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Zelda couldn’t help but watch across the ballroom the young officer in his smart military uniform. Normally, she wouldn’t give officers a second glance, but she’d not seen this one before… and beyond that he seemed quite familiar for some reason. She couldn’t quite place it.
“Ah,” her friend Midna noted her staring, “I’m surprised to see you looking at officers, did one offend you?”
“Of course not, I simply–” Zelda didn’t know what to say. “That one over there, the short one, I’ve not seen him here before.”
“You wouldn’t have,” Midna said, “he just returned from his first tour. Very much shot through the ranks.”
“Did he?”
“Should I introduce you?”
After a moment of thought, Zelda agreed. Perhaps she should appear more reluctant, but Midna would tease her either way. “How do you know him?” she asked.
“Oh, Link and I are new, but fast friends. He helped me a while back after that whole business with Mr Zant.
Zelda recalled. Mr Zant had tried to trick her friend into an engagement, presenting himself falsely and hiding and hoping that Midna’s great fortune could be used to pay off gambling debts. She hadn’t been in town for the season, feeling terribly unwell, but had heard about it through letters. She knew a gentleman had stepped in and revealed Mr Zant’s debts, but hadn’t known more.
“This is the man?” Zelda asked, “Yes you must introduce us! Why are you ignoring such a fine acquaintance for the likes of me?”
Midna smiled and glided over to the officers, a small party of an older gentleman, Mr Link, a bespectacled officer, and a rather severe young woman. They all sang greetings, and Midna made the introductions.
“Captain Rusl,” Midna started, “Lieutenant Link, Lieutenant Shad and Mrs Ashei, I must introduce you to my dear friend Miss Zelda. She is the one I was writing letters to the entirety of that business you aided me with.”
“Miss Zelda?” Lt Shad asked, clearly recognizing her. By his speech she marked him at least the son of a gentleman. “It is an honor to meet you.”
Mrs Ashei, Lt Shad’s wife, and Captain Rusl repeated the honors, leaving just Lt Link, who had been staring since Midna had started walking the two of them over. His piercing blue eyes were ever so familiar. Zelda wracked her mind as to where she could’ve seen him before.
Goodnaturedly, Midna said, “Now, Lt Link, you ought to welcome my friend, I told you about her.”
“Pardon,” he said quietly, and she realized at least part of his reluctance was his clear, rather common, Northern accent. “I’m enchanted.”
Zelda couldn’t help but be amused by his mistake of the phrase. “I am the one who is honored to meet you all. Midna had not told me who it was who helped her. I only found out after it was on its way to being resolved, otherwise I would’ve gone to town myself to sort it. I could not have bore it to see my friend suffer.”
“We only did what was right,” Mrs Ashei said, “though, Link is the one to thank especially. He did most of the work.”
Lt Link shifted on his feet at the attention, but said nothing.
Music started, and Midna said, “Enough talk of that dreary topic, I want to dance.”
Cpt Rusl held out his arm, offering, “I may not be as young as these two, but I would be honored.”
Midna took his arm and he led the two of them to the dance floor. Lt Shad just about dragged his wife, saying something about how he married her so he would always have a dance partner. This left Zelda alone with Lt Link. She waited for him to offer her a dance, but he simply watched his friends. She didn’t have any other male acquaintances to offer her a dance that weren’t already occupied, and so Zelda endeavored to make conversation.
“Have we met before?” she asked.
Once more, those startling blue eyes were on her, and she was impressed he didn’t shy away from her. Many did. Her governess Impaz had tried to soften her manners, but it had done little to help. Zelda was unfortunately considered quite austere despite her efforts otherwise.
“No, we can’t have,” Lt Link said, “why?”
“It is just… you seem awfully familiar to me. I worried I might offend you if we were indeed acquaintances and I had forgotten.”
He shook his head. “I’d not be able to forget you.”
Likewise, Zelda thought, but such open partiality was wrong from her.
“Although…” he said.
“Yes?”
He shook his head. “Nevermind, I just--” he stumbled over his words, his accent getting stronger. He breathed and then said, “I feel the same.”
“How odd,” Zelda remarked, “what could it be, do you think?”
Lt Link opened his mouth, and then closed it. The dance was over, and his party was returning. Although Cpt Rusl, Lt Shad, and Mrs Ashei were all wonderful conversation partners, and had seen much more of the world than Zelda had, and as such, had much to be asked about, Lt Link remained quiet unless spoken to directly.
More than not though, Zelda found him looking at her, which she only knew because she found herself looking at him.
…
Zelda would not see Lt Link again until a dinner at Midna’s residence a week later. She normally would’ve shamed her friend for inviting someone so clearly out of his depth, but in this instance she would let it pass. She was intrigued by the young man, perhaps against her better judgment.
He still stared more than participated in conversation, but Zelda didn’t think that was a bad thing. It was better to be too quiet than too loud, or at least that’s what she enjoyed in her company. Midna was perhaps an exception.
The topic of residences and livelihoods came up, and all were impressed by Zelda’s own Hyrule Abbey. It was an ancient piece of land that had been in her family for as long as anyone could remember. There was even a fanciful legend that her ancestors had been gifted the land by angels.
“Of course,” she said, “I wouldn’t normally put much stock into legend, but St Hylia was an ancestor of mine, so perhaps it is true. I certainly feel blessed to have been given such a land.”
“Ah,” said Midna’s uncle, “So you are set to inherit it?”
“My family has always been gifted with daughters,” Zelda explained.
“And they had the good sense to value that,” Midna said, bold as ever. Her own family estate would go to her cousin on the death of her father. Despite the fact, as Midna had told her in private, and Zelda had agreed, Midna being a much better choice. The cousin would undoubtedly gamble away Twilight’s great riches.
Someone then asked Lt Link what his parents did. With some reluctance he informed them he didn’t know who his parents were. He’d been abandoned as a baby, and then warded by Rusl.
What a tragic past, Zelda thought. But he spoke of it with only embarrassment.
After this, The ladies relaxed while the men did their after dinner smokes. Zelda found her time occupied by Midna’s young cousin and aunt, asking about her dress and where the lace was from and how she had come by it, while ignoring Midna. Zelda’s heart went out to her friend, but she could not converse with Midna in the corner for the hour, as much as she wanted to.
Finally the menfolk joined them, and Zelda found herself winning a card game. At the end of the first one, she excused herself and stood next to the window to watch Midna win the next one. It was then that Lt Link approached her.
“Are you not one for cards?” Zelda asked. They weren’t betting much, but perhaps it had been too much for him.
He shook his head. “Midna told me I couldn’t play.”
“Well, the only reason she would say that is if she thought you could beat her.”
Lt Link didn’t say more, but his small smile seemed to agree with her.
“Have you been to Twilight before?” Zelda asked, admiring how the stars glimmered off the fountain in the garden, visible from the parlor they were in.
He shook his head. “Midna told me about it.”
“But words do not do it justice,” Zelda said, “I will tell Midna to invite you on a garden party.”
“Will you be there?” he asked.
Zelda held in a smile. “I may be. Why?”
Lt Link’s face grew pensive. In non sequitur, he asked, “Is St Hylia really your ancestor?”
“Yes,” Zelda said, “Do you know of her?”
“I do,” Link said, “I have always admired her.”
For whatever reason, when he said that, it felt as though he was admitting to admiring herself. Zelda was no stranger to compliments, but from Lt Link it felt sincere.
She couldn’t think of a thing to say in response, and so the two of them stared out the large window into the night. And Zelda thought it the nicest dinner she had been to in a long while.
…
As it turned out, Zelda hadn’t needed to hint to Midna, as while about town Midna invited her on a walk with Lt Link. It was upon this invitation that Zelda wondered if Midna perhaps had her sights set on Lt Link. Conflict entered her heart then.
“I have something important to tell you, my dearest friend,” Midna said, “but I shan’t say it here.”
Zelda acquiesced and joined her friend. They walked arm in arm as they always had, but something was off. Zelda could feel the coming change like a storm on the horizon.
Lt Link joined them where Midna had bid him to, and the three of them made their way down the wide paths that led to Twilight. Lt Link, to Zelda’s surprise, spoke more, hinting that her suspicions may be true. However, everytime he remembered Zelda was present, he would clam up.
“I cannot withhold this information anymore,” Midna said after a lull in conversation, “Link, I must apologize for springing this on you as well while you’re on leave, but I thought it would be worse to hear by letter.”
Zelda furrowed her brow. That did not sound like an engagement… Midna continued.
“I have been in contact with my cousins in America, and they have agreed to take me in so I might learn their trade.”
“You want to learn a trade?” Zelda asked, affronted, “Oh Midna, if this has to do with your future, know that I would never let you fall through society.”
“It’s not that,” Midna said, “It’s… I know I’m good at math and business. My cousins need someone with my education. I think I could make it into something amazing…” Midna’s face fell, “And you do not know the torture it would be to watch Twilight fall into ruin.” Strength entering her voice again, she said, “I will make a new Twilight in America that will rival our own, just you see!”
Zelda didn’t know what to say. To leave the beauty of England to go to the failed colonies… She just didn’t understand. There were ruffians and cutthroats there! But… she also saw the truth in Midna’s words. Her ability to excel in what she wanted relied on who she married, which was much less sure than cousins asking for her aid.
“You must still write,” Zelda said, “As often as possible!”
“Of course!” Midna said, “I will try…”
Lt Link had a frown, and a stern expression.
“And Link,” Midna said, “I wanted to make sure before I left you had a friend that would see your potential as I have. You’ll do great things yet.”
“But not with you,” Link finished.
Midna shook her head.
She started walking again, leaving Zelda and Link side by side. So lost in thought, Zelda didn’t realize how much slower she was until she glanced up and saw Midna vanishing over the hill. Link offered her his arm, and Zelda took it, thankful for the comfort.
“Never thought…” Link said, “I never thought she meant something like this.”
“No, I hadn’t either.” Zelda said, but then admitted, “but it is just like her.”
After that, they did not say more.
…
It was hard to enjoy her friend’s company when she knew their time was coming to an end. It was like a poison and more than once Midna sighed and lamented telling her.
“No, now I can enjoy our time together more!” Zelda said.
She also found herself falling in step with Link when she would invite his party. He would make comments about the birds in the trees, able to identify them by call alone. She thought he was making it up until Lt Shad would agree and go on to say the scientific name as well.
“Link has a much better ear for it, but I’m the one who taught him the names,” Lt Shad said.
“He’s not as dumb as he looks, yeah?” Ashei said.
“Oh I don’t think he looks dumb at all,” Zelda insisted, “though I wonder if he knows flowers as well.”
“I don’t,” Lt Link said.
Mrs Ashei pulled Lt Shad ahead at the remembrance of a hill they could see the surrounding area. Allowing Zelda time to speak with Lt Link.
“Why is it you’re so much more verbose with Midna?” Zelda asked.
Link avoided her eyes and then finally said, “I’m not very good at hiding my accent. I wouldn’t want to embarrass you.”
“And you’re fine with embarrassing Midna?” Zelda pressed.
“Well, no, but I met Midna in much different circumstances.”
“You did?” she asked.
“You mustn’t tell anyone but… I met her in a jail.”
“A jail!”
“Don’t worry, it wasn’t for anything I did wrong. It was a misunderstanding. I should say I properly met her in a jail. I intervened when Mr Zant was harassing her, and was falsely imprisoned. She came to set the record straight and pay my bail. But I was there for a night.”
“How dreadful,” Zelda said.
“Yes, well, it is the past,” he said, “I don’t intend on returning.”
“And you should know, I don’t think less of you for your origin,” Zelda said, “I think it's admirable to have come as far as you have.”
He smiled then, a faint flush on his cheeks.
When he continued to stay silent, Zelda pressed. “Well? What has your tongue now?”
He waited another moment, but this time with a thoughtfulness about his words. “Even with as far as i’ve risen,” he started, “I don’t think it would be right to say all that I think about you. But I do think I can say I admire you. You remind me of your ancestor St Hylia, who blessed a sword.”
“How is it you know so much about her?” Zelda asked, “she’s hardly a footnote.”
“I was taught to read with legends of saints. There are a lot of fantastical ones, grand ones, St Patrick drove the snakes out of Ireland, St George slayed a dragon, .”
“And St Hylia?” Zelda asked.
“And St Hylia blessed a sword which could drive out evil.”
“Most only consider her a folk saint.” Zelda argued, “And what use is a sword that drives out evil without someone to wield it? She could not fight her own battles.”
“So?”
She cracked a smile then.
“Everyone has strengths and weaknesses. St Hylia could bless a sword, and choose the correct person to wield it. Without her, would your house even be standing?”
“No, I don’t suppose so.” Zelda admitted, “but how do I remind you of that? I’ve never blessed a sword.”
“But if you did, I think I would be unstoppable.”
The minute he realized what he said, he bowed his head slightly, and shut his mouth. He was too much of a gentleman to run away, but he clearly wanted to. Zelda held to his arm tighter, trying to convey how pleased she was with such admiration. And to hint, that if she could bless a sword that would drive out evil, she would give it to him.
…
At the end of the season both of her friends, new and old, left her, and Zelda had to return to the banality of life. She hadn’t realized how much their presences had entertained her, but now that she was to her old society… it just couldn’t compare. Midna had yet to respond to her, but Link’s letters… well that was another matter.
It wasn’t proper for her to send her any and it wouldn’t be proper for him to send her any. For once in her life, Zelda thought to break propriety. And she sent a letter.
…
Dear Lt Link,
You have only been gone a week and I already feel your absence starkly. I have never become so attached in such a short amount of time to someone and thought to inform you of such. I should have told you all this before you left, but lacked the nerve and conviction. I hope I have not read you wrong and that this would be an unwanted attention. If you would have us remain friends and friends only, don’t respond. If you feel the same as me, could you send a letter to my father about anything. He enjoyed your company and would not mind correspondence.
I wonder what it is you’ve seen on your travels. A great many things. Stay safe, I will pray for your safe return to our motherland.
With love,
Z
Link stared at the letter in his hand and reread it for a third time. He resisted smelling the letter again. She had sprayed it with her perfume, clearly marking it as a love letter. A love letter! Never in his wildest dreams did he think Zelda would return his feelings and then tell him about it! Midna had said her friend was much more reserved, but Link saw the boldness in both of them now.
“And who’s sent you a letter?” a soldier asked, looking over his shoulder. Link pressed the letter to his chest. “Is that perfume I smell? Expensive at that…”
Another soldier came over at the exclamation. “Link has a sweetheart? Looks like he was busy over leave!”
“C’mon, tell us. You hardly ever get letters. Especially from ladies.”
Link didn’t want to advertise his business, but he really didn’t know what to do. He wanted to respond, but it wasn’t like anything could come of it, could it? Zelda was his social superior at the very least.
“I met a lady…” Link said, “And she wants us to… she wants to send me letters, but only if I share her attachment.”
“And do you?”
Link nodded.
“So why not? Unless…” the first soldier snatched the letter, and read it quickly. “just who are you talking to?”
“What? Our Link? A fortune hunter?” the second soldier commented, “I would never have assumed. What with his piety and humble nature–”
“It’s not like that,” Link protested.
“But money doesn’t hurt.”
It sort of did. It would be easier if Zelda wasn’t who she was. If she were his inferior, he wouldn’t think twice of lifting her out of it. But even with as much potential as his, there was a whole ocean still between Zelda and him.
“Go for it!” the second soldier said, “What’s the worst that can happen? Heartbreak? That’s clearly what would happen if you don’t respond.”
“Would it?” Link couldn’t stand breaking her heart.
“Look, she’s a gentlewoman, you ought to protect her feelings. And what’s the harm with a little secret correspondence?”
Quite a lot could be wrong with it, but… Link had never been good at curbing his reckless urges.
…
Lt Link,
My father received a letter from you, and was most pleased to answer your questions about horse rearing. I hadn’t realized you were so knowledgeable, but I suppose it should only make sense, you are so good with animals.
I miss you. Most terribly. I’ve never had this sort of feeling before, it is so very odd. Of course I miss Midna, but I knew her for many years. You on the other hand… it is just this sense that we were meant to have met. I hope I am not overwhelming you with this confession, I just feel if I tell no one but God I will go mad.
How I wish I could get a direct response from you! But it just would not be proper…
Praying for your continued safety, and with all of my love,
-Z
…
Lt Link,
A boy arrived at our house on horseback, which I found extremely strange. Odder was when he pulled me aside and handed me an unsigned letter… one speaking of the tenderness of the writer’s feelings towards me and lamenting the distance between us. I do hope this was you and not some other poor fool whom I could never return affections. The pressed flower I placed in my journal, I will have to look up what kind, as I have not seen it before.
When will you return? When will this wretched war end? I’m reading the paper closer now, much to the amusement of my father. But I just worry that one day I will see the name of your regiment and some great loss behind it…
In lighter news, there has been a great happening in this neighborhood. Mr Flynn, of whom I’m sure you remember has announced an engagement to his younger sister’s governess! Just to think of it, the nephew of a baronet marrying the daughter of an officer in his majesty’s army? It has given me much to think about.
I still have not heard from Midna. Perhaps you have? She always spoke more freely with you. She worries about my delicate feelings… though I believe such worries to be unfounded.
All of my love,
-Z
Link stared in wonder at the neat lock of hair contained in the letter. The shiny chestnut lock was bound by a ribbon, and Link held it up so that the candle light reflected off of it. This was… a big deal. It struck Link that Zelda was serious about it all. Of course he hadn’t thought her just a silly romantic, but the lock meant something.
He pressed a kiss to it and tried to think of how he could get a locket. For now, he placed it back in the letter, and put the letter in the tin with the rest of them.
…
Zelda waited for any news. News from that youth who had secretly delivered Link’s letter, news from Midna, even an innocuous letter from Link to her father, but there had been nothing for weeks. She began to worry. Would she even be told if something had happened to Link? If wasn’t like she was his family, and would his friends even think her significant enough to contact?
Her worry became so profound, even her father picked up on it.
It had been nearly two months since his last letter, and Zelda was beginning to wonder if she would ever hear from him again, when the butler announced there was a guest at the door. Wondering who it could be, Zelda came down the stairs, only for Link in his sharp uniform to be waiting there, hat in hand.
What was he doing here? She could hardly believe her eyes.
“Lt Link,” she started, rather breathless.
“I… apologise for showing up without invitation… but I need to speak with you.”
“How are you…” she started, before remembering her manners and saying, “Come inside, let me get you some tea.”
He shook his head. “No, I need to ask you something… and then I need to ask your father something.”
With that line of attack, Zelda held her breath, knowing what he was about to request, not caring that the butler stood next to the door, clearly waiting for Zelda to turn the poor lad down.
“Ask me,” she said.
“Zelda, I have not known you for very long and yet…” He took a breath. “I feel it would be a mistake if I didn’t try to spend the rest of my life with you. I know I cannot offer you much, and I will work hard to become a man worthy of you. I would ask for your hand, if you would give it.”
She could only stare, too overwhelmed to form a response. This was evidently the incorrect action, as Link immediately bowed and attempted to make an excuse. Acting rather than thinking, Zelda curtsied, her head low. This deference must’ve made Link uncomfortable, but she couldn’t think of another polite way to avoid his brilliant blue eyes.
“I am honored to accept,” she said.
As she looked up, Link stared at her with astonishment. It seemed they had made a game of surprising the other. He smiled then, broadly, and took her hand. “Where is your father then? We must ask him.”
Zelda smiled, and pulled him along to where her father relaxed on the patio. He jumped to his feet at the sight of Link, not registering that the young man arrived hand in hand with his daughter.
“Lt Link!” he greeted, “What a welcome surprise!”
“He has something to ask you father,” Zelda said.
“Does he now,” her father still had not noticed.
Link stood frozen once more, and Zelda couldn’t help but smile. Oh, she hoped he wouldn’t mind.
“Lt Link has asked me to marry him.”
“Has he now…”
“And I said yes.”
“Well that’s wonder–” her father finally caught on to what she had said. “Marriage? He asked you? Lt Link?”
At that, Link finally stepped forward and said, “I think I fell in love with your daughter when I first laid eyes on her. I know I don’t come from much, and my connections are all recent, but I… I love Zelda.”
“You love her!” her father turned to her, “And you love him?”
Zelda inclined her head.
“Excellent!” her father exclaimed, “Brilliant! Oh how I hoped for this outcome. I know you’re only a Lieutenant now, but with your work ethic and natural ability, I’m sure you’ll rise in no time, and I would be more than happy to support you.”
“We have… your blessing?” Link asked.
“That and more!” her father said, “I had always worried about Zelda resigning herself to something, but when she introduced us I thought, here is an honest man who has caught her interest.”
“You… did?” Zelda asked.
“Now, let’s get a special license and–”
Both daughter and fiance stopped him. “Special–” Zelda started, sputtering, “Why would we need that?”
“Well, to get the deal done as soon as possible!”
“But– I haven’t even told Midna! And Link must tell his family and friends–” Zelda looked to Link. “Isn’t that right?”
Link took her prompting, and nodded in agreement.
“Oh, alright then, lets send the afternoon letter writing. We’ll contact the vicar, and get the bonds started.” Her father walked past both of them. “This will give us time to plan a proper wedding. Lt Link, how long are you on leave?”
“Uh, I was in the country, and this is a day off. I don’t expect we’ll be leaving anytime soon.”
“Excellent, excellent…” Her father entered the house, leaving Zelda and Link confused on the patio.
“He took that, really well,” Zelda said. “Did I really give him cause for such worries?”
Link tightened his expression just so that she knew she had.
“Why don’t… Not that I want us to get a special license, but… why–”
“It’s just, we’ll be making enough of a hublub as is it,” Zelda said, “It’s not as though we need one. And besides, it would be my father to waste money on something like that.”
“Oh,” he said, “I see.”
“But I do want to marry you,” she said, “Someday soon.”
At that, Link smiled broadly.
Before more could be said, her father stuck his head out, and said, “You two are so slow! We have a wedding to plan.”
Zelda smiled. Not a demure smile, but a true one. She took Link’s hand and led him into the house. He followed, of course.
…
Dear Zelda,
I am glad for your invitation! I had suspected the two of you would be a good match, but I couldn’t say as much. You’re far too stubborn, and I knew love would have to take you unawares, if it took you at all. Link was an honest sort, and a good friend… and I wish you both all the happiness in the world!
Business is going well here. It turns out their numbers were excellent, and they just didn’t know it, and I truly haven’t had a chance to write I have been so busy!
There are things I miss about England, but I am enjoying my life here. Please keep writing to me, I will try to respond. And, I suspect the wedding will have come to pass by the time I receive this invitation, so I send you congratulations.
All of my love,
Midna