Grandmother turned in her chair to the smiling face of her grandson. Disbelief washed over her at first, it wasn't until he kneeled down to give her a hug did the reality sink in. Link was back, "Is it all over? Are you home for good now?" Hope poured out of her soul as she embraced him. "Yes, I am home now." he said softly in her ear. A few tears managed to escape from Grandmother's eyes in that warm moment, whatever he had done and whatever he needed to do to come back to her was over. He was home again and nothing could change that fact.
"Oh let's stop all this silly business, you are back and we need to have a Welcome Home Dinner ready!" Hopping out of the rocker she went straight for her cooking pot, "How about some of my famous soup? You have always liked it and I'm sure you would like it since it's been a while." Grandmother went about busing herself with cooking. Whenever things needed to be celebrated, Grandmother always prepared a large meal, it was her way of saying I love you.
"Grandmother, I brought some friends too, I hope that it is alright."
"Don't be silly, of course! The more the merrier, in fact you should go talk to the villagers so they can welcome you home, and see if they want to come to dinner as well."
Link opened the door, and Aryll flew in not waiting for Link to get out of the way. She went over and surprised Grandmother from behind, now was their time to hug and get sentimental. Turning to Tetra and the crew, "How would you all like to join us for dinner tonight, the more the merrier!"
Tetra faced Link with disappointment behind her eyes, "Nah, I think it's about time that me and my crew head back out to the sea." With that little remark, they all turned and began walking away.
"Wait! No you guys can't go, it wouldn't be a celebration without all of you, besides..." Link stepped closer to Tetra so only she could hear his words, "...It wouldn't be a celebration without you here with me." Lifting her chin so their eyes met, "Please say you will stay."
Tetra blushed a little, she couldn't deny that she and Link had something between them; but she thought after this whole ordeal was over, everything would go back to normal and things wouldn't escalate. "I suppose resting one night wouldn't hurt us, what do you say men?" A resounding 'Hizaa!' came from them all, "I guess we stay then."
Link was delighted that they were going to stay, more so that Tetra was. "Great! Tetra, do you want to come with me to invite the villagers?" Link took her hand leading the way off of the porch, "Sure I wouldn't mind, men you stay here and relax a little, I will be back in a while."
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The dinner was great; one that rejuvenated everyone's weary bodies, Grandmother's food always had that effect. It was crowed though especially with the whole village and the pirates together under one roof, so the party was taken outside into the cool night air. Once everyone was done eating, they settled around a fire pit down near Orca and Sturgeon's house. Everyone kept asking about the adventures that Link had faced and how he defeated all the challenges. Link was being modest with everyone, yes he had accomplished all of the feats, but he didn't wish to relieve them either. Answering with the barest of details, Tetra's crew filled in the rest.
Everyone was having a really good time, especially when the pirates began to tell everyone their own adventurous tales. Grabbing Tetra's hand, Link managed to pull her away from the fire and go on a night stroll of the island. No one noticed them leaving, so it was a perfect opportunity just to be with her.
Nothing was said much as they walked in the evening, they were just walking together holding hands. Link really did find Tetra to be beautiful, someone he could really find himself loving. She definitely was strong willed, knowing exactly what she wanted, and he was fond of her.
They managed to walk all the way to the fairy fountain on the mountain above the village, all in silence. Upon entering the wooded area, the whole woods were lit up with hundreds of dancing fireflies. Link turned Tetra so they were facing one another, "Tetra, you have meant so much to me over this year, and there are no words to describe it all..." breaking off Link placed his hand on the side of Tetra's face.
Tetra clasped his hand on her cheek; her heart was a flutter with joy as his words filled her head. Looking into Link's eyes, both of their attraction culminated in one sweet caress of their lips. The world seemed to stop and all that existed was between Link and Tetra. The fountain, the fireflies, the evening, the world just existed for them in that fated moment. Breaking their embrace, they gazed at one another for a while. Now that the passions of the excitement boiled over into their heavenly moment, they saw each other for the first time.
Tetra saw Link for the first time over again, he was still a little boy in her eyes. There was no doubt that he could do anything he wanted to, but what did he want to do. Stepping back and turning to watch the fireflies, she released Link's hand to admire their dance. Link let her hand slip and sat on the edge of the fountain, she was Tetra. No matter complications lied in her path; she conquered them and went on her way. She had all the qualities that he admired, but was it possible she was too strong, at least too strong to stand at his side. Slowly the fireflies faded into the night sky and they both joined hands for the return trip. On the way back, they both kept silent and eye contact to a minimum. Both had thoughts of doubt running through their minds, despite all of the factors pushing them together.
As they came back to the fire, they noticed that there was only Tetra's crew left sitting there. Releasing their hands they smiled at each other just before coming into the fire light. Luckily Niko was asleep or the taunts from him would be relentless. Nothing was said except a simple goodnight and they split ways, Link to his nice warm house, and Tetra at fireside with her crew.
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Link opened his eyes to a brightly lit, silent house; he must have been more tired that first thought. Quickly dressing he made his way outside, it was still fairly early but there were a few people about. Not the crew though, in fact he didn't even see them at the fire pit. Grandmother was in the garden already planning tonight's meal, "Grandmother, have you seen Tetra this morning?"
"Oh yes, they went aboard their ship a little while ago, something about planning, they were talking about." Then she returned to her work.
Link got curious, what could they be planning he thought. Thankfully, The King of the Red Lions was kind enough to give him a short ride to their ship, instead of swimming. Climbing the rope ladder and hopping on deck, he heard voices coming from the Captain's Quarters.
