Chapter 2: Confrontation
"What I'm saying is, Zelda's going to get herself hurt if she continues to sneak out at night," Link explained to Headmaster Gaepora. He had to choose his words carefully. This was probably his only shot to convince him. The headmaster nodded, and Link continued. "So I'm requesting if I could maybe take her out to one of the sky islands for the night?"
"I don't really like the sound of this already," the headmaster quickly retorted, causing Link to wince. Not good. He had to think of something quick.
"OK wait hear me out, sir. You don't really understand how much Zelda needs this. Every single day she tells me how much she wants to see the night sky. Every day. And we're pretty much together all the time, so do you know how much I have to hear her? She's not going to stop until she has this! Come on, I promise I she won't get hurt. We'll be nearby! I'll go to the nearest island!" The words he carefully planned beforehand out were flowing out of his mouth in a fit of panic.
"Link, why do you care so much about wanting to spend the night alone with my daughter on a secluded island?" He eyed him suspiciously. Still not good. In fact, it was becoming worse. Link cleared his throat and struggled to find the words he needed.
"H-headmaster, I have no intention of doing what you're thinking with Zelda! I'm not going to mess up what I have with her! She's my best friend, and only that, honest. All I want to do is to let her live a dream she's been having forever." Link thought about what he just said, and seeing as Gaepora's eyes narrowed, it wasn't something in his favor. Recover, Link. "The sky! I meant seeing the sky at night. That, and nothing more, I swear," The way he was panicking with what to say wasn't giving his argument any strong points, and he could feel the headmaster judging him in his mind, probably thinking something along the lines of "where did my daughter find such a friend like this?" Just breathe, Link. Calm down and regain your senses.
Link sighed. "OK, I can understand why you'd be suspicious, and I don't blame you. This just really means a lot to Zelda. You have to admit, if you were in her shoes, you'd probably want out of the academy sometimes. N-no offense." –he walked over to the window to avoid the questionable face on Gaepora's face. Looking outside, he continued. "But have you ever looked out there at night? It looks amazing! Zelda just wants to know what it's like to be out there. And since she talks to me all the time about it, I feel like I should be the one to take her. Even if we can't fly out at night, she should at least know what it's like to be out there. Plus the other islands are safe. I've been to one at night because Beedle showed me around on his shop."
Gaepora looked like he was easing up to the idea, nodding every now and then to what he was saying. Link knew he still had a problem with them being alone. But this time he was prepared with what to say. "I know what you're thinking. Yes, we'll be camping out together and alone, but like I said, we'll be nearby! We'll have separate tents. You can have a knight watching over us, even. But I swear to Goddess that we won't do anything against your wishes."
Gaepora paced around the room. He was in deep thought about what Link said. He admits to himself that Link did have strong points. And knowing Link, he knew that he wasn't the type to have ulterior motives in the first place. The headmaster knew his kindhearted nature, especially towards Zelda. Perhaps his fatherly instincts got the better of him, knowing that his one and only daughter would be out there alone with a boy. However, Gaepora knew that if it had to be a boy, Link would be the only one he trusted enough to be with his daughter. His mind was set.
"Link," the gruff voice started, slightly startling the young man. "Thank you for caring about my daughters wishes. And I apologize for thinking you would do any harm her. I've seen the two of you and I know she is the last one you want to hurt." Link's face completely changed from anxiety to relief with what he said. "Being Zelda's father, of course I'm going to be worried about her spending alone time with a boy. But since you it's you who is in the picture, I suppose..." His voice trailed off as he drifted into thought. Link's composure was now calm, but still nervous. What was he going to say?
"Does… does that mean..?" Link braced himself for whatever Gaepora had to say. Whether it was good or bad, he was ready.
"Yes Link, I'm allowing you to take Zelda out for the night." Link excitedly pumped his fist and jumped as he heard the news. The heavy weight of stress and confrontation on his shoulders was lifted.
"Yes! Thank you so much! Zelda's going to lose it once she hears this!" Link quickly made his way to the door, about to tell Zelda the plans for the night.
"Ah ah," Gaepora stopped Link before he bolted out the door. "Just remember that I'm having my eye on you. It's nothing personal, I just-"
Link interrupted him. "No, believe me I understand, by all means go ahead. Thank you very much, headmaster." Link gave a chaste bow and opened the door and ran to Zelda's room. "Zelda you're never going to guess what's happening tonight!" he heard as Link's voice traveled down the hall.
Gaepora smiled when he heard Zelda's scream of pure bliss moments later.
Apologies, since writing dialogue isn't exactly a strong point of mine! It would be much appreciated if I received some pointers. Next chapter is currently in progress!