Comfort of Royalty
She was gone. Shattering the Mirror of Twilight with a single tear, Midna left this world. Link's stunned face fell as he realised she wasn't ever coming back. His pained expression showed that, no matter how irritating and demanding she was Midna had been a good friend while the time lasted. Zelda looked sad too, but her feelings were nothing compared to his. She had not travelled with Midna.
Link turned away, his goofy smile betraying his efforts not to break down.
"Shall we go?" he said quickly, trying not to make eye contact with the Princess.
"Are you sure you're ready, Link?" Zelda replied, peering into his downhearted face. He swallowed, as if a lump was sitting in his throat, and looked down at Zelda.
"No..." he mumbled, his voice quivering, "no, I'm not sure"
"Thought so..." Zelda said, looking down and smiling softly, "you're so easy to read, Link, but so deep somehow..." She wandered over to the edge of the mirror platform and sat on the warm, ochre bricks. She tapped the space to her side, "Sit down..."
Link didn't move straight away and dithered a little, doubting if she was serious.
"But Princess..." he stuttered, blushing bright pink.
"But nothing... and please call me Zelda."
Link obeyed, a scolded puppy, and sat withdrawn, cheeks burning next to the Princess of Hyrule. She sighed and stared at him. Zelda frowned, wrinkling her face in deep thought as he hung his head, avoiding her enchanting eyes.
"You will need to let it go, let your memories of her fade... if you forever dwell in this moment, you will never be truly happy."
"But... Z...Zelda..." He said choking on the informal addressing towards his superior.
"Link, it is difficult - but no less difficult that the rest of your hardships thus far..."
"I know..." He murmured, focusing on the floor. Zelda stood up and raised a hand. Link cowered, more scared of her than he ever was of any monster. To his astonishment, she gently rested her hand on his shoulder and smiled. He could not help but smile back, but not in the goofy grin which he usually had spread across his face. He smiled sweetly, like a little boy looking at a girl in a higher school year. The Princess noticed this, cocked her head, and relaxed her shoulders.
"Link... since she's gone, I'll be here for you. You do know that..."
"Thank you!" he said. Taking her by surprise, his coy appearance melted away, he stood and grasped her in a tight hug. Her wide eyes flicked around since her head was locked over his shoulder, shocked by this sudden change in attitude from someone who as usually so quiet and withdrawn. As she thought about it, her expression changed and tears rolled down her cheeks.
"Think of me as a replacement, just more understanding... and not full of myself!" she said, mimicking his grin perfectly, "You'll get used to it..."
Link lent back, holding her waist. He had retained his broad smile.
"Don't worry... I will"
Zelda pulled free and clutched his hand.
"We'd better leave... come on," She said as she towed him away from the past and into peace...