It was just before dawn. Zelda was already up and nearly ready to head out the door.
I'm going to skip devotions this morning, I'm much too excited to finally get out of the castle. With a bit of luck... he won't be around. I'll be on my own, free. I'll walk there instead of going by horse , just to extend the trip a little more. Should be about a two days journey there, I'll spend the night, then a four days journey to Goron City.
Checking her supplies she made sure she brought; her diary, a few elixirs for the cold and heat, a few changes of clothes, and the Sheikah Slate.
"There! I think I'm all set." she said to herself all giddy.
She opened the door to her quarters as quietly as the hinges creaking would allow her. Looking side to side, she stepped out in a crouch.
Looks like he isn't here, so far...
She slowly brought her head over the side of the bridge and scanned the area.
I don't see him near the study, and he's not at the courtyard or training grounds.
Zelda knew she needed to remain stealthy, he could be anywhere, she wasn't in the clear yet. With this in mind, she warily made her way to the southwestern entrance to Castle Town.
The entrance was in sight and there was still no sign of Link.
Looks like I managed to evade him after all. Some knight...
Now past the entrance, she took in a large breath of air.
Ah... The smell of freedom, solitude, and peace.
With a little bounce in her step, Zelda followed the road to Carok Bridge on her way to Rito Village.
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A few hours passed and she had made it just past the Breach of Demise, and was following the road west to, Tabantha Great Bridge.
I'm making good time, I might get there in a day in a half instead of two.
For whatever reason she had thing pang of guilt hit her.
I shouldn't have left him behind, that was cruel of me. But I need this freedom, I need to be away from him, away from everyone. It's better this way. He doesn't say anything anyways, not like I have to hear any backlash from him. What's he going to say to father? Just make hand gestures?
She laughed at that.
What a fool. The legendary Hero of Time gets outwitted by the princess of Hyrule. That'll be something to tell Revali. Apart from his outburst at the ritual, I'm glad he feels the same way about, Link. A pest at best is what can describe my appointed knight. I bet Revali can put him in his place. It'll be nice to have someone not fawning over him. I'd love to see the stoic mask he wears get smacked off his face. Maybe I should do it myself. What's he going to do?
But... that would be cruel. I couldn't commit myself to such a thing. He's only doing his job right? He doesn't really care about me, just the power I can't obtain. I bet he thinks of me as some kind of joke. A loser. A failure... How is there not any other way to look at me? He already has done his part to obtain his power, and now has to babysit me until I get mine. I must be just a pitiful excuse for a human being to him.
Exasperated, she let out a sound of disgust.
There I go again. Wondering what he thinks about me. Why do I care about what he thinks about me so much? Why do my thoughts always revert back to him? All he's done since he's entered my life is absolutely ruin it, and yet he's always on the forefront of my mind. Why is that? Maybe it's the way he doesn't speak and won't flat out tell me what I already know , maybe it's the-
Her thoughts were stopped part way through from a familiar feeling nagging at her. She stopped and turned around...
Maybe it's the way that he just never leaves my sight! Are you kidding me?! How did he find me?
"How long have you been there?" she asked her appointed knight, who was following exactly three paces behind her.
He shrugged ambiguously in reply.
"Do you ever say anything to anyone?"
He nodded tersely.
"Then why don't you answer me?"
Once again, a simple shrug was her response.
"Grr..." clenching both fists to her sides, Zelda made a dramatic spin so her back was now to Link and stormed off muttering about how he was going to be the death of her.
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The pair just got past the bridge when it became dusk.
"Goddess! Is it that late already? I didn't bring anything to stay outdoors." said a bewildered Zelda.
Pulling out her Sheikah Slate, she checked the map. "And the nearest stable is still over half a day away... curses."
Link peered over her shoulder, and pointed at a particular spot in the map.
"You want to stop at Nero Hill? Are you insane? There is nowhere-" her sentence was cut off by a finger to her lips.
"I know a place." he said quietly, retracting his finger in the process.
"O-okay." she replied meekly.
What was that just now?
She didn't get time to process that thought as Link was studying the slate she was holding, moving his fingers around on the screen.
"Hey! Don't-" Her words were stilled once again, this time by the marker he placed on the map. "How did you...?"
He shrugged and pointed at the red beacon that lit up the land on screen.
"Goddesses, this is incredible! The marker only appears by looking through the slate, but it always stays on the map. Wow!"
Her excitement turned into a tinge of jealousy.
I've been studying this thing for months and could only figure out the most basic of functions, he touches the screen for ten seconds and has a destination set with a function I've never seen before.
An imminent scowl appeared across her features and she let out a huff. "So, you want us to go there, then?"
He nodded in assent.
Sliding the Sheikah Slate back to her belt, Link and Zelda followed the marker he set out for them.
After about another hour of walking, they reached a small cliff where the marker was.
"There's nothing here... Are you sure you know where you're going? I don't know why I even-" For a third time that day, she was silenced. This time a hand on her shoulder as he pointed part way up the cliff. "You want me to climb up there? I can't climb, I'd just hurt myself."
Link scratched his chin, conjuring up a plan.
"Well?" she asked after what seemed like forever.
Turning his back to her, he knelt down on one knee and motioned for her to hop on.
"You want me to climb on your back? There's no way you can support us both while climbing. It's impossible!"
He tilted his head back, eyes shimmering in the sunset that was behind him. And for whatever reason any argument she had went out the window. Zelda hunched herself onto his back wrapping her legs around his waist and arms around his neck.
This is so awkward... I'm wrapped around him like this, and I did it without nearly a second thought. I just unconsciously trusted him with my well-being and... Stop it, Zelda! Not the time!
"If you touch me in anyway, I swear-"
"I'll be too busy climbing." he interrupted her. A fourth time that he had done so. She had no way to respond, he was absolutely right.
Why would I say that at a time like this? What even gave me the idea that he would do such a thing? Curses.
One thing Zelda grew to dislike was people who interrupted her. It felt like a shutdown, like they didn't care about her opinions. It always drove her to retaliate, but with Link... There was nothing to say, and he wasn't mean about it either. So, all Zelda could do was clutch to him in silence.
That was until he leapt from the ground onto the cliff. She screamed and held onto him for dear life.
"Don't drop me! Don't look down, don't look down... Link!"
"We're only six feet from the ground..." he replied cooly.
Prying open one of her shut eyes, embarrassment washed over her as she seen how close she was to the ground.
I could literally let go, and be almost standing on both feet. Goddess help me.
"I... um..." she was at a loss for words, and didn't know how to respond. "Sorry..."
She noticed the corners of his eyes crinkle slightly as he turned his head towards her.
Is he... laughing? Smiling? I can't tell.
Zelda didn't get time to decipher it, as she was catapulted into the air. Her screaming returned, causing Link to wince in pain, but he continued to ascend the cliff side, leaping from spot to spot until they were soon at their destination.
"You can let go now." he said softly.
"What?" Zelda hadn't realized they had stopped, she was still holding onto him like a vice. "Oh..." she scurried off of him, this resulting in her to lose her footing and fall backwards.
Before she could fall on her behind, Link managed to snatch her hand and pull her back to her feet. He nodded to her before letting go of her hand.
She shook her head, silently reprimanding herself.
Get your act together, Zelda.
Taking in her surroundings, she noticed that they were in a grotto.
Where on earth could he have found this?
There was a small crack in the ceiling where the light could get in, the walls were smooth and cold, the same could be said for the ground. When she looked down from where they were, if she had to guess they were maybe 40 ft off the ground.
He managed to carry me all the way up here from that distance?
A unexpected feeling of warmth wrapped itself around her on the chilly evening. Turning around, Link had gotten fire going and a some wool laid out beside it.
"Where did you get all that stuff? Your little pack could not have stored all of that." she asked suspiciously.
The corners of his eyes furrowed for an instant again.
There it is again! What is that?
It was incredibly subtle, but she could tell that it wasn't... normal for him. Before she could ask him what that was, her stomach growled.
His eyebrow lifted with suspicion.
"It's nothing."
I didn't bring anything to eat, great. Guess nothing for me tonight.
She silently reprimanded herself once again, as she joined Link by the fire. He motioned for her to sit on the wool.
"It's fine, really."
He shook his his head and gestured her over to the increasingly enticing wool.
It seems much better than the cold stones.
After letting out a defeated sigh, she took her seat, he then handed her a soft blanket made of Rito feathers.
"Where did you get a blanket made of Rito feathers? They're supposed to be incredibly rare."
Link couldn't bring himself to tell her that it was something his mother made for him long ago. When it would get especially cold in the village, that blanket would keep him warm many a nights. So, he just scratched the back of his head uncomfortably and stoked the fire. The sound of her stomach rumbling again made him take a few things out of his pack.
Pulling out a small pot, he filled it with some water from his canteen and put it over the fire. Once the water boiled he tossed in some Hylian Rice and put six Sunshrooms on a skewer beside it.
Twenty minutes passed, Zelda was watching Link cook with an odd intensity.
It's like he can't wait to eat it, as if he's trying to will everything to cook faster.
Soon enough, he handed her three mushroom rice balls wrapped with part of a Korok leaf. She eyed them warily...
What if he poisoned them? Did something to them when I wasn't looking?
They looked incredibly appetizing, though. Returning her gaze back at Link, she didn't see if he had made any for himself.
"Here." She said handing him one of her rice balls. "You made it, you can have some too."
He shook his head as he patted his stomach.
She looked at him quizzically, unsure of the gesture he made. The welcoming aroma teasing her nose caused those thoughts to revert back to her food again. She didn't want to eat something made from him, but her stomach was begging her to take said food and shovel it down.
Maybe she's just subconscious about me being here while she's eating? Being a Royal, she's likely dined alone for years now. My presence for more reasons than one is likely unsettling her.
Link rose from his spot, and headed for the grotto's exit.
"Where are you going?"
He gave her a small wave with his back turned to her before disappearing off into the night. Putting her rice balls down, she shifted over to the edge where he descended.
Where did he go? I can't see him anywhere. There's no way he traversed 40ft down in a matter of seconds... right?
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Link knew that his princess would be safe, they were in an elevated area far off enough from the road to avoid travellers, and it was in a more remote place than most that veered off the main road. He decided to go and scan the area ahead for an hour, thinking that should be long enough for her to do her business.
She's been acting really weird today. I wonder why? She didn't seem to notice me behind her until we were a few hours in, and she got all uncomfortable when I offered to help her up since she couldn't climb. I guess I can't complain, she didn't lose her cool on me this time around, and she seemed to be doing better than yesterday. It's all I can ask for at this point.
As he continued his walk one thought dawned on him.
Unfortunately... I got to deal with Revali again. Maybe things will be better this time around? The princess sure seemed excited to go see him. I wonder... Nah, I don't think so. But, the question remains... Why are we visiting Vah Medoh? I don't recall hearing her or Revali mention anything that needs to be fixed or calibrated. A friendly visit perhaps? She would really be going out of her way to do so since, Death Mountain is on the other side of the land. Can't blame her. It has been an especially tough couple days for her.
Something crackled in the woods that caught his attention. Drawing his bow, he eyed his prey and fired...
This should last us the rest of the trip.
Link had finished gutting and cleaning out the deer for meat. Taking what he could, he stored the raw meat in his pouch and washed off his tools and hands at Strock Lake.
The scavengers can have the rest.
Checking the sky, he started heading back to camp.
I guess it's about that time, I'll make my way back to her.
Link came back a little later than he would've liked, but it wasn't without reward. When he heaved himself back into the grotto. He was greeted with her sleeping figure, wrapped cozily in his makeshift bed. He also noticed that the rice balls he handed her were picked clean, the wraps were neatly folded beside her bed.
Glad to see she ate. Took a little push, but at least she did.
Stoking the fire a little more, Link then sat along the edge of the grotto. Taking in the cool air and night sky, he watched over the princess as she slept soundly through the night.
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Zelda awoke a little after dawn, which was later than what she was used to. Taking in her surroundings, she could feel the dimly lit fire, feel the warmth and comfort of the bed she was tucked in, and could see Link putting on his tunic in the-
Her eyes shot open when she seen his bare skin before her. She didn't get to see really anything as the tunic was over him in an instant, but still...
What is this I'm feeling? I don't know whether I got frightened in a way, or excited... I'm not sure. It makes me, uncomfortable. I don't know how to explain it.
Another wrap of food was handed to her. She inspected it, her brows furrowed.
"What is this?" she asked curiously.
"Meat lovers omelette."
Her mouth nearly watered, it was a rarity indeed that she had these at the castle and with how delicious those rice balls were last night. It took nearly all of her will not to pound it down in a very ungracious manner.
"Thanks..." she said softly, taking the wrap.
Link nodded tersely before heading off to let her eat and change in peace again.
About an hour later, she had eaten and changed into her own Champions tunic. Something she wasn't allowed to wear at the castle due to it not being formal. If she was being honest with herself, she didn't feel much like a Champion at all, what has she done to be considered one anyways? That's right, she just liked tormenting and reminding herself how much of a failure she was.
I'm hopeless...
She could hear muffled movement coming from just outside, and grew tense.
"Who's there?" she asked.
No response.
"I'm warning you if-" her words were silenced when she seen the familiar dirty blonde hair show itself over the edge.
Link seen that she was dressed and had eaten, nodding to her he began putting out the fire to hide their trace and pack everything up. With how fast and efficient he was at packing everything, she could have sworn some type of black magic was at play. It was merely a matter of seconds by the time the cooking utensils and blankets were cleaned and put away.
"How did you fit everything into that pack?"
He ignored her question and crouched down again. Zelda simply huffed in retort, but situated herself on him like before, and they descended the cliffside. Once at the bottom, she got off him; without making it awkward this time, and they continued onward to Rito Village.
The rest of the journey there was uneventful. They made it there around mid-afternoon. Part of the reason was due to good roads and no threats. A bigger part of the reason being that she was getting sick of him following her. However, the biggest part of it were the events of yesterday that were creating a hurricane in her mind. She needed to get away from him, so she walked much faster than normal.
It never ceased to amaze her how he managed to remain exactly three paces behind... every, single, time...
It drives me crazy! I cannot stand feeling of his eyes glued on me. I never know what he's thinking, what he's looking for when he stares at my back. His silence is too much! What's worse is how he acted yesterday, I never even imagined- I need to get away from him.
After getting to the top of the village and checking in with the elder, the pair stood along one of the platforms that allowed the Rito to dust off and return with ease. In a matter of seconds, Revali came sweeping in, and before Link could react he picked up Zelda and took her up to Vah Medoh.
Damn that bird...
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"So, princess..." started off Revali as they soared towards the Divine Beast.
"What is it?" she asked.
"How are things with our newly appointed knight?"
She rolled her eyes at him, cause of course he would ask. "Terrible, absolutely terrible. He never says a word and follows me around like some dog, I never know what he's thinking. When I ask him questions, or demand answers he deflects the question with subtle signals. It's infuriating!"
"Well... as you know. My capabilities are far superior than his, he doesn't even know how to fly."
Zelda couldn't hold back the laugh that wanted to escape her. "He's Hylian! Of course he can't fly."
"Still, I should be the one at your side. Not him. I've worked harder and have accomplished far more than he has ever dreamed of. How is someone like him the Chosen One?"
"I... don't know. It's frustrating to not know, and I can't explain why I feel that way. I shouldn't care, but..."
"But you do. Because he's been able to obtain something that has eluded you. I guess the same can be said for all of us."
"Well no, yes? I don't know. Seeing the sword on his back just reminds me that we have a clock ticking, and that just adds to the pressure to obtain a power I don't know how to obtain."
"You'll obtain it. You're cunning, a quick study, and persistent. Those qualities you possess will unlock the power, eventually. I should know, I'm the same way."
"You're too kind." she said with a slight blush. "I just hope I'll be able to unlock them in time."
"You will. I'm sure of it."
The two finally made it to the bridge of Vah Medoh.
"You have enough elixirs to do your adjustments?"
She took one before they left camp, and that ran out. And she already took the other one which was about to run out.
I don't think I have any more! Oh no!
Fumbling with her pack, Zelda realized that she had two more Spicy Elixirs stored away.
I could have sworn I brought only two. Where did-
"Princess?" asked a slightly concerned Revali.
"Oh!" she shrieked waving her hands wildly. "Yes, yes! I do have some, I'll be able to make the flight controls a little less delayed without freezing."
I only need the one. So why is there two? Might as well use that to my advantage though. The longer I'm away from him, the better.
Taking the elixir, Zelda headed inside to the main control unit to go to work.
"I'll keep our mutual friend, occupied." said Revali mischievously.
Zelda laughed, "By all means then, go and entertain him."
The Rito gave her a cocky grin before heading back towards the village.
Thanks, Revali. Put him in his place for me.
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Link was still at the landing platform, lazily looking up at the Divine Beast as it circled the village.
She's been up there for a little over an hour, now. Hopefully the elixirs I put in her pouch when we entered the village will be enough for her to do what she needs to do. They're more potent than what she had on her.
A sudden gust of wind, caused Link to shield his eyes for a moment. When he opened them, he seen exactly who he expected.
"Impressive, I know." said Revali as he landed on the railing.
"Very few can achieve a mastery of the sky. Yet I have made an art of creating an updraft that allows me to soar. It's considered to be quite the masterpiece of aerial techniques, even among the Rito."
He hopped off the ledge with a smug look. "With proper utilization of my superior skills, I see no reason why we couldn't dispense with Ganon."
The Rito eyed him narrowly, eyes filled with jealousy and disgust as he circled Link. "Now then, my ability to explore the firmament is certainly of note... But let's not; pardon me for being so blunt; let's not forget the fact that I am the most skilled archer of all the Rito. Yet despite these truths, it seems that I have been tapped to merely assist you. All because you happen to have that little darkness-sealing sword on your back. I mean, it's just... asinine. Unless... you think you can prove me wrong?"
He then got right up in Link's face. "Maybe we should just settle this one on one? But where...? Oh, I know! How about up there?!" He exclaimed, gesturing towards Vah Medoh.
"Oh, you must pardon me. I forgot you have no way of making it up to that Divine Beast on your own!" Not hiding the odium he felt for Link.
Once again, he dusted off, letting the wind thrash at Link below. "Good luck sealing the darkness!"
Revali soon became just a small dot in the sky as he returned to Vah Medoh, leaving behind a vexed Link.
He sure likes to rub it in. His arrogance will be his downfall in battle. People who think they're better than everyone else, and feel a need to showcase themselves always get burned at one point or another. He's wasting his potential by being narrow sighted and focusing on the smaller picture. This is why he's reduced to a support role... Revali will never admit that to anyone, but it's plain to see. He shouldn't discount the importance of being humble. There's a value there far greater than pride can ever provide.
Letting out a long stretch, Link noticed that it was nearly dusk.
I don't know how much longer she'll be, but those two elixirs I gave her will last just until after dark. I'll secure lodgings in the meantime and await her arrival.
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"There! I've adjusted the sensitivity of Vah Medoh, and the delay should be no more!" exclaimed Zelda.
Revali tested out the controls and nodded in satisfaction. "Excellent, now this machine can keep up with me. I'll be well beyond the other Champions reach now."
She giggled. "I'm sure." She then let out a sigh when she looked outside. "Well it's a little after dusk, I guess I should head back."
"Are you sure? You know there is a place to stay here on Vah Medoh." suggested Revali.
"That's kind of you, but I don't have anything to keep me warm for the night. The village would be better equipped-"
"I can keep you warm." he interrupted.
"What?"
"Rito are well known for their insulating feathers. Just stick close to me, and you'll be fine. It's not like anything will happen, other than myself keeping you warm."
It's tempting... very tempting. It would keep me away from Link, but... for whatever reason I just feel like I need to go back.
"Thank you for the offer, but I must ask for you to take me back." she said timidly.
He eyed her skeptically for a moment before sighing in disappointment. "Fine. As you wish."
Zelda hopped onto his back and they descended back to the landing platform. They came in at breakneck speed, which startled her, but before she could protest they were already touched down on the platform.
"Thanks, Revali." she said with a small smile and wave.
"Anytime, princess." he replied before taking off back to his Divine Beast.
When she turned around what she seen startled her, and she couldn't stifle the small shriek that wanted to escape.
"Link?"
There he was, leaning against the railing waiting for her.
"Have you been waiting here this whole time?"
He shrugged in reply as he approached her. A sudden chill coursed through her body, and her teeth started to chatter. Link quickly took a flask from his pouch and handed it to her.
This looks just like the ones from earlier. Did he give me the extra elixirs?
The quick chill defused her thoughts, and she downed the potion without a second thought. Her body soon became room temperature once again, she sighed in relief.
"Um... Thanks." She said shyly as she handed him back the flask.
Link simply nodded before pointing towards the inn on the lower level of the village.
"We're staying there for the night?"
He nodded once again in reply before gesturing her ahead.
He's not going to ask me anything? Ask why I was gone so long, what I was doing? Was he not concerned, did he not care? Did he hope for me to stay up there with Revali?
Her thoughts were once more filled with her appointed knight as they entered the inn. She was caught up in them that she nearly forgot where they were going.
"Ah, princess. You're appointed knight has already made preparations for you." said the receptionist.
"For me? What about him?" she asked while giving him a puzzled look.
Link just shook his head and waved his hand.
"He only had enough rupees for one and spent them on our premium room with one of our coveted Rito beds, softer than any stable bed in the market."
"Oh... well thank you."
"Here's the key to your room, enjoy your stay!"
Link escorted her to her room, Zelda unlocked the door but stopped before going in.
"You really didn't have to do that, the castle can easily supply more-" her lips were stilled by his finger, a sensation that nearly made her whimper. She didn't know how to react, no one ever did this to her. And what made it more profound was that it was him of all people doing it!
"Have a goodnight, Your Grace." he said barely above a whisper before removing his finger.
"O-Okay... thank you." she replied acquiescently, she just couldn't seem to avert her eyes from those cerulean eyes of his.
Fumbling with the key, Zelda dropped it in her muddled state. "Whoops, silly me. I-I uh..."
Say something! Get your head out of the gutter, Zelda!
Link picked up the key and handed it to her before taking his leave, leaving a dumbfounded Zelda standing in the doorway.
She waited until he disappeared before cowering behind the door. She closed it and leaned against it with her hand against her pounding heart.
What is wrong with me?! What happened back there?
Zelda didn't need the elixir for how hot she currently felt.
He didn't even do anything, just the simplest touch stopped me in my tracks. I must've looked like a fool.
She buried her hands in her face.
How embarrassing! He's probably laughing to himself right now about how I crumbled under him like that. Curse him!
Pouting, Zelda got herself ready for bed. She decided to distract herself from what just happened by taking in the room she was staying in.
This room is absolutely amazing! It has a bath, a couch by the fireplace, a spot to make tea, balcony, and...
She plopped on the bed and nestled herself in the covers.
Such a soft bed! The Rito sure know how to make one feel all the luxuries.
Zelda sighed as she stared at the ceiling.
Why would he go out of his way to do this for me? And pay with his own money no less? I could've easily have just went and paid for it myself, or I guess stayed with Revali. Yet, in the end, I chose to go with him. Why?
Sleep soon took her over as she pondered these thoughts.
I'll have to ask him... someday.
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Link handed her the key she dropped and left her for the night. He'd keep watch on her balcony, but he wouldn't let her know of his presence.
Just to keep both our minds at ease.
One thing nagged at him as he listened for her under the balcony.
Why was she acting that way? She just kept staring at me, fumbling the key to her door, mouth agape. It made me so uncomfortable that I just picked up the key myself and left.
Twenty minutes passed and he heard her rustling the sheets.
I guess she's tucked herself in for the night.
Climbing the one floor to the balcony, Link took a seat along the wall, making sure to keep out of her line of vision. Another half an hour would pass before he would hear her breath become slow and deep. Once he knew she was asleep, he let himself relax, staring up at the night sky.
Link couldn't help, but dive into thoughts about why he was the sword's chosen. Why he was the one to bear the burden.
Revali I'm sure is capable, same could be said for the other Champions. But is it his pride that makes him only support? We all have flaws... Did the others ever try looking for the sword? Were they deemed unworthy before they even had a chance to prove themselves?
He thought about asking the sword, but it has become silent for him since the night in the Lost Woods.
I suppose when I only need it, will it give me answers. Or if it's really necessary. Ruminating about why or why not I should be the chosen one likely doesn't appeal the sword. Still... Zelda doesn't seem to think I'm worthy. She's supposed to be the bearer of the Triforce of Wisdom. If she doesn't feel that I'm worthy, then how can I ever live up to the expectations of everyone else? The one who should believe in me the most has none. It's not like this is new for me. Venus didn't have any faith either, she just pushed me and pushed me to see if I would break. Maybe it would've been best if I did. Zelda could have someone better than myself as a protector.
But... this is the hand I've been dealt and it's best to play what I have then to think on the "what ifs." My job isn't to judge. It isn't to figure out if someone deserves something, or to decide who is right and who is wrong. It is to lift the fallen, restore the broken, and to heal the hurting of all the people across Hyrule. That is the burden I must bear, and that is something that weighs heavily upon me daily. I cannot falter over elementary things. They are meant to test me. Zelda most of all looks to test me. In every way. With what's she's gone through and her own struggle, she needs that affirmation and that reassurance from me that I'm her support as she is mine. I must wait however long it takes for her to realize this, and do what I can to assist her. She is the key to everything. She just doesn't know it... yet.
Link then let his eyes become unfocused; it was something that Venus showed him. He was still aware of his surrounds, but it allowed him to fall into a state of serenity at the same time. It helped pass time by, and recover lost energy. While it was not as effective as actually sleeping, he knew he wasn't getting any, anytime soon, so this would have to do for the time being. It saved him several times when he would need to rest in survival training missions. Without this technique, he would've been killed in his sleep long ago.
Falling fully into his state of tranquillity, Link watched over Zelda through the night...