Time and Shadows Chapter 1- The Departure
"Shadow and light are two sides of the same coin, one cannot exist without the other. I know the reason the goddesses left the Mirror of Twilight in this world. They left it because it was their design that we should meet. Yes... that is what I believe."
The words filled Link's mind. His eyes met Zelda's. Then Midna's. His eyes, which had seen so much of the world's beauties and demons with the beautiful Twili, the eyes which witnessed a friendship blossom, the eyes which would see his dear friend depart.
"Goodbye Link…" Midna's voice sounded heavy and sorrowful. As if she were never going to see him again. "Midna, I'll see you again, won't I?" Link's eyes fixated on Midna's face. It was new to him. Strange even. He was used to the childish grin of the imp he grew to cherish. The playful remarks she spoke. The incessant and petty insults she constantly threw at him. Yet despite her flaws, Link loved her as if she were his little sister. The imp he knew however, had changed. A beautiful woman met his eyes. He no longer saw a little sister, but a wise queen. One meant to rule a kingdom with compassion and fairness.
It didn't even catch Link's attention. As Midna walked through the Gate to the Twilight Realm, the Mirror of Twilight shattered, and with a single teardrop, Midna had destroyed the only link between their worlds. "MIDNA NO!" Link ran to the Gate but felt a soft hand restrain him. "Link, it must be done. Midna knows of her fate, and she knows leaving the Mirror intact any longer means risking it to fall into the hands of evil. She must leave to rule her kingdom." A tear left Princess Zelda's eye. Link opened his mouth in protest, but stayed silent. His knees hit the floor of the dusty chamber. He watched with grief as Midna disappeared out of his life… forever.
The light coming from the Mirror of Twilight became blinding, and as the Gate between the two worlds was closing, Link could hear Midna's voice. "I love you Link. Take care of Zelda." With that, the light subsided. The ginormous room darkened once again, and Link stood up. Tears spilled from his eyes, and Zelda quickly embraced him. She held him fiercely. Her presence calmed Link. He couldn't help but notice her beauty. Her stunning, porcelain skin and beautiful blue eyes. The long and silky brown hair that ran down her back. She spoke reassuring words to the grief stricken hero. Link seldom cried, but despite the apparent awkwardness, he felt soothed. Her regal voice serenaded him to the point where he was once again the calm and collected hero everyone knew and loved.
"I-I'm sorry Princess. I didn't mean to-"
"Link, you have risked your life on multiple occasions in the name of saving your kingdom. Our kingdom. You have not only saved Hyrule, but have saved my life. You mustn't give me an apology. It is I who must give one to you. I had tasked you with an extraordinary duty. One that only you could accomplish. I am sorry. And please, call me Zelda. I much rather prefer it from those who are close to me."
"Thank you Zelda."
The Princess's beauty once again caught his attention. Her voice, calming yet firm, held his attention. Link heard compliments all the time throughout his quest. He was after all, a hero by nature. Link always took them in stride, with Midna's giggles constantly reminding him of her presence. However, Zelda's remark felt different. He felt truly honored. It was as if her words where a gift in themselves.
"Link, I am deeply sorry, but I am afraid I must burden you once again with another task."
"Of course Zelda."
Link was ready for whatever obstacle was coming his way. Despite meeting Zelda on few occasions, he felt connected to her. He felt as if he had known her forever.
"As embarrassing as it is to say this, I need an escort back to town. I have rarely left Castle Town, let alone ventured to Arbiter's Grounds."
Link simply nodded his head. Relief flooded his body. He wasn't a man of many words. Thoughts rushed through his mind however. He was expecting monsters, demons, puzzles, and above all, pain. It was almost funny that all the Princess needed was an escort. Then it struck Link. He would be spending what would be a six hour trip back to Castle Town with Zelda, alone. The journey getting to the desert had been relatively quiet. Link needed the peace after his recent defeating of Ganondorf.
"Link I am ready to head back when you are."
A smile appeared on the hero's face as he reached into his bag and pulled out the horseshoe shaped whistle. As the green clad warrior blew into the instrument, an entrancing melody filled the air.
Zelda's face lit up. She marveled at Link and stared tentatively as he played.
"What a gorgeous instrument!"
Her face, normally solemn and regal, lost its composure for a split second, and Link saw a twinkle in Zelda's eyes. He saw her smile, and he loved seeing her happy. It felt strange seeing the princess in such a happy state. Link was now determined to see that beautiful smile again. No matter what.
Zelda quickly regained her composure. "Link, that is a stunning instrument, but I don't see how it helps our situation."
Zelda was suddenly interrupted by the sound of hooves marking their way up the chamber's rocky path. Epona stood majestically in the presence of the two triforce bearers.
"Absolutely stunning. You have once again outdone yourself hero."
Link gracefully lifted the princess and gently placed her on the mare. Zelda situated herself on the horse and placed her legs in a sidesaddle manner due to the restraints of her dress. Link easily hopped on his horse, and Epona whinnied happily at the sight of her master. With a slight kick to her side, Epona was off, and the two were on their way to Hyrule Castle.
