Shadow and Light

Chapter 2: Imperfection

The day came sooner than Link would've liked. He postponed the inevitable as long as possible, staying curled up under the shelter of his blankets until Fado just about pounded the door in.

The window beside his bed was open, and he could hear the distant murmuring of the crowd gathering in his little village. It was not a reassuring sound.

Link had never really enjoyed the harvest festivals. Ever since he was little, crowds had made him nervous and uneasy. Each year, the festival would come, and he would endure the anxiety as best he could, and thank the goddesses that he wouldn't have to do it again for a whole twelve moons. It was something that'd always been a part of him, though why, he could not say.

It was hard enough when the crowd consisted of people who knew nothing about him. Since his journey however, that had changed. In fact, most of the visitors were probably coming just to see him.

Too embarrassed to confess his anxieties to anyone, Link forced himself outside so that Fado could lead him to his grim fate.

It was going to be a long day.

----

"Look! There he is!"

"Him? But he's so young!"

"That's the lad, eh? Looks a little different than I'd 'ave thought."

Link bit his lip anxiously, trying to make himself as invisible as possible beside Epona. He'd mercifully been put in charge of the goats today. Even though the gate was closed to avoid any accidents, the occasional wolf was not unheard of.

He'd been eternally grateful to be given the job. The goats were kept up the hill from the village, away from the festivities and the curious gazes. He thought he'd been saved.

But now, as people meandered up the hill to look into the paddock, hoping to get a glimpse of the hero, Link felt like little more than a caged animal. Even in his Ordonian clothing, the crowd fully believed him to be the same boy responsible for Hyrule's current state of well-being.

The Hylian sighed, mindless itching at the back of his left hand.

Well, at least he had his space.

A goat wandered lazily over to him and nudged his chest. Trying to put the staring observers from his mind, he reached up and gently scratched the large creature's ear. The course blue fur felt welcoming and familiar under his calloused fingers. Content, the goat let out a loud bray, before leaving to graze on a nearby patch of grass.

Someone suddenly cried out in alarm. Link looked over sharply, his eyes widening in surprise; one of the goats had been spooked by the onlookers, and was now charging mindlessly at him. With barely enough time to brace himself, he gripped the goat's horns, his feet scuffing backwards on impact. Epona snorted and danced away a few steps, startled.

With a mighty grunt, he managed to flip the crazed animal onto its side, effectively stopping it before it could hurt any of the other livestock. As it got to its feet with a quiet snort, Link turned his angry blue eyes on the crowd. Looking sheepish, they backed off and started to disperse.

All except one.

Link felt his blood chill a little when he saw her. She was wearing a long, dark cloak, the same one she had been wearing when he'd met her. The hood was drawn up over her head, concealing her delicate, pale face in shadow.

So that was why his hand was itching…

Feeling uneasy, he tried to pretend he hadn't noticed her. He turned his back and walked over to Epona, reaching up to stroke her nose reassuringly.

Without looking, he knew she was still there; he could feel her gaze burning holes into his back. He didn't realize she had actually started walking over, though…

"Link, you look well."

Epona shot her head up with a snort, surprised by her master's startled jump. Link spun around to face her, his heart pounding in his chest. Why hadn't he heard her footsteps?

"Princess," he greeted once he'd found his voice. He bowed a little to her.

"You needn't bow to me, hero," delicate gloved hands reached up, pulling down the hood that shielded her face. Sparkling blue eyes settled on him, only making him more uneasy.

Link hesitantly straightened himself, cringing inwardly at the title she'd given him. It reminded him too much of those times, and of the one that'd left him behind.

"What brings you here, your highness?" he asked.

"Do you not want me here?" she asked with an even tone of voice.

Link's mind reeled. "It's not that, highness," he reassured, bowing again to her. He settled his gaze on a patch of grass to his left. "It's just…Hyrule Castle is a long ways away, and this village isn't…I mean…" he stumbled, flustered. He didn't feel comfortable under her steady gaze, but he didn't want to insult her, either.

"You're concerned that your village does not suit my status?" Her voice was still even, effectively masking whatever emotions she may have been feeling.

"…yes. I guess so, your highness," he admitted softly.

"Link," a gloved hand gently cupped beneath his chin, guiding it so that she could look into his sapphire eyes. "It's not often I get to journey outside the castle walls. It's a rare pleasure to enjoy such natural beauty, as I've enjoyed it here in Ordon." She smiled at him. "It suits me just fine."

"I'm…I'm glad, your highness," he managed after a moment, still shocked at the fact that she'd touched him.

"Will you do me the honor of accompanying me? I wish to see more of the festival."

"The goats-"

"They will be fine for a while. No animals would dare approach when there is so much noise coming from the village. Come," she reached for his hand to lead him away. Begrudgingly he let her take it, feeling foolish.

As they started down the hill, she could feel him growing tense. Her eyes returned to him, searching his face.

"Why are you afraid?"

Link started a little, wide blue eyes meeting hers. He looked away again just as quickly.

"I'm not afraid," he stated, sounding a little flustered. She smiled knowingly, and didn't push the matter.

The festivities were starting to reach their peek. Booths were set up all over the quaint little village. Some were selling goods, others offered entertainment. Swarms of people seemed to flow like water from place to place. Children ran to and fro, only adding to the chaos.

The princess didn't seem to mind the stares and whispers that followed wherever they went, but it was utter torment to Link.

"Aw, look at the happy couple."

"Isn't that the princess? Who's that boy she's with?"

"It's her majesty! With the hero, no less! What a smart match!"

"Link, who's this?"

He turned his head. Ilia had found them in the crowd, and she now gazed at Link with hot suspicion. Once she got a good look at his companion however, her eyes widened and she hastily bowed.

"Your highness, it's an honor, please forgive my rudeness, I didn't know…" her voice trailed as Zelda rested a hand on her shoulder, smiling reassuringly at the girl.

"You needn't apologize, it's quite alright. Link and I are old friends, and I simply asked him to show me around this splendid festival."

Ilia straightened from her bow, her normally pale face as red as an apple. She was suddenly very interested in studying her hands as she fidgeted. "I'm sorry your highness," she squeaked. "Link," she looked up at him sheepishly. "My father wants you to do a demonstration with Rusl in an hour or so. You should probably meet with him and figure out what you're going to do…" She turned away, still flushed from embarrassment. "I should go. See you later maybe," and with that she disappeared into the crowd.

Link, feeling a bit embarrassed himself, turned to the princess. "I should probably go find Rusl," he murmured.

"Go ahead," she said with a smile. "I look forward to the demonstration."

----

"Are you up to this, lad? If you'd rather, my son could do it. I'm sure the mayor wouldn't mind," Rusl stated, watching with concern as Link hesitated to pick up his blade.

Link didn't respond for a moment. He was staring intently at the Ordonian sword that'd been set out for his use. It'd been a long time since he'd wielded a blade, mostly because it brought back too many memories.

Suddenly becoming aware of Rusl's studious gaze, he reached down and grasped the hilt. He didn't want to worry his old friend, nor did he want to disappoint Bo, the village mayor.

Besides, Rusl had been the one to teach him how to sword fight. He could only imagine what hurt he'd caused the man by avoiding the blade so long.

Rusl smiled a little as Link straightened and faced him, but some concern remained in his eyes. How he wished he knew what had happened to trouble the boy like this.

After about a half hour of practice, the pair made their way to a small stage that'd been built for the festival. In moments, a thick crowd had surrounded them. Link couldn't help but feel trapped; the mob was pressed so close, he would not be able to even step off the platform.

Excited voices roared all around him. It was so loud surely even the Zoras far to the north could hear it. Oh, why did they have to be so close? It seemed to be getting harder to breath.

Rusl watched the unease growing in Link. Every now and then, the boy's eyes would flicker around in a growing panic at the crowd surrounding them. "Link," he called, a little startled when those icy eyes focused sharply on him. "You ready, lad?"

Snapping out of his trance, Link nodded and bent his knees a little. He brought up his sword in a ready position, trying desperately to focus on Rusl.

How could he focus though, when the air seemed to be growing thicker with every breath? Too many eyes were focused on him…he could feel it. They all wanted to see their grand hero in action.

Perfection. That's what they had come to see. Link could not show them that.

They began. Charging, dodging, clashing their swords against one another.

The people roared to life around them, cheering and screaming with excitement.

Link's arms trembled. Sweat trickled down his neck. He clumsily dodged Rusl's next swipe, nearly stumbling. Clenching his teeth, he met the next attack and locked blades with the old swordsman.

His arms were trembling too much; he couldn't match Rusl's strength. It was so hard to breath. If only their eyes would stop burning his flesh! His opponent said something to him, but he couldn't hear over the roaring in his ears. He jumped back, faintly surprised as his knees nearly buckled. No matter how he gasped, his lungs continued to scream for air.

"That's enough!"

The crowd immediately fell silent, wide eyes turning to the Princess. She began to walk towards the stage, her eyes fixed on Link. Still silent, the mob shifted, forming a clear path for her.

She stepped up onto their level, and went over to Link, gazing deeply into his eyes. The boy was frozen in place, still trembling, unable to look away.

Keeping her eyes locked on his, Zelda ungloved one of her hands and gently rested her silky palm on Link's forehead. "You're hot to the touch," she told him softly. Link frowned a little, pulled from his trance. He would've known if he'd had a fever…

She smiled knowingly at him, before turning to the crowd. "This man is unwell. I think it best if someone took his place for this event," her eyes turned to Rusl, "would that be possible, sir?"

Rusl nodded with relief in his eyes. "Certainly, your highness."

Zelda gently took Link's hand and led him off the stage. Colin, Rusl's young son whom Link often saw as a little brother, met them. "Don't worry, Link. I can do this," he reassured with a wide smile. "Just get better, okay?"

His legs were still shaking as the Princess led him to his house, but his breathing had eased considerably.

"I'm not really sick, am I?" he asked once he felt he could speak again.

"No; not physically," she told him gently. "You may have been, had that gone on much longer. You seemed about ready to collapse."

Link flushed and looked away, embarrassed.

"I suggest you tell your friends of your fear, so they will know not to put you in such positions."

"So they'll know I'm a coward?"

"Link, being afraid does not make you a coward, certainly not after what you did for this country. Some fears are simply too great to be faced, even by one with the Triforce of courage." She squeezed his shoulder in reassurance. "Get some rest, you are still shaking. I will have someone else tend the goats for you."

Link watched her leave. With a defeated sigh, he retreated into the safety of his home.

-----

The crowd was thinning, slowly but surely. Zelda stepped regally through the mass of people, her soft blue eyes scanning the area for a particular person.

It didn't take long to spot him. The large man could stand out in any crowd, for he was built like a Goron.

"Mayor Bo," she called, just loud enough to be heard over the constant murmuring around them. "May I speak with you a moment?"

The mayor turned upon hearing his name. His already small eyes squinted as he peered over at her. "Ah, Princess Zelda! Certainly; be with you in a moment, lass." He beckoned to someone a distance away, and it wasn't long before he was joined by the same man whom Link had been sparring with earlier that afternoon.

The pair approached her, bowing politely once they were close enough. "Let's go inside away from this noise," the portly mayor suggested. He led them to a rich brown house, and held the ornately carved door open for them to go inside.

Inside was cozy and warm. A small pot hung suspended above a crackling fire. The air smelled faintly of freshly baked bread.

Once they'd all settled, Bo turned his attention to Zelda. "Now, to what do I owe the pleasure, your highness?"

"I wish to speak with you about the ceremony, the one that was postponed due to the attack on the castle. We have decided to hold it a week from today, and I was hoping you could have your representative deliver the sword as we had planned."

"Ah yes, of course," Bo looked over at the other man thoughtfully. "Link's had the original sword for awhile now, but a week should be enough time to craft a new blade. What say you, Rusl?"

The blond swordsman nodded in agreement, before turning troubled eyes to Zelda. "Mi'lady, please forgive me for asking, but how is Link? That performance was very unlike him today, and well…for quite some time now, he just hasn't been himself. I was hoping you might know what's troubling him?"

Zelda nodded, closing her eyes as she thought over her response. "I cannot share the details with you sir, but I can say this. At the end of his quest, Link lost someone very dear to him. They were not taken by means of death, but it is still unlikely that he will ever see them again."

Understanding dawned in Rusl's eyes, and he nodded gravely. "So it is a broken heart, then. That would explain things."

"As for his performance today, I think it best that he tell you himself. I doubt he would be pleased if I freely spoke of something that he is clearly ashamed of."

"I understand your highness. Thank you," Rusl said gratefully, bowing to her.

Bo clapped his hands together after a moment of silence. "Enough serious talk, how would you like some tea, Princess?"

"Tea would be lovely, thank you."

-----

"Link," she gently caressed his cheek, her amber eyes looking deep into his own. They were on the crest of a sand dune, about to journey across the vast desert to find the mirror chamber. Above them the stars danced, shining bright and clear.

"Will you go with me, into the twilight?"

The hero smiled softly at her. That was all she needed.

"Thank you, Link."

Twilight had fallen over the land, bathing the sky in a soft red hue. Link found himself sitting alone on the edge of the Faron spring, gazing at the water as he let the memories wash over him.

'Why did you leave me behind? You said we could meet again.'

Deep inside, he understood why she had shattered the mirror. It really was best for both worlds. She'd wanted to prevent the disaster from happening again.

'I would've gone with you,' Link thought sullenly, though in his heart he knew it would've hurt just as much to be separated from his friends and his home.

Was this his fate; to live with his very soul torn between two worlds?

Would he ever be truly happy?

An autumn leaf, red as the sky, twirled softly down from above and landed in the sparkling pool. Ripples were cast across the shimmering surface, distorting the weary hero's reflection.

Another reflection appeared behind his. For a moment, Link saw his father there, on the pool's surface. Even though he knew it couldn't be true since his father had died long ago, he watched the reflection approach, the troubled look not leaving his eyes.

"I thought I might find you here."

The ripples calmed, and Rusl's face was revealed where he'd seen his father's only moments ago. Their eyes met on the surface of the water.

"Sorry about what happened today, Rusl," Link apologized quietly, assuming that was why the man had searched him out.

"Don't worry about it." Rusl took a seat beside the boy, now looking out over the water as well. "I wonder though…"

Link finally looked away from their reflections, his eyes settling on Rusl as he waited for him to continue.

Rusl met the boy's gaze. "What was it that had you so unsettled today?" he asked seriously.

Link's gaze returned to the water, unable to quell the feelings of shame rising within him.

Still, Rusl was not being imposing or critical. He'd asked the question from the standpoint of a concerned friend, and Link understood this. There was no avoiding it.

"I…" he took a deep breath, stealing his nerves. Rusl continued to watch him patiently.

"I don't know," he finally admitted with a sigh. "When that crowd surrounded us, I just… panicked. I felt like I was drowning," his voice lowered considerably from shame and embarrassment. Rusl only nodded, clapping him on the shoulder in reassurance.

"You must think I'm a coward."

The man shook his head. "Not at all; in fact, your father had the same problem."

Link looked over at his friend curiously. "He did?" he asked softly.

"Yes. You take after him more than you know, Link. He was a good man, and certainly not a coward."

Link nodded a little in agreement, looking off in sadness. They didn't talk about his father often. He had died in a freak accident when Link was twelve. He was barely old enough to take care of himself, yet mature enough to suffer from the intense grief of losing his only parent.

It was then that he and Rusl had first become close. The older man had looked out for him, but hadn't tried to replace his father. For that, Link was eternally gratefully.

He'd never known his mother. She had died giving birth to him.

"Link," Rusl started, effectively breaking the silence, "do you remember the sword I wanted you to deliver before all that trouble started in Hyrule? The ceremony is going to be held next week. I think it would do you good to go."

Link eyed him cautiously. "What do they expect me to do?" he asked softly, anxiety bubbling in his stomach. He didn't think he could face such a large mass of people again so soon.

"I spoke to the Princess. She said she would be happy to have a page meet you at the gates to receive it. You wouldn't have to do anything besides take the sword to the city."

Link thought for a few moments, before nodding. "Alright, I'll do it."

The older man smiled and squeezed his shoulder in thanks. "It's getting late. We should head back."

T.B.C.

Author's Note:

Zelda's pushy, isn't she?

About the pairing, it will definitely be Midna and Link. Midna won't actually appear till much, much later. Until then, Ilia and Zelda will be 'circling.'

Ilia has no knowledge of Midna (obviously), so as far as she knows, he's available.

As for Zelda…well, you'll see.

Thanks again for all the reviews and support! I hope you enjoyed the chapter.

1/03/07: Combined Chapter 2 and 3 into one chapter (Chapter 2) after several complaints that the chapters were too short. Makes more sense since it's all the same day, anyway.