link got her…” he quietly said to himself once again. And with that, Mirren lay back down sideways, pulled up the covers even more, snuggled up, closed his eyes, and slowly fell asleep.

* * * * *

The next morning, Mirren woke up a bit later than usual. After staying up longer than the norm, he slept in for about another hour or so. Once he did manage to awake from his slumber, he did the normal morning routine. He threw off the garments he wore yesterday, and put on fresh, unsullied ones. Unlike most days though, he put on his dark blue turtleneck instead of the green one, while the rest of his garb remained the same. He put on some body fragrance then, just to smell good for the day, and left his room. Right now the boy was getting hungry, so as he strode down the hallways with a bit of a smile on his face, he made his way to the feast hall, where he’d surely find something to eat. This morning, he was no longer feeling sad or depressed. It was like all that despondency that grieved him last night was gone.

*“Why should I worry?”* he asked himself in his head, *“Zelda will like what I got her no mater what. Even if Link were to buy her some golden horse she’d still like what I got her. I was so dumb for worrying last night that Link’s gifts were better than mine…”* The boy then let out somewhat of a chuckle, and as he came down a corner, he spotted Link walking just ahead of him. “Hey Link!” he called out. The Hero of Time turned around and smiled.

“Mornin’ Mirren, how ya doin’?” he asked.

“Fine, you?” the child asked back with a smile of his own. Link somewhat grinned.

“Great…hey, look at what I just got Zelda before…” he stated, and began to reach into his pocket. Mirren slightly cocked on eyebrow.

“You got her another thing today” he inquired. The young man nodded.

“Yep, I was just out at the jewelry shop a couple hours ago…and I got her *“this”*…” Link replied. And with that the Hero of Time pulled out a small, purple velvety box, and opened it. From inside a gleaming glow came out into the air, and Mirren’s eyes bugged out to behold a diamond ring. The actual ring part looked like perfect gold, and it glimmered from the light of the morning sun. Atop it was the most scenic diamond Mirren had even seen in his entire life. Its clear composure shined even more than the gold, the stone sparkling like it had just been washed with the greatest cleaners in all of Hyrule. Link smirked, and closed up the box. “Yeah she’ll like this one I can tell ya that…” he said as he slipped it away into his pocket, “This is gonna be the best Affection Day in our entire lives…” And with that Link began to walk off still smiling.

Mirren stood petrified. His eyes had gotten back to normal now, though the expression on his face was just as it was after he saw the purple roses yesterday- disconsolateness. He got that feeling he had last night right back. Now not only had Link gotten Zelda candy, and gorgeous purple roses, but the most picturesque diamond ring ever. The boy felt his heart sink.

“Link really *has* gotten her the better gifts…” he whispered to himself, “she’s gonna like his waaaay more than mine…”

* * * * *

Mirren sat at one of the long wooden tables of the feast hall with a plate of two fluffy, burley-wood pancakes before him. They were both smothered with strawberry syrup- Mirren’s favorite thing to put on a pancake. But even with this delicious breakfast at his disposal, the boy’s grief didn’t lessen one bit. He cut off another piece of one of the pancakes, and placed it in his mouth using his fork. His maw closed, and he began to chew on it before swallowing. Once he did, he cut off another piece, and repeated the same process with his blank, depressed expression. Zelda had now walked over to him, and sat down across from him.

“Hey Mirren, you okay?” she asked sounding a bit concerned. Mirren felt like widening his eyes now realizing that Zelda was right by him, and tried his best to hide away his somewhat sad expression as he looked up at her.

“Yeah, I’m just tired that’s all. Why are you asking?” he inquired back.

“Well you just looked a bit cheerless right now; I wanted to make sure you’re okay. Are you sure you’re fine? Because if there’s anything bothering you, you can always tell me…” Zelda explained.

*“Yeah but not when it concerns *you*”* Mirren murmured to himself inside his mind. “No don’t worry, I just didn’t sleep too well last night, I’d just a little fatigued.” He answered back with a smile, though it was rather difficult for him to do. Zelda smiled back.

“Okay, I just wanted to make sure. I never wanna see ya sad” They both smiled at each other now, and Mirren cut off another piece of his pancake and ate away. “Hey, me and Link are going out tonight, so Malon will be coming back to watch you” the princess of Hyrule suddenly said. Mirren’s eyes bugged out the very second she finished, and he seemed to choke a bit. He smacked himself with an open hand on his sternum, and managed to swallow the pancake piece.

“WHAT!?” he exclaimed looking taken aback. Zelda seemed a bit surprised by the boy’s disbelief.

“What? Me and Link will be out for most of the night and you need someone to watch you…” she elucidated.

“Zelda- I’m twelve years old! I’m gonna be in a castle full of God knows how many people and you’re getting Malon to *baby-sit* me!?” he yelled. Zelda tried to hold back at laughter at the boy’s shouting.

“Yes, but you don’t even know half of these people here, they’re mostly guards and castle workers, who to my knowledge you’re barely even an acquaintance with” she began, “and me and Link will be out rather late. It’s our first date in a while, so we wanna make the best of it.” The boy had a bit of a stony expression.

“Yeah, but do ya really gotta make me feel like I’m five and get a baby-sitter for me?” he questioned. She smiled.

“I just wanna make sure you’ll be okay. That last thing I need is you making a mess somewhere in the castle or something bad happening to you” Zelda replied, “I know you may feel like I’m belittling you, but I just wanna not have to worry about anything happening to you, okay?” Mirren stared at her with the same expression for a few more seconds. He put his head down.

“Yes mom…” he said like a little child. Instantly Zelda burst out into laughter, and Mirren quickly joined in after he smirked from his joke.

* * * * *

A few hours later, as the sun began to set into the horizon and as Hyrule began to darken, Link and Zelda both finished up getting ready to go out on their date. The princess of Hyrule had put on an elegant, stunning dark blue and white dress, while the Hero of Time had thrown on a navy blue tunic and hat. Zelda put on her best makeup, while Link put on his best smelling cologne. Tonight they were going to the “Bourbon Domain” one of the nicest restaurants in all of Hyrule located within Kakariko Village. They had the best tasting ales and steaks there, and it was Link and Zelda’s favorite place to eat out. Inside fancy music was played by wonderful troubadours, the tunes of their abundant instruments lingered through the air as a couple would sit and eat by candlelight at their table.

Right now they both stood outside on one of the porches in front of the castle waiting for Malon to come. It was much warmer than normal out, oddly for nighttime, though still considerably cold. Zelda was bundled up with a thick warm coat, while Link merely wore nothing than his tunic, hat and white tights.

“How in the world can you stand out here with nothing but what you normally where!?” Zelda asked as she snuggled up the best she could within his coat. Link smirked.

“Easy, I can deal with cold much better than normal people. Same with heat. Stuff like that has never been a problem for me, besides we shouldn’t be out here much longer. Malon will surely come soon and then we’ll both be inside the carriage” the Hero of Time explained.

“Well I hope she gets here quickly, I’m freezing!” she exclaimed.

“Don’t worry Zelda I’m right here” Malon’s voice stated. Link and Zelda both looked to forward and saw the familiar ranch girl riding atop one of Lon Lon Ranch’s finest stallions. She smiled and stopped the horse. “Nice to see you guys, you both are dressed great tonight” she greeted.

“Thanks” Link merely replied.

“So, where should I put the horse?” Malon asked.

“Oh don’t worry about it, one of the guards will be coming to put it away in the stables” Zelda elucidated. The ranch girl smiled and nodded. She hopped off the saddle, and walked over to the couple.

“So, Mirren inside I take it?” Link nodded.

“Yeah, he’s up in his room reading or something. He’s already eaten, so you don’t need to worry about making him dinner or anything” Malon laughed.

“Well good because personally I don’t feel like cooking anything after what I made before for my dad and the others back at the ranch” she replied. Zelda chuckled a bit.

“Okay then, I don’t think there’s too much to explain. Thanks again for doing this again” she said. Malon smiled.

“Don’t worry about it, I don’t mind at all” Link smiled.

“Well okay then. We’ll see ya later” he stated, and then began to walk off alongside Zelda.

“Bye guys!” the ranch girl called out to them, and within less than a minute, the two were inside the carriage as the rider got the horses going and trotted off.

* * * * *

The atmosphere at the Bourbon Domain was fantastic. The music that lingered about the restaurant was soothing, and the smell from exotic, but gorgeous plants made any person feel great. Candles illuminated the entire building, burning away with a soft, beautiful flame. There were quite a few people inside now, all relaxing and eating as they spent this time with each other…

Link and Zelda sat at a four person booth, with Link on one side, and Zelda on the other. They had been inside for nearly a half hour now, and were eating their dinner at the moment. Zelda had a crystal-like wine glass filled with a dark violet wine, while Link had a bottle of Hyrulian Whiskey. Both of them though had a plate of steaming, mouth-watering food before them. Zelda was having a meal of oven cooked cucoo, with a side of hot mashed potatoes and fresh green beans. The Hero of Time was having a spicy pepper steak, with steamed carrots and two hot biscuits.

“Holy cow this food is great tonight!” Link exclaimed after he swallowed another bite of his steak. The princess of Hyrule nodded.

“I agree, this chicken is fabulous!” Zelda replied, and then cut off another slice and ate away. Link smirked.

“Heh, I sear I love this place…” he muttered, and then took a slug of his whiskey. Zelda ate another forkful of her mashed potatoes, and looked up at her love.

“How’s the whiskey tonight?” she inquired.

“Just as great as the food” Link answered with a smile, and took another sip. “How’s your wine?’ he asked back when he finished. The princess smiled and took hold of her glass.

“As great as yours” Zelda answered, and drank some of it. Link could only smile at her. He then placed his bottle down, and grabbed his knife as he cut away at another large piece of his spicy steak. He stabbed it with his fork, and placed in his mouth as he chewed away. “Hey, how do you think Mirren’s doing?” Zelda asked. The Hero of Time swallowed the piece of steak. He smiled.

“I’m sure he’s having fun…”

* * * * *

“This stinks!!” Mirren yelled as he sat at the one table in the feast hall with his back at the actual table. It was midnight at the moment, but Mirren was wide awake and not tired one bit. Only a few minutes ago had him and Malon had a little snack, and right now she was in the kitchen just washing up the very few dishes they had used. “I’m almost a teen, one of the greatest warriors in Hyrule, and while Link and Zelda are out for a few hours of the stinkin’ night on a date, she gets someone to *baby-sit* me!! What am I four!!!???”

“No you’re twelve but you’re still not old enough to be alone for this long of the night” Malon suddenly said. Mirren snapped his head to the side, and noticed Malon now walking out of the kitchen.

“Do you have to contradict everything I say?” he asked with an irritated expression. The ranch girl chuckled and sat down across from him.

“No, it’s just that everything you’re saying it’s extremely easy to contradict tonight” Malon answered. The child stared blankly at her for a few moments, and turned around.

“I hate my life…” he murmured. Malon laughed.

“Jeez what’s wrong with ya? You haven’t been yourself tonight at all” she stated. The boy turned around again and looked at her.

“Okay…if I tell ya with you promise not to tell *anyone*?” he asked. The ranch girl smiled and nodded.

“Of course” Mirren gulped and then sighed.

“Okay…yesterday me and Link went out to get stuff for Zelda for Affection Day” he began, “I got her a nice box of chocolate covered hazelnuts, while Link got her a box of chocolates *and* these gorgeous purple roses. Then this morning, he showed me this awesome diamond ring he got her. I feel almost jealous or something. I mean, Link’s her boyfriend and all, and he’s meant to get her these great gifts, but now I feel like she won’t even care about my gift with his. Not like I wanna beat him out with the best presents, but I wanna get her something just as special to her as his will be…” Mirren now looked down, and had that same depressed expression as he had before earlier in the day. Silence fell for a few seconds, before Malon finally said something.

“Jeez I wish Teerlis would get me stuff like that…” Mirren’s eyes widened, and he looked up at her with a stony expression now.

“That doesn’t help Malon…” he muttered.

“Oh I’m sorry!” she exclaimed with a giggle. Mirren sighed, and now looked cheerless again. The ranch girl seemed more staid now. “Well, I understand how you feel, and I’m sorry to see you like this. I can see what you mean, you just wanna get her something that she’ll be as happy with as Link’s stuff…” She paused for a second, “Getting something as great as Link’s stuff won’t be easy…but I think I might just have a solution for you…” The boy’s eyes bugged out, and he looked up at her.

“No…way” Mirren said. She nodded.

“Yep, I know Zelda *loves* open purple roses, so if you manage to get them surely it’ll be perfect” Malon explained. Mirren slightly raised an eyebrow.

“But how the heck am I gonna do that?’ he questioned, “the flower shops don’t even those, and where else am I gonna find them when we’re still in winter?” Malon grinned.

“I’ve heard somewhere that whatever flowers that grow in the Lost Woods still blossom and grow fine even in the winter” she began, “according to rumors and legends, the place is so filled with magic that just things like flowers can grow and survive even in the freezing winter as if it were the middle of spring. If you go looking, there’s a good chance you might find some open purple roses.” Mirren sat wide-eyed, gazing at Malon after hearing the explanation as if she now had purple eyes and pink hair.

“Malon…you may have just saved me from the worst depression ever…” he replied. And then his face lit up and he literally leapt into the air. “Thank you so much you’re a lifesaver!! Tomorrow morning I’m gonna go to the woods, search every dang inch of that place and find those purple roses!!” She laughed.

“Good luck, and glad I could be of service” Malon said back. Both of them laughed now, and after a few more moments, the doors to the feast hall suddenly flew open, and Link and Zelda both walked in.

“Hey guys!” Zelda called out. Malon and Mirren both looked at the two.

“Oh you guys are back, didja have a nice time?” the ranch girl asked. Zelda nodded.

“Yeah, we had a really great time. How about you two?” the princess asked back.

“We were fine” Malon answered back with a smile. Link grinned.

“So Mirren didn’t blow anything up this time?” the Hero of Time said. Malon laughed.

“No not this time” she replied, and winked back at Mirren, who simply sat smirking. The ranch girl then stood up. “Well I’d best get goin’ then, bye guys” Link smiled.

“Here I’ll escort ya home” he offered. She smiled.

“Hey thanks” Her and Link then began to walk off, and as they did she turned around and waved a bit at Mirren and Zelda. “Bye you two”

“Bye Malon” Zelda called back.

“Later!” Mirren replied. Soon Link and Malon were then out of the hall, and turned down a corner and were longer able to be seen. Mirren smiled as he thought of how much Malon had helped him now.

“So, how was your guys’ night?’ Zelda asked as she sat down across from him. The child looked up at her.

“It was nice. We had some of the oatmeal raisins before, as a midnight snack I guess” Mirren answered. She smirked.

“And you were so mad about it this morning…” she stated. Mirren rolled his eyes.

“Hey I was cranky this morning ya can’t blame me…” Zelda instantly began to laugh, and the boy sat smiling. As the princess continued her chortle, Mirren thought of something else. “Hey Zelda, do you have any extra scarves?” The princess stopped her laughter.

“Yeah, I have a nice navy blue one you could have. Why?” she inquired back. The boy smiled.

“Oh, I’m just gonna go out for a walk tomorrow morning and I wanna make sure I’m warm enough…” Mirren replied.




Expect chapter 4 extremly soon...like today or tomorrow or after someone replies here....