Between writing that Link/Ilia fic and reading lots of Twilight Princess stories, I've just been in a Twilight Princess sort of mood lately. Enjoy a random drabble from my imagination. And apologies if this isn't completely plausible, considering that Zelda and Link interact very little in the game.
P.S. I still do not own Legend of Zelda.
The wolf growled softly at the sound of footsteps, a feeble but firm warning if the nearing stranger meant harm. He could do little to defend himself in his current state, his fur matted with blood and his breathing labored from battle. His impish companion had gone to fetch help, and he had no means of summoning her. But he would never surrender without a fight. "Hush," a gentle voice soothed, "It's only me."
The creature instantly relaxed, collapsing to the ground as the hooded maiden knelt at his side. "You foolish beast," she chided quietly, allowing her fingers to trail through the tangled fur, "You're of no use to anyone dead; you mustn't exert yourself so."
Raising his head defiantly, the wolf managed a small growl in his defense. The lady shook her head, a small smirk playing across her lips, "You're not ridding yourself of me that quickly. You and I are still connected-" as if on cue, the Triforce on her hand emitted a faint glow, the identical symbol on the wolf's paw reacting in the same manner, "-and I sense more of your anguish than you know, Link."
The wolf made no move to resist as his princess wetted a cloth in the nearby brook and began dabbing at his fur, slowly washing away the stench of blood and easing the discomfort of his fresh wounds. He watched her warily with his steely blue eyes, but made no sound. The woman, too, remained silent, bandaging and attending to his injured limbs and paws with a tenderness he felt unworthy of. He was, after all, a monster.
As she finished, she made her way to sit against a nearby tree, letting her eyes fall shut with a sigh. The creature approached her, for the first time noticing the exhaustion splayed across her face. Her complexion pallid with anxiety. Her shoulders sagging beneath the weight of loss—the loss of a kingdom. He wished with all his heart he could console her, but alas. He was still a detestable creature of shadow, and she was still the fairest of princesses. Offering what little comfort he could, he nestled his head in her lap, hoping he could at least warm her from the chill of the woodland breeze.
She opened her eyes languidly, smiling as she gazed into his fierce blue eyes and stroked her hand across his head. "The twilight is already lifting. Your journey is nearly over," she murmured, her fingers slowing as she began to succumb to her drowsiness.
"I have faith in you," she whispered, her voice barely above the wind.
Her hand slid off of his back lifelessly as the princess fell prey to her fatigue. The wolf nuzzled her palm, his only means of thanking her. He, too, then fell into a restful sleep, knowing he'd awaken refreshed and prepared to continue his mission. And perhaps one day, see the beautiful smile that had long been lost from her majesty's lips.