((Read more for short story))

“Can I open my eyes yet?”
“Not yet!”
“Liiiiink!”
“Just a little longer, keep them closed!”

Link stopped Epona, carefully dismounting and offering a hand to Zelda. “Now?” She asked, holding his arm tightly as her feet hit the soft forest floor.

“Just a bit longer.” He smiled as she made a little pout but kept her eyes closed. He guided her up a small embankment and through a little glen, finally stopping and turning her around, putting his hands over her eyes. He paused a moment, just for effect. “Okay…. now.” He pulled his hands away as she opened her eyes, taking in a breath as she did.

The forest around them glittered with fireflies in the summer night, every tree gleeming and sparkling like a thousand little candles. The tall trunks reached high above them as the canopy of leaves filtered the moonlight in a pale shade of green.

“It’s beautiful…!” Zelda gasped, turning on the spot to admire the sight from every direction. Link grinned, watching her amazement. He knew she didn’t get out of the castle much, and there were so many things she didn’t get to see… well now there was one less.

Fireflies were flying all around them, and Zelda held out her hand to catch one, watching it light up and then fly off her fingertip. She looked at Link and smiled, not even able to put into words how happy she was. This surprise had been worth the entire ride with her eyes closed.

He held a hand out to her, waiting for her to take it before pulling her into a spin. Around and around until they fell over, laughing, before laying and looking up at the stars.

“Thank you… Link.” She said, turning her head to look at him. He smiled. Happy birthday, Zelda.