Disclaimer: I do not own The Legend of Zelda's.
Legend of Zelda
(Link's Pov)
As Epona and I rounded the corner on our way to Zelda's Castle, I started thinking about the last time I was there. I was appointed Knight, no wait, First Knight.
Zelda thinks too much of me. Actually all of Hyrule thinks too much of me.
I didn't need a reward, but Zelda insisted so what was I to do? Deny the Princess?
Epona halted at the bridge and I dismounted.
Town was the same… except for the fact that I had to hide on my way through as to not get noticed and get stuck in a crowed of people wanting to thank me and/or ask favors of me. The people of Hyrule have always been very sweet to me and I appreciate their kindness and generosity but, I was in a hurry.
I hadn't been to Ordon Village at all. I haven't had time. This was my last meeting with Zelda, and then I planned on going back to my peaceful home.
I ducked behind a cart full of fruit and walked behind it past a group of people. Then I dashed into an alley where I waited my next moving hiding place.
The next cart was of fish and, no offense to the owners, it stank. I slipped away along side it until both sides were approached by shoppers. That's when I tucked myself underneath it and pulled the decorative cloth down to cover me.
After a while I was able to make it to the court yard and from there to the castle.
Princess Zelda stood there in the middle of the large lavish room talking to one of her servants. I waited patently for her to finish before I presented myself to her. She turned on her heels, her long formal dress spinning with her. She smiled when she caught sight of me. Everything about her showed the normal, noble, beautiful Princess except that she had her hair wavy, curly instead of straight today.
"Sir Link, how are you this evening? It seems so long since you left to check up on the Gorons. Oh and how are they doing?"
"They are doing fine. King Goron wonders if you ever plan on visiting their hot springs. I am doing fine as well. Thank you." I answered.
"One day I will be sure to. Now, shall we discuss your next or last assignment before you return to Ordon?"
Maybe it was just me, but I thought I heard resentment in her voice when she said that last part.
"Of course."
She led the way to her personal study. This was different. Normally we talk right there in the throne room. The study wasn't too big but rather cozy. Two sofas, each one in the shape of a half circle facing each other in the middle of the room. Wide bookcases went from floor to ceiling and stuffed full of books. Some books were on the floor stacked into stool size piles.
Once the door shut behind me I could tell that something was up. Nothing was ever this private with Zelda unless she was troubled.
She said "Sir Link, there are no more assignments that I want to give you but I want to talk to you about something rather personal."
"What do you want to talk about?" I asked when she seemed lost for words.
"Why? Why do you want to return to that forest? That village is poor and you'll work as a farm boy. I'm sorry but I just don't understand why someone so important and amazing like you wants to waste their life as a farm boy!" Zelda exclaimed.
"Zelda. Please don't forget that I was a farm boy before this ever happened. Ordon Village is my home."
"Link. I want you to rule Hyrule by my side. Please consider being King of this land. You deserve more than that place." Zelda's offer stopped me for a second. Me, King ? Where was this coming from?
"You flatter me too much. I won't try to make you understand, just know that this is what I want." I tried to say this calmly but I ended up not able to hide my irritation in the end. Zelda also sensed my irritation and ended it.
"Well then Sir Link. I wish you well. You… you… are dismissed." I bowed my head and headed for the door. Knights bowed to me as I passed them down the hall.
I exited the Castle forgetting completely about my popularity and, consequently, found myself in a sea of town folk shaking hands and repeating 'thank you' and 'of course' over and over again. All the while I was smiling until my cheeks hurt, trying to show my appreciation for their generosity. By the time I made my way to Epona, I had promised 25 (I think, I lost count) people I'd protect their young and teach them swordsmanship.
Joy swept over me once I entered the forest of familiarity. The smells, the sounds, the scenery, everything made me feel refreshed. I half expected Ilia to be at the spring waiting to welcome me home but she wasn't there so I just dismounted and lead Epona to the water to drink. After I had some as well, I headed toward my house where I put Epona up and entered the house for the first time in so long.
Everything was where I left it but, dust had taken over. Everything looked faded and the scent of neglect seeped through the wood. I guess I should have had someone watch it while I was gone, or returned sooner. I thought. I went to my dresser and pulled out my old clothes. Putting them on I found that I must have changed, physically, during my adventure. My white sleeveless shirt was tight around my chest and the new muscles on my shoulders and arms had a hard time fitting through the arm holes. The detachable green sleeve didn't fit at all so I just left it in the drawer. And the pants I used to wear were short. They used to go just past my knees but they now go just above them. Everything else was fine. After checking the mirror and putting my hero outfit up I laid down for a quick nap.
My 'quick nap' ended up being an all nighter. I didn't plan on sleeping like that. I wanted to see everyone as soon as I could. I got up, didn't bother with the ladder; I just jumped down and did the same out side. It felt strange not having the kids greeting me like they always did. I remembered how every time I went outside there they were, smiling up at me. A lot of people like me and stuff but with those kids I felt like a big brother. I guess I just missed them a lot.
"Morning Epona. Nice to be home huh?" I said to her petting her neck. I saddled her up and lead her into the village.
As I rounded the corner I saw Colin, Talo and Beth swinging play swords at each other.
I thought Colin was too gentle to want to learn to fight but there he was striking and blocking like he'd been practicing for a while, the only thing I would comment on would be to loosen up his shoulders.
As I got closer Beth dropped her sword, a look of shock on her face, and ran up to me.
"He's back! He's back!! Link you finally made it back!!" She squealed. Her voice rivaled that of the screaming zombies in some of the temples I've explored.
I smiled nonetheless at her excitement to see me. The other boys ran over as well.
"Link you returned! Tell me about your adventures! Everything!" Talo demanded.
"Link I was getting worried. I'm so happy to see you." Colin said shyly.
"Thank you. I'm glad to be home. I see you guys have been learning swordsmanship while I've been gone." I gave them all a proud smile and told them I would tell them what ever they wanted to know after I said hi to everyone else including Ilia.
I was so nervous walking up to Ilia's house Epona almost had to buck me up the stairs.
She gave me an encouraging look. Right as I was about to knock on the door it burst open knocking me backwards and the Mayor Bo picked me up and gave me a bone crushing hug that squeezed four hearts out of me.
"Link! My boy, you finally made it home! Ilia was about to die from worrying over you. Come in, have a cup of tea eh?" He practically carried me inside before I had a chance to speak.
He sat me down on the couch and left for the kitchen. I looked around for Ilia and saw her treading down the stairs hurriedly.
"I knew you'd come back I knew it! What took you so long? I was worried sick!"
Coming to the end of the stairwell she tripped and headed head first into the wooden floor. I jumped up and, thank the goddesses, was able to grab her before she got hurt.
She looked up at me with an amazed expression on her face.
Then she stood on her own and with those big, deep, olive green colored eyes stared into my eyes. She just stared at me. I couldn't help but get self-conscious under her unwavering stare. At first I thought maybe she noticed how my outfit was a bit smaller. My face probably lit up as red as a tomato because she laughed out loud a little.
Suddenly her face seemed to come forward slightly. And then a little more, and a little more, her face relaxed, became serene and she closed her eyes. I didn't know what she was doing until her pink lips puckered. Does she want me to kiss her? I thought. I stepped back trying to decide what to do. She went up on her tippy toes the reach my face. Hesitantly, I checked around for Bo incase he were watching.
She continued her pursuit for my lips.
I probably shouldn't have but, I leaned into her. As our lips inched closer, I could feel her breath on my face and then Bo came in.
"The tea is ready! Hope our hero likes it strong!" he bellowed once he entered the room.
Ilia sat her self down in a chair, putting as mush space between us as possible as to not raise suspicion. Personally, I was a bit disappointed at Bo's timing to say the very least but his fatherly timing was admirable.
Bo poured Ilia and me a cup and sipped contently on his. An awkward silence had taken over the room so Bo was the first to speak.
"Link, you've traveled all over Hyrule now I hear. What did you think?"
"Um well. Every place I saw was beautiful. They all had they're own theme sort to speak and I met quite a few people." There was a lot more that I wanted to say but didn't want to rant on.
Ilia seemed interested and asked.
"Tell us more about the places Link. What kind of 'themes' were there?"
I briskly described the Forest, Fire, Water, Snow and Sand temples and a little about the Temple of Time. Bo then asked me about the enemy's I had to face so I ran through that too. I had wrapped up when Rusl and his wife came in. After they greeted me they and Bo and Ilia decided that a home coming party should be had. A party didn't seem necessary to me but everyone was excited about the idea.
The women got to cooking. Talo, Malo and Colin collected chairs and decorations. Bo, Rusl and Talo's Dad brought out the long table. I was told to do nothing because I was the guest of honor but, I helped Colin carry a chair (or two) since it was too heavy for him.
I got caught carrying chairs by Rusl who sat me in a chair in his view. 'The guest of honor shouldn't have to set up his own party!' he said.
Once the preparations were finished, music was played and everybody started enjoying themselves. I grabbed a plate and filled it with a little bit of everything. Rusl's wife came over to me after I finished my third helping and told me to get up and dance.
Her exact words were more like,
"Come on Heroe, let's dance." She grabbed my hands and pulled me to the dance area. Rusl's wife has been like a mother to me so I didn't feel awkward dancing with her however, I have no idea how to dance.
The older woman swung our arms up as she spun underneath them. The music was a picking up pace and she did steps and kicks in the air along with it. I glanced around and saw Beth and Talo dancing close by. The dance everyone was doing was the traditional Ordon Step.
"Hey come on, its easy. Here let me show you." She broke it down into easy 1,2,3 steps.
I was able to learn a few moves but I doubt I could pull off anything fancy.
We danced or a while then she pulled me across the floor to Ilia and pushed me toward her with an encouraging nod.
Ilia was dressed up in a strapless violet dress that was slanted at the bottom rimmed in ruffles. It hugged her curves beautifully and her butter colored hair was pushed forward a bit to frame her face. I had never seen her look like this before. She smiled at me and thankfully led the way back to the dance.