Moonlight danced off cresting waves as a gentle breeze flew over the clam waters of the ocean. Perpetual warmth hung in the air of this tropical longitude making it a favored sailing route. Along with the warm current the area sported a small chain of islands that supported small game around their fresh water lakes and streams. It was one of these islands that a trading ship was now headed for.
Instead of utilizing mast and sail, this boat was driven by two paddle wheels on the sides of the ship. Powered by the new steam technology small puffs of smoke where emitting from the stack on the stern of the boat. Light peaked out of the portholes from the cabin on the top deck silhouetting the pilot at the helm as he guided the boat towards shore. Light reflected off the water illuminated the ships name on the bow as, S.S. Linebeck.
Bring the steamboat to a stop inside the island's protective bay, the pilot dropped anchor and secured his lines. After a final check of the ships exterior the pilot turned and entered the crew cabin. Stepping into the glowing lantern light revealed the features of a mid-aged man dressed in a fashionable if somewhat abused blue overcoat. Black hair that ran down to slumping shoulders framed an angular face with bright red nose and black bags under the eyes.
Heading into the captains quarters, the pilot hung his coat on a hook before sagging into the squeaky chair in front of a large desk. Sea carts, plotting tools, an oil lamp, quill and ink sat on top of the desk. Lighting the lamp with a match, the captain pulled out a chart displaying the features of the area around the island. Checking off locations known to bear drinkable water and edible plants the captain made a list of thing he'd have to acquire before heading back to sea.
Frowning at the amount of provisions he would have to carry back the captain began plotting how he would finish the task. Thankful he had an answer in the form of his young passenger. Recently brought on, the youth had arranged for passage as he quested to save his petrified girlfriend who was now a resident of the ship's cargo hold. Payment for ferrying the too around was an open ended contract stating that any treasure the boy found in the various temples and dungeons he searched went to the captain.
The captain knew he was taking advantage of the youth, a fact his little fairy companion constantly reminded him, but the kid didn't care for rupees and the trip was rather dangerous. If pressed the captain would relent and give the youth his fair share, but until the kid took the stand himself the treasure would remain in the captain's possession. It really was a lesson in how to stand up for one self, something the kid had trouble doing in the captain's opinion. So in the morning the captain would send the boy out for the provisions as he caught up on some rest.
Putting away the cart the captain began getting ready for bed. Before he could even pour the water to clean up his face thought the little fairy flew into his room and collided into his head. "What the heck Sparkles!?" the captain yelled as he rubbed his aching head, "I didn't do anything! What are you doing in my room?" "Hay! Listen!" Bobbing up and down in front of his face the fairy squeaked, "Something wrong with Link! He won't wake up!"
"So what, its nighttime he should be asleep." The captain informed the fairy grumpily. "Linebeck you dope, he thrashing around and his eyes are open!" The fairy informed the captain with concern, "That's not normal and he won't answer me!" Worry now entered Linebeck's mind as the words sank in. "So it a nightmare, kids get them all the time." The captain replied attempting to sound nonchalant. "Linebeck please, I can't wake him! Please help him!" The fairy pleaded with the captain.
With a sigh Linebeck got up and headed for Link's room with sparkles in tow. The boy's quarters where at the end of the crew cabin across from the water closet which seemed like a good idea to Linebeck if he remembered anything about being a kid. Slowly pushing open the door he peaked in calling the kid's name in case he was already up. "Link, you up? I just want to make sure you're alright."
Receiving no answer the captain fully opened the door and stepped in. Draped across a chair the kid's green tunic, shield, and sword sat waiting for the pint sized hero to wear in the morning. A chest of drawers sat at the far end of the room holding an assortment of weird gadgets and tools. In the bed under the port hole Link could be seen squirming under his sheets sweat gathering on his forehead as his eyes stared in horror at the ceiling.
"Great, the kid even fights monsters in his sleep." Linebeck muttered as he approached the bed and knelt down for a closer look. "You see, his eyes are open and he won't wake up!" The fairy stated as she bounced softly off the boy's cheek. In response to the contact Link throw an arm over his head and lashed out at the fairy and gave a small cry. "Link please wake up it's me Celia!"
"Don't touch him!" Linebeck ordered as he watched the interaction. "It a night terror. If we try to wake him we'll only make it worse." Keeping out of reach the captain made sure there was nothing the boy could grab or knock down on himself. "Linebeck, what's a night terror?" Celia asked as she floated around nervously. "Is it a curse or spell?"
Linebeck shock his head. "No, this is no curse. It just a sleeping disorder kids can get." The captain informed the fairy, "It can be triggered by over working yourself and not getting enough sleep or from unresolved emotional issues." Celia gave the equivalent of a nod then sparked brightly before flying right in front of the captain's face. "So you're the reason this is happening to Link!" She yelled angrily, "You always make him do your dirty work! If anything bad happens to him cause of this I'll make you pa…"
While the too where glaring at each other Link finally stilled in his bed and groaned before sitting up panting. "Hay, what's going on?" The boy asked sleepily, "Linebeck why are you in my room?" Celia came to a stop and flew around Link's head relieved he was awake. "Oh Link, you won't wake up so I asked Linebeck to help. I was worried you were cursed or something." The fairy informed the youth. "You where worried about me?" Link asked the captain slightly surprised.
Color crept into the captain's cheeks at the question. "Well I guess. You where having a night terror and I can't have anything happen to my treasure dog can I?" Linebeck asked lamely. "Oh, I see." Link said as Celia nuzzled in his hair as he took in the captain. Linebeck shifted uneasily as the boy's blue eye's bore through him. "Look you'll all hot so I'll get you some cold water and you'll feel better." Linebeck said more as an excuse to get out the room then anything else. "Thanks." Link called out as the captain exited the cabin.
Stopping at the water barrel Linebeck filled a cup and sighed. It was as if the kid knew how worried he was and Linebeck hated it when people started to pry into him. Now would be a bad time to get attached, he thought, this is only a job and once its done you can go back to your solitary life with nothing and no one to worry about. Steeling up his resolve he headed back to Link's room with his water.
Taking the cup gratefully Link downed it's contains in a few gulps then handed it back to Linebeck. "Well thanks; you can go back to bed now. I'm o.k." The boy said in a small voice before lying down and hugging his pillow to his chest still looking pale and frightened. Linebeck felt his stomach twist as a paternal felling he never felt before wormed its way into his head. "If you want I'll stay with you till you fall asleep." The captain offered nervously before he could stop himself.
"You don't have to if you don't wanna." Link said trying as always not to be anyone else's problem. "No, I know what it feels like to have a night terror. I don't mind if you need me to." The captain said knelling by the bed once more and offering a hand. Looking at Linebeck with big eyes Link finally reached out and grasped his hand tightly as Celia watched quietly. "Thanks," Link said as he settled down under the covers.
Feeling the warmth in Link's hand and seeing the sweat beads on his forehead prompting Linebeck to gently brush the locks of blonde hair off the kids face. Still cool from being out side the captain's fingers help sooth the heat from Link's head. With a soft sigh Link felt the fingers brushed away the stress he was feeling and helped him drift back asleep. Once the boy's breathing became slower and rhythmically paced Linebeck also felt a sort of peaceful contentment he had not found elsewhere.
"You can be such a nice guy sometimes Linebeck." Celia whispered almost ruining the moment. "Yay, well don't think too much into it, I just want him to be able to get the work done." The captain whispered back. "Whatever you say you big softy." The fairy stated smugly. "We'll let him wake up on his own in the morning and that should help prevent this happening tomorrow night." Linebeck quietly said as he laid Link's hand on the bed and got up to leave. "Just let him sleep in as long as he needs."
The fairy bobbed in confirmation as the captain closed the door. Once safely in his own quarters Linebeck finished cleaning up for bed. Then reaching into a chest he grabbed a bottle out for his night cap. Staring at the liquor that normally was the only way he could get any sleep, the captain felt different tonight. Tonight his mind was still and content and didn't bring up haunting memories. Putting the bottle down, he laid down in bed wondering if he need it tomorrow night.