Secret Visit
He had escaped from the watchful eyes of Midna. Running alongside the Castle drains, Link searched for the entrance. His paws were almost silent against the wet ground. The only noise was the wind, the rain and his own breathing. The rattling of the broken shackle on his leg woke him from his thoughts.
Zelda.
What he was doing was quite dangerous. Although he was powerful, when the shadow beasts cornered him, he was nothing without Midna's power. Besides that if the palace guards saw him, he was in for big trouble. In addition, when he got back, he would never hear the end of it. Not only was Midna controlling but she was smart too. She would know where he had been.
The padding of his paws hitting the ground grew loud as he loped across the stone floor of the Castle Waterway. His ears twitched, searching for danger. The tunnels were like a maze. If he had not been there before, he would be lost instantly. Finally having made it across the high roofs and up the winding staircase, he came to the door.
It crossed his mind that this was a stupid thing to do, and he should just turn around. No. He had come too far for that, besides, he was desperate for a bit of friendly company, which was not a self-important imp.
He drew in a deep breath and opened the door. It groaned as the old hinges struggled to do their job and the oak buckled. He peered in looking for some movement in the room. He was somewhat startled to see the Princess slumped against the window column, fast asleep. He crept across the ground, and sat next to her. Link gazed into Zelda's face. She was usually so serious and anxious. It was so strange to see her at peace. She turned a little and her head drooped.
To Link's amazement, she started to cry in her sleep, mumbling about how it was all her fault. This made him wonder whether Zelda though it was her fault the Shadow Beasts had come. Surely, she could not possibly suggest the whole tragedy was up to her decision.
One thing was certain; he did not like to watch her cry. As her warm tears fell to the cold floor, he leant against her, humming a tune under his breath. This made him wonder too. He had never heard the song before but it seemed so familiar...
He jumped when the Princess stirred and opened her eyes. He grinned in his funny lupine grin.
"Am I still dreaming?" she asked, looking a bit dazed.
Link shook his head violently, the motion tussling his ears and mane of hair. Zelda smiled, looking down at him.
"You really shouldn't have come... but I am glad you did," She said. Link looked at the floor, a little embarrassed.
"How did you get away from Midna? Surely she must watch you like a hawk!" She enquired, glancing around the room. He smiled and winked.
"Does that mean it's a secret?" She asked, smiling. He bobbed his head up and down, still grinning. Zelda reached out and stroked his ears. He leant against her. Suddenly, she stood up and walked to her bed. While sitting down she said sarcastically, "Here boy!"
Link barked his disapproval at the insult but walked over and jumped on the bed. He placed his head in her lap and began humming again. This was a welcome break from their everyday life. If it was to last only a minute, they would make the memory last forever.