The Legend of Zelda: Everlasting (2nd book in the Timeless series)

Chapter 20

Link walked around, watching as the many Knights-in-training were practicing in their chosen area. They had gotten much better over the few weeks they had lived here. They were close to standing a chance in battle. Everything seemed to be looking up,
"Your majesty." Sheik called from across the grounds. Link looked over for a moment before walking that way. Sheik was standing beside a small woman, a tough look sketched on her face, which was framed by bright pink hair that was pulled into a ponytail. It still went a good ways down her back. Bangs hung over her eyes, but she didn't seem to care. She was dressed in mostly dark clothing, with a tight black vest, simple shorts, and combat boots. There was more to her outfit, but Link didn't know what things were called, and frankly he didn't care much. She looked ready for combat,
"Um, how may I help you, miss?" He asked, confused as to why she was here,
"Miss? What, it's been so long you don't even recognize an old friend? Wow, I'm hurt," She said with mock sadness,
"Wha-Wait! Quinn?" Link asked, shocked. She had changed from when he had known her,
"Ding ding ding!" She said, touching her nose. He chuckled,
"Wow, it's been forever! You look great!" He said, dismissing Sheik. He nodded and walked back to his lesson. Quinn chuckled,
"Don't let your wife catch you saying that," she teased. He then noticed the two rapiers on her hip,
"No offense, but why are you here?" He asked. She looked at him firmly,
"I want to fight,"
"Woah, no-can-do. We're not accepting women, sorry." She raised an eyebrow,
"That's a shame. I know there's women in this town that could outfight some of the men you have anyday. I never saw you as the discriminating type, Link," she said, crossing her arms,
"I won't have you get hurt, sorry to disappoint you." Link said, shrugging and turning away. He felt her hand grab his wrist,
"Come on, please?" She asked, "I can handle it, and I can prove it. You have to at least give me a chance," he looked back at her, quiet for a minute. He then sighed,
"One week. Then, you prove to me your worth it. If you pass, you can stay. Otherwise, you go. Understand?" She looked a bit shocked at his seriousness,
"Ok, you got it dude! Catch up later?" She said, giving him a thumbs-up before running over to join the training. He chuckled before putting his arms behind his back and continuing to walk around.
~~
"Master, why are we delaying? They are only growing stronger!" Dark Link complained, looking up at Dayfos. All they had been doing was observing the enemy's strength grow, "I want some action!" He immediately regretted that. He was sure Dayfos would punish him for speaking out like that.
He surprised him though,
"I'm sure you get plenty with the girl I have graciously given you," he said instead. Dark Link wasn't embarrassed at all,
"Naturally," he agreed, "But I meant the sort of action she can't give me! The kind of thrill that I can only get by the sound of the stupid hero's scream of pain that I cause." he said, scenarios playing through his head,
"Silence, my son. You will get your pleasure soon enough. In fact, I have an idea of how," he said, chuckling darkly as his eyes zoomed in on Zelda, walking out of a shop down below.