A/N ~ Yaayy, chapter two! THANKS FOR REVIEWING YOU GUYS!! I was kinda worried about sending out the email at first, because I didn't wanna like, force anyone to review... but I'm glad I did! Mwahaha, I'm suspecting that chapter three is gonna be fun to write, but here's number two for right now. Let me know what you think and r/r! Thank you!
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Chapter Two
For a long while, the two old friends chatted and Link nearly relived the entire past five months. He ended up telling the princess everything that had happened, ranging from the new lands she had never been visited before, to the many problems with exchanging the Hylian Rupees for other currency. Soon their laughter and voices died down along with the fire, and by now, the sky was jet black and sprinkled with millions of tiny white specks that blazed faintly in the distance.
After a long and almost awkward pause, Link looked up to see Zelda's eyes focused on his own and she quickly averted her gaze. However, he didn't do the same; instead, he took the moment to take her in. It had been so long...
Her golden locks raveled around her shoulders and neck, and he noticed that she wasn't wearing the tiara-like headpiece she usually had perched on the crown of her head. Instead, her sharp widows-peak came down on her forehead as her bright aquamarine eyes stood out against the fairness of her skin. Her nose ended with a delicate tip, and the lips around her mouth were relaxed, but full. Below her sloping shoulders where she had her arms wrapped around her, he saw her dress was thin and silky, unlike the ones she would wear at the castle, declaring her royalty. Instead, it was a simple design, creamy material with indigo ribbon lacing up the chest and tying at the elbows; not as casual as Malon, the ranch girl Link knew, but not as elegant or elaborate as what the princess of Hyrule would usually be found in.
"How did you manage to get away from the castle?" Link questioned. He had been wondering this for a while now, previously thinking that she would arrive with a castle guard or two.
"The traditional way, of course," she looked at him and smiled again. "I told everyone I was going to bed early and right after dinner, I went upstairs to my room, locked myself in, hid my pillows under the covers just in case, and headed out to the balcony. It was quite interesting, finding a way down to the lower ledges without killing myself and it certainly took long enough. But I left with time to spare, and I made it here fine."
With a grin on his lips, he laughed quietly at the thought of Zelda escaping from Hyrule Castle in such a way as she described.
A light breeze made the tree branches creak and the leaves flutter and for the first time since that morning, the climate was at last comfortable.
"How are you getting back?"
"Well," she hesitated for a moment. "I imagine you were planning on spending the night here, at the lake. You love doing that. Am I right?"
"Yes..."
"I was... hoping you would come back to the castle with me. I know you must've been anticipating spending the night here all through your journey, but... I think there's someone waiting for us back at the castle, who really wants to see you," she explained slowly, and she failed to suppress a sly smile.
Ah, yes, Link thought, I have been anticipating a night's rest here... but of course I'd give it up for more time with you in an instant. But curiosity struck before he had the chance to become submerged in thoughts, and he asked, "Who?"
This time the princess didn't make an attempt to hold back a mischievous smirk. "If you want to know, you'll have to accompany me back."
Link let out a heavy sigh. "Oh, if I must," he joked. They shared a quiet laugh, and he added, "It's getting late though. We should leave soon."
"I'll get Epona," Zelda stood up, let out a soft yawn, and the wind billowed the lower layers of her dress as she glided over to where the horse was laying. Link followed, stretching his arms over his head. As soon as he had slung the leather pack of supplies over his shoulder, he saw Zelda already had the mare standing and waiting. She, on the other hand, was watching the skies.
He strode closer to them, and put the bag at the base of the horse's neck. He was about to climb on when the princess said, "You know, I've never really been here at night."
Link swayed, and then put his foot back on the ground. He stepped around the horse, and stood behind her, replying, "It's great, isn't it?"
"Beautiful..." Her voice was just above a whisper. She suddenly turned to face him, and began speaking very fast. "You're so lucky, Link! To be able to just... hop on a horse and ride anywhere you please! Whether it's the next town, or the next country, it doesn't matter... you're not... chained to rock walls..." Bitterness rose with the increasing volume of her voice.
"Zelda, don't say that..."
"But it's true! I'd give anything to not be royalty... so I could choose my own path, and not be bothered with duties, or-"
"Zelda... You know they need you... and... Would you really give that all up just so you could do whatever you want? That's quite a sacrifice."
"You seem just fine without any of it," she said simply.
Link didn't know what to say. It wasn't like he had ever had to chance to have any of "it". He wanted to tell her that saying such things was just short of ludicrous, and that she shouldn't want to be anyone but who she was. He didn't want her to be unhappy about it, but as it was something that had always bothered her, he saw no way of fixing it. He was silent.
"I'm sorry," she said suddenly. "I didn't mean that... and... It's not like it's something that can be helped. I guess it's just... when I'm here... with you... I feel more like myself. Than I do at the castle, I mean. You are very fortunate," she said slowly, and he saw in her eyes that she was pained. "Sometimes I feel so caught between it all..."
"I know..." Link offered. He wasn't very good at offering condolence, and he realized that that wasn't something that would come in handy. "Are... Are you okay?"
A short pause followed his query, and then came her answer. "Yeah. We'd better head for the castle."
He nodded and swung himself onto the horse. He outstretched an arm for her to grab onto, but she climbed on fairly easily without his assistance. She settled with her legs together, dangling over the mare's body and he felt her place a hand on his back. It offered him some reassurance, whether she meant it to or not, after she had rejected his help with climbing aboard. As he dug his heels into Epona's sides, he felt her fingers sliding directly into the niches of the muscles on his back, just against his shoulder blade. And whether this was deliberate or not, he didn't know... but it didn't matter to him.
The mare's hooves hammered the dusty dirt path and the two upon her back bounced in rhythm with her clopping. Epona had leapt the gates surrounding Lake Hylia, and they trotted past the rocky entrance to Gerudo Valley. Link made sure to control the horse's speed, just so she wasn't going too fast, but not slow enough to provoke questioning from Zelda. It was true, Link didn't want their moonlit ride to end too quickly, but because of the uncomfortable outburst the princess had just had, it erased all romantic potential that the situation had anyway. But still.... he was with her.
By the light of the watchful moon above, the mare trotted uphill and past Lon Lon Ranch. The drawbridge leading to the Castle Market came into view, along with the streaming Zora's River and the stone steps leading to Kakariko Village.
Once inside the market, they rode past the shops and carts, and entered the royal grounds. Epona sped up once again, and Zelda was finally the one to break the silence. "We're going to have to steal past the guards, Link... because remember, I snuck out and we'll both be in trouble if they find us."
"Yeah, all right. Do you have any idea just how we're going to do it?"
"Epona can rest in the stables, getting her there shouldn't be a problem, and then... we'll go in through the kitchen. There won't be any one back there at this hour and we should be fine from there. We'll take the east wing to the third floor where the guest bedrooms are, and once we're there, we won't look suspicious if any guards see us."
"Okay, sounds good." Link slowed Epona even more so, in case there were any of the soilders in earshot. They traveled out from under the stone archway with the Hylian crest of the Sacred Triangles to the where Link had been able to creep undetected into the castle years ago. Just around the corner stood two men in their armored uniforms. From where they slipped past the narrow walls, they could hear the sound of stifled breathing and Link noticed the nearest man's head nodding sleepily. He lowered his tone to just a whisper, and said into Zelda's ear, "Maybe this won't be too complicated after all."
She chuckled quietly and playfully nudged him in the back with her hands. "Shh, they don't usually sleep on the job.... I hope, at least!"
"Certainly makes you feel safe in the castle at night, doesn't it?" he teased her about the poor security.
"I'd wake them up, but... I think with you in the castle tonight, I'll be just fine," Zelda said slowly, and a smile played upon her lips when Link couldn't help but look directly at her. Their eyes locked for only an instant, but this made him forget completely about anything difficult that had happened up until now. After all, the night was still young.
It was pitch black behind the side entrance where the stables were, and Link was afraid he would direct Epona straight into a wall. Trying to avoid embarrassment, he slowed the mare for a moment and tried hard to see through the darkness.
"Through here, Link," Zelda murmured from behind him and he made out a dark outline of an entrance to a building.
"Okay," he said climbing off the animal and slowly stepping forward. He found a large metal handle against the wooden doors and pulled one open. Inside it was even darker, and Link tried to lead Epona and Zelda in. It smelled strongly of fresh earth and sweet dried hay and along with an occasional bray from the snoozing horses, it seemed like an almost soothing place. He heard the princess mutter something under her breath, just as she had done before at the lake, and a torch on the wall suddenly burst into flames. Stalls for the horses were revealed in the light and they reached into the far back of the stable. Above were two lofts, one on either side of the pens, where barrels, wooden crates, and bundles of hay and other feed were stored.
Link continued down the single aisle, leading Epona along until Zelda pointed out a vacant compartment. "Here, Link," she said, slipping off the horse just before he guided her in. She smoothed her dress and he slid the door to a close, and turned to her.
"The King's got so many horses... there must be forty stallions in here," Link noted.
"Yes, at least... but I've ridden many of them, if not all... and none are quite as tame as yours," she gestured towards Epona, who was exploring her new surrounds.
"Thanks... I guess I'm only lucky that she is."
Zelda offered a weak smile and said, "Let's see if we can get inside now. You can come for Epona in the morning."
Once they had extinguished the fire and exited the stable, Link followed Zelda even farther behind the castle. As they rounded the corner, they came to a tall door next to another stone building Link guessed was for food storage.
"Shh, in here," Zelda touched his hand and lead him in, after peeking inside. She quietly closed the door behind them and just enough light swept in through the large windows to see the outlines of huge cauldron-like pots and metal tables. She coiled around one of the larger tables and Link tailed after her. Pans and pots hung from racks on the walls, and crystal plates and glasses reflected the moonlight as they sat sparkling in glass cabinets. Jars of spices and seasonings were in rows atop the counters at the front of the kitchen, where Zelda found another door that lead into the corridor.
"Here's the east wing," she said, her voice pitch at an almost-normal tone. "We'll be fine here."
Link nodded at her and they walked along the cold hallways lit by torchlight, climbing spiral stone staircases until they reached a magnificent third floor, with beautifully decorated corridors that overlooked the entire entrance room in the front of the castle.
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Chapter Two
For a long while, the two old friends chatted and Link nearly relived the entire past five months. He ended up telling the princess everything that had happened, ranging from the new lands she had never been visited before, to the many problems with exchanging the Hylian Rupees for other currency. Soon their laughter and voices died down along with the fire, and by now, the sky was jet black and sprinkled with millions of tiny white specks that blazed faintly in the distance.
After a long and almost awkward pause, Link looked up to see Zelda's eyes focused on his own and she quickly averted her gaze. However, he didn't do the same; instead, he took the moment to take her in. It had been so long...
Her golden locks raveled around her shoulders and neck, and he noticed that she wasn't wearing the tiara-like headpiece she usually had perched on the crown of her head. Instead, her sharp widows-peak came down on her forehead as her bright aquamarine eyes stood out against the fairness of her skin. Her nose ended with a delicate tip, and the lips around her mouth were relaxed, but full. Below her sloping shoulders where she had her arms wrapped around her, he saw her dress was thin and silky, unlike the ones she would wear at the castle, declaring her royalty. Instead, it was a simple design, creamy material with indigo ribbon lacing up the chest and tying at the elbows; not as casual as Malon, the ranch girl Link knew, but not as elegant or elaborate as what the princess of Hyrule would usually be found in.
"How did you manage to get away from the castle?" Link questioned. He had been wondering this for a while now, previously thinking that she would arrive with a castle guard or two.
"The traditional way, of course," she looked at him and smiled again. "I told everyone I was going to bed early and right after dinner, I went upstairs to my room, locked myself in, hid my pillows under the covers just in case, and headed out to the balcony. It was quite interesting, finding a way down to the lower ledges without killing myself and it certainly took long enough. But I left with time to spare, and I made it here fine."
With a grin on his lips, he laughed quietly at the thought of Zelda escaping from Hyrule Castle in such a way as she described.
A light breeze made the tree branches creak and the leaves flutter and for the first time since that morning, the climate was at last comfortable.
"How are you getting back?"
"Well," she hesitated for a moment. "I imagine you were planning on spending the night here, at the lake. You love doing that. Am I right?"
"Yes..."
"I was... hoping you would come back to the castle with me. I know you must've been anticipating spending the night here all through your journey, but... I think there's someone waiting for us back at the castle, who really wants to see you," she explained slowly, and she failed to suppress a sly smile.
Ah, yes, Link thought, I have been anticipating a night's rest here... but of course I'd give it up for more time with you in an instant. But curiosity struck before he had the chance to become submerged in thoughts, and he asked, "Who?"
This time the princess didn't make an attempt to hold back a mischievous smirk. "If you want to know, you'll have to accompany me back."
Link let out a heavy sigh. "Oh, if I must," he joked. They shared a quiet laugh, and he added, "It's getting late though. We should leave soon."
"I'll get Epona," Zelda stood up, let out a soft yawn, and the wind billowed the lower layers of her dress as she glided over to where the horse was laying. Link followed, stretching his arms over his head. As soon as he had slung the leather pack of supplies over his shoulder, he saw Zelda already had the mare standing and waiting. She, on the other hand, was watching the skies.
He strode closer to them, and put the bag at the base of the horse's neck. He was about to climb on when the princess said, "You know, I've never really been here at night."
Link swayed, and then put his foot back on the ground. He stepped around the horse, and stood behind her, replying, "It's great, isn't it?"
"Beautiful..." Her voice was just above a whisper. She suddenly turned to face him, and began speaking very fast. "You're so lucky, Link! To be able to just... hop on a horse and ride anywhere you please! Whether it's the next town, or the next country, it doesn't matter... you're not... chained to rock walls..." Bitterness rose with the increasing volume of her voice.
"Zelda, don't say that..."
"But it's true! I'd give anything to not be royalty... so I could choose my own path, and not be bothered with duties, or-"
"Zelda... You know they need you... and... Would you really give that all up just so you could do whatever you want? That's quite a sacrifice."
"You seem just fine without any of it," she said simply.
Link didn't know what to say. It wasn't like he had ever had to chance to have any of "it". He wanted to tell her that saying such things was just short of ludicrous, and that she shouldn't want to be anyone but who she was. He didn't want her to be unhappy about it, but as it was something that had always bothered her, he saw no way of fixing it. He was silent.
"I'm sorry," she said suddenly. "I didn't mean that... and... It's not like it's something that can be helped. I guess it's just... when I'm here... with you... I feel more like myself. Than I do at the castle, I mean. You are very fortunate," she said slowly, and he saw in her eyes that she was pained. "Sometimes I feel so caught between it all..."
"I know..." Link offered. He wasn't very good at offering condolence, and he realized that that wasn't something that would come in handy. "Are... Are you okay?"
A short pause followed his query, and then came her answer. "Yeah. We'd better head for the castle."
He nodded and swung himself onto the horse. He outstretched an arm for her to grab onto, but she climbed on fairly easily without his assistance. She settled with her legs together, dangling over the mare's body and he felt her place a hand on his back. It offered him some reassurance, whether she meant it to or not, after she had rejected his help with climbing aboard. As he dug his heels into Epona's sides, he felt her fingers sliding directly into the niches of the muscles on his back, just against his shoulder blade. And whether this was deliberate or not, he didn't know... but it didn't matter to him.
The mare's hooves hammered the dusty dirt path and the two upon her back bounced in rhythm with her clopping. Epona had leapt the gates surrounding Lake Hylia, and they trotted past the rocky entrance to Gerudo Valley. Link made sure to control the horse's speed, just so she wasn't going too fast, but not slow enough to provoke questioning from Zelda. It was true, Link didn't want their moonlit ride to end too quickly, but because of the uncomfortable outburst the princess had just had, it erased all romantic potential that the situation had anyway. But still.... he was with her.
By the light of the watchful moon above, the mare trotted uphill and past Lon Lon Ranch. The drawbridge leading to the Castle Market came into view, along with the streaming Zora's River and the stone steps leading to Kakariko Village.
Once inside the market, they rode past the shops and carts, and entered the royal grounds. Epona sped up once again, and Zelda was finally the one to break the silence. "We're going to have to steal past the guards, Link... because remember, I snuck out and we'll both be in trouble if they find us."
"Yeah, all right. Do you have any idea just how we're going to do it?"
"Epona can rest in the stables, getting her there shouldn't be a problem, and then... we'll go in through the kitchen. There won't be any one back there at this hour and we should be fine from there. We'll take the east wing to the third floor where the guest bedrooms are, and once we're there, we won't look suspicious if any guards see us."
"Okay, sounds good." Link slowed Epona even more so, in case there were any of the soilders in earshot. They traveled out from under the stone archway with the Hylian crest of the Sacred Triangles to the where Link had been able to creep undetected into the castle years ago. Just around the corner stood two men in their armored uniforms. From where they slipped past the narrow walls, they could hear the sound of stifled breathing and Link noticed the nearest man's head nodding sleepily. He lowered his tone to just a whisper, and said into Zelda's ear, "Maybe this won't be too complicated after all."
She chuckled quietly and playfully nudged him in the back with her hands. "Shh, they don't usually sleep on the job.... I hope, at least!"
"Certainly makes you feel safe in the castle at night, doesn't it?" he teased her about the poor security.
"I'd wake them up, but... I think with you in the castle tonight, I'll be just fine," Zelda said slowly, and a smile played upon her lips when Link couldn't help but look directly at her. Their eyes locked for only an instant, but this made him forget completely about anything difficult that had happened up until now. After all, the night was still young.
It was pitch black behind the side entrance where the stables were, and Link was afraid he would direct Epona straight into a wall. Trying to avoid embarrassment, he slowed the mare for a moment and tried hard to see through the darkness.
"Through here, Link," Zelda murmured from behind him and he made out a dark outline of an entrance to a building.
"Okay," he said climbing off the animal and slowly stepping forward. He found a large metal handle against the wooden doors and pulled one open. Inside it was even darker, and Link tried to lead Epona and Zelda in. It smelled strongly of fresh earth and sweet dried hay and along with an occasional bray from the snoozing horses, it seemed like an almost soothing place. He heard the princess mutter something under her breath, just as she had done before at the lake, and a torch on the wall suddenly burst into flames. Stalls for the horses were revealed in the light and they reached into the far back of the stable. Above were two lofts, one on either side of the pens, where barrels, wooden crates, and bundles of hay and other feed were stored.
Link continued down the single aisle, leading Epona along until Zelda pointed out a vacant compartment. "Here, Link," she said, slipping off the horse just before he guided her in. She smoothed her dress and he slid the door to a close, and turned to her.
"The King's got so many horses... there must be forty stallions in here," Link noted.
"Yes, at least... but I've ridden many of them, if not all... and none are quite as tame as yours," she gestured towards Epona, who was exploring her new surrounds.
"Thanks... I guess I'm only lucky that she is."
Zelda offered a weak smile and said, "Let's see if we can get inside now. You can come for Epona in the morning."
Once they had extinguished the fire and exited the stable, Link followed Zelda even farther behind the castle. As they rounded the corner, they came to a tall door next to another stone building Link guessed was for food storage.
"Shh, in here," Zelda touched his hand and lead him in, after peeking inside. She quietly closed the door behind them and just enough light swept in through the large windows to see the outlines of huge cauldron-like pots and metal tables. She coiled around one of the larger tables and Link tailed after her. Pans and pots hung from racks on the walls, and crystal plates and glasses reflected the moonlight as they sat sparkling in glass cabinets. Jars of spices and seasonings were in rows atop the counters at the front of the kitchen, where Zelda found another door that lead into the corridor.
"Here's the east wing," she said, her voice pitch at an almost-normal tone. "We'll be fine here."
Link nodded at her and they walked along the cold hallways lit by torchlight, climbing spiral stone staircases until they reached a magnificent third floor, with beautifully decorated corridors that overlooked the entire entrance room in the front of the castle.