Special thanks to hairyhen for his advice.
Dreams
At night a princess dreams.
On the threshold of hardship and joy—she knew them both well—she burst awake, sat up and left her satin sheets behind. With a tremble in her breath she whisked her silky robe from where it hung, nearly putting out a bedside candle as she dashed past. The flame twisted and shook in protest before stretching upward once more, ready to light the unoccupied bed chamber until it had no wick left to burn.
The rush of bare feet broke the sleeping castle's silence. Guards standing at attention watched with curious eyes as their ruler walked by. Some exchanged glances in the dark.
A long stretch of corridor carried her away. More soldiers, aware of the futility of questions, watched quietly as she passed.
Halls, stairwells and a throne room were bypassed for a door. She departed from the grand structure, exchanging one form of darkness for another.
Red hair fluttered on a soft breeze as she entered the enclosed garden. The somber calls of creatures reminded her more of his world than her own. The memories just wouldn't leave her alone.
Why did I believe that I could forget?
The twilit sky watched as she pulled close a gazania. She ran a finger over the lavish yellow flower that the night had sealed shut.
Because light and shadow were never meant to mix.
He needed the light. And duty had called her back to the twilight.
Because our work is finished. Our partnership is no longer needed.
She achieved what she needed to achieve. Her people and her land were saved. Her station was restored. Luckily for him, his home was salvaged in the process.
She started to smile. She dropped her eyes to the flower.
Is he as haunted as I am?
Her gaze went blank. For several minutes she absently stroked the petals.
I couldn't possibly feel this way…. And it would be absurd if he were to—
The sharpness of her breath caught her by surprise. She clutched the flower's vine.
He understands. She looked to the sky. He understands why it had to happen.
She held the cloudy sky firmly in her gaze.
Surely he understands why I broke it.
Her lips parted.
It was to protect you, Link. To protect all of you.
She took a drawn-out breath.
Because you would be thickheaded enough to follow me.
Her mouth trembled into a shaky smile. As she shut her eyes, a tear fell.
I didn't care at first; but now I care more than I can even understand.
Soft light of the night glistened on her dampening skin.
The look on your face when you finally saw me….
A laugh mixed with a quiet sob.
The look that I couldn't bear to see as I left you….
She slowly sighed.
It wasn't only because I didn't want to appear vulnerable. I would have told you how I felt, but it would have hurt you. And nothing more.
She could see his tender smile. She could feel his gentle touch. She could hear his steady breathing as he slept. With every powerful swing of the Master Sword she secretly languished. With every growl of unrivaled ferocity her toes curled. And those striking blue eyes—
She looked at the sky again.
If only I could—
She gave a rueful shake of her head.
But there isn't any way. Not now. The gateway is shattered forever.
Looking down, she took the slumbering flower in both hands.
Because light and twilight can never mix.
Suddenly, the petals in her hands began to curl out. With widening eyes she watched as the flower painstakingly opened, exposing the inside.
When it had bloomed fully, she viewed it in wonder. Maybe this flower was sick, confusing the dead of night for morning. Perhaps the steadfast twilight was bright enough to trick it into opening prematurely. Or—just maybe—it was trying to tell her something.
She dried her face.
Wrapping her fingers around the delicate blossom, she drew it to her chest. As she peered into the sky, an artful smile curled her lips.
….
At night a wandering hero dreams….