Golo had given Link and Zelda the grand tour of the village. They stood back in the town center again as gorons once more began to surround them in curiosity. They found themselves talking to a few of the gorons they met earlier. They all seemed very happy and pleased with Link's disposition and his opinions of the village and their wares.
Another 30 minutes or so went by. It was at this time and after all this walking Zelda began to wish she had a better, more supportive type of shoe…
Golo pointed in the distance where the ceiling itself opened up to the sky above right where the springs were located, "The hot springs are next, as promised. Are you two about ready to relax for a bit?"
Link noticed Zelda was favoring her feet a little as she leaned into him: "More than ready I'll assume. But you sure we aren't imposing?"
Another goron male stepped forward: "No, no Link, it is only but a small way to repay you, the great Hero for your help and sooth your wounds." Another goron male playfully elbowed Link: "-Though normally the women do that for us!" –he joked. Link smiled and nodded, pretending to be amused to be polite. An even bigger goron male joined them: "Yes, the hot springs…" The 3 male gorons began to surround Link – in perhaps a little too friendly of a manner.
The 3 big goron males now pulled Link forward with Golo, walking him to the hot springs: "Let us indulge you, for we would have no hot spring without you, nor such subtle stones to nibble –makes great soup!" Another spoke: "We shall imprint upon you the mark of the goron and formally ensure your status among us gorons." The other spoke again: "Maybe we will perform the feats of strength after the meal tonight! To celebrate!" They cheered, loving the idea. Link, on the other hand, was just getting more and more nervous and afraid, beginning to resist. "Come brother! To the hot springs!" "Yes, the springs!" "Such sweet springs they are!"
Zelda followed close behind, giggling to herself at Link's current circumstance.
Chapter 4-2: Hot Springs
Once they were there the 3 gorons let up on Link. They cheered and pushed each other around lightheartedly as they got ready to enter the springs.
Golo stood calmly next to Link and Zelda: "These are the hot springs I was telling you about – great, right?" There was a small echo here, and the water drops could be heard loudly.
Link and Zelda stood there in some astonishment – there were three big, connected hot springs; they were large and round with seats carved under the water around the edges for comfort and style. Steam rose up and out of the cavern through a large hole in the roof. Zelda stared up; the view of the sky was amazing from here and it felt very isolated.
Golo explained: "This place is secluded from the village for privacy and safety purposes. Need to let all the hot air and vapor out of the village or we'd really be steaming everything up. Plus the rain keeps the pools fresh and supplies us with water without the runoff flooding the village."
The other 3 gorons were now in the water along with one of the children who snuck away – he seemed to be swimming around while the others sat relaxing and laughing. There was already another male goron and child in the pool.
Golo: "You should come and relax for awhile while the women finish the meal for us. You will join us, yes?" He seemed eager to get in the water.
It was then that the realization of the situation hit both Link and Zelda – they didn't really have proper swimwear or anything.
Golo noticed them hesitating and gestured at them: "?"
Link noticed the gorons in the pool had on small coverings – towels maybe?
Link: "Oh, a towel? Do you have something we could…?"
Golo: "Hmm?"
Link tried to explain to him how they usually wear special clothing to swim – they couldn't really just take off their clothes and such. Golo seemed to understand, and walked them into a small, private room carved into the cave wall in back of the springs to talk further. A few large puddles were on the floor here.
Golo took Link aside, they talked quietly: "Is it that you feel embarrassed? There is no need, Brother!"
Link: "No, no," now he was feeling a little embarrassed, though mainly more for Zelda. He tried to explain, but it felt awkward…
Golo: "You mean your parts are always exposed?"
Link wiped his face, feeling even more awkward but at least his point was getting across.
Golo tugged at Link's pants as if half-curious, "So you can't?... No protection? It's always out?" He laughed "No wonder why you humans always wear those clothes! At least us gorons have options!"
He then walked Link towards a small closet filled with towels and thick cloths of various sizes. "I can understand then. Take as many as you need. I think I know how it is -the women tend to be the same and want privacy. You may have noticed. But, I don't think they'll mind if you two borrow some of these."
Link nodded.
Golo addressed both of them now: "Take all you need. There is another room just behind here if you want some privacy; also were we rinse off when getting out sometimes." He made his way out of the room: "I'll wait for you in the springs. Take your time then."
Now Link and Zelda were alone.
Zelda walked over to Link standing by the towels and coverings. She then took a peek around the corner to see a small tunnel/hall leading to a room back there with a door – that must be what Golo was talking about.
Link: "Well…you ready to go for a dip?"
Zelda tuned back to him: "I suppose so…But our clothes –I don't want my dress to get all wet."
Link: "Let's check out that back room. See if there is a spot to put our things."
The room was a little humid, but dry. There was a small shower and foot sink with sponges – I suppose this is what Golo meant by 'rising off.' But there were shelves high off the ground and away from everything. More towels were up there –they agreed that might be a good spot for their things.
They made their way back out to the closet filled with cloths. Link began looking through them. Zelda still looked a little nervous though as he pulled things out.
He held one up; she seemed displeased. He held up another; she still seemed displeased. He continued to dig, finding a large, thick designed cloth – this should be perfect. He held it up for her, trying to be considerate. She smiled and perked up, taking it from him to look over: "This is should be good." She giggled "look at these designs though" they were very 'goron-ish' with colored triangles, waves, boxes and other designs (like something 'a native' would wear). "Will I look silly?"
Link then pulled out another small cloth –it almost matched hers: "If you do, then I will too."
She giggled as he held it up for her to see.
Link: "Fair enough?"
Zelda: "I suppose."
They returned to the back room now prepared to change.
Zelda: "So…" she stood at the door watching as Link sat to remove his shoes and socks. "Should I…wait outside and let you change first?"
Link stood, placing the items on the high shelf: "Nah. I will go change outside. Just let me get my supplies up here first?" He undid his sword belt, pants belt, shield and hat getting all his possessions to a safe place.
Zelda: "Of course." She smiled. Though she was a little nervous to only be in a pool with essentially a towel, she figured the gorons wouldn't much be interested in such things…and the towel would be secure. Her excitement to get into the hot springs outweighed her self-consciousness as she readied to change.
Link now stood outside the door: "Don't rush now." She turned around to see him closing the door behind him: "Let me know if you need another cloth or something."
With that Zelda took her time. The room was so quiet. Pretty private… she should be okay. Besides, she wasn't the only one doing this – Link was changing now too…
She removed her lavender shoes, bracelets and hair accessories. The stone floors were cool on her bare feet but surprisingly welcoming –freeing in a way. She undressed and wrapped the long, thick cloth around herself. It felt okay… She looked into a mirror that hung on the wall to check. It was certainly thick enough that the water would not make it show anything... It had a tie that wrapped tight above her breast; the cloth hung down just past her knees like a small dress. She adjusted her hair so it wouldn't get all wet, pinning the back up against the top of her head; a few front pieces still hung down into her face though. She felt nervous now looking at herself. She figured the outfit looked a little cute actually… She couldn't help but think: "Maybe…Link will think it's cute too." She gained confidence and smiled. She was ready to go.
She peaked out the door to see if Link was finished: "Link?"
He came around the corner ready to store away the rest of his clothes.
She stood half hanging out the door, half hiding.
Link: "Everything okay?"
Zelda: "Are you ready?"
She shyly opened the door so Link could see her. He politely did not stare or even look much really. He just smiled. She couldn't help but briefly stare as Link stood there half naked; she could see his fairly well defined upper body muscle tone. But the pile of clothes he was holding obscured the rest…
Zelda: "Oh." She came to her senses and stepped aside so Link could get in. He quickly put away his things next to Zelda's now and came back to her, holding up a towel.
Link: "I will take one with us in case we need it."
She fixed her coverings a bit: "Does it look okay?"
He finally took a good look. She did a little turn to ensure her dignity upon exiting (she didn't want to embarrass herself in public –in front of the gorons.)
Link: "Its fine, Zelda. It…looks nice actually, so don't worry."
She smiled at him – he said it looks nice? She was very happy to hear him say that to her.
Link: "Besides, look at me," he held his hands up so she could see his coverings; he had them wrapped around his waist – it also hung just down past his knees. The colors on him, however, looked rather silly, as if he was wearing a women's style. "If anyone is losing their dignity out there, it's certainly not you."
She held her hand in front of her mouth, but still some giggles came out.
Link: "Laughing at me, huh? That bad?" He turned around, trying to look at himself. He then noticed the mirror in the room and walked over to take a look. He stood with his hands on his hips trying to look dignified. "…It is that bad, isn't it?"
Zelda's giggle became a laugh and the small echo made it seem louder.
He turned to look at her and saw her laughing. He light heartedly laughed at himself returning to her side. He didn't' much care so long as he was covered: "Ready?"
She grinned with excitement: "Ready!"
She took his hand and practically pulled him outside. They then both stood there by the hot springs, wondering where to step in. Golo called out and waved to them, putting an end to that decision.
She suddenly acted withdrawn, however. I think she was more trying to remain calm and regal, being a Goddess and all; she knew she needed to be well mannered. Link took the initiative and offered her his arm to walk her over to the pool on the left where Golo sat. I suppose he looked pretty dignified right now despite the' girly' outfit. The 4 gorons in the pool to the right cheered and welcomed them; the larger male sat with his belly half sitting out of the water. The children, however, ignored them and swam about, kicking up water.
Link stepped into the water first. He held out his hand, helping her in. It was actually kind of deep on the side of the pool where Golo sat.
Golo: "Ahh, you found something to your liking, good! Take a seat here; relax…" They both took a seat on the rock shelf across from him; he looked very calm.
Link sat next to Zelda now; they both found themselves relaxing quickly. The spring water was warm and the steam relaxed their breathing while winds from the opened sky above hit their faces and exposed upper body providing a uniquely exhilarating feeling. Mud in the water surrounded their toes as well – it felt very nice.
20 minutes or so went by. The longer you soaked it seemed, the more the feelings sucked you in.
Link: "Hmm, Very nice…" he leaned back to relax more.
Golo: "Go ahead, put your feet up! This part of the spring is warmer than those other two and the breeze comes more frequently; very relaxing."
It was then one of the gorons in the other pool slugged a ball of mud at Golo's face: "Maybe, but the mud over here is much richer!" -and thick Link noticed…
Golo wiped the dirt off his face and laughed: "You don't say?"
The children laughed out loud as another goron flung a ball of mud at Golo. Golo smeared some on his thick skin: "How about a little more, uh?" He bent over and reached down into the water, pulling up two handfuls of mud. He covered his arms and shoulders with it and sat back down.
Link remembered this might be the rich mud Golo had talked about earlier today – that it's good for the skin. He got off the seat and considered grabbing some himself as he semi-swam in the water. It did feel good beneath his feet…
Another mud ball was flung over aimed at Golo – there was some splash and Zelda found a few spots of the mud on her shoulder.
Golo: "Oh-ho ho, you barely hit me!"
The 4 gorons across in the other pool laughed: "You asked for more!"
Golo flung another mud ball back at him, across the way. Everyone was laughing.
It was then another mud ball came from out of view and smacked Link on the side of the face taking him completely by surprise. Link now stood, his torso exposed. As he stood up to compose himself and get it off his face, everyone was struck silent – one of the kids had thrown it; he now had a worried look on his face, as if the adults getting quiet meant he did something wrong. Link looked at him and lowly chuckled, breaking the silence: "I see how it is." He began approaching the boy.
MaleGoron: "Ooh, you're in for it now!"
MaleGoron2: "Give it to him, Brother!" They laughed as the boy tried to swim away as if in a panic.
Link reached down to grab some mud but now the boy was out of the water.
The other young boy mocked him: "Scared of Brother Link?"
He replied: "Then you take him on!"
Link turned his direction to the other boy with a fresh mud ball in hand. The boy also backed away and stood on the seat: "No, no no!"
Link threw the mud at him, covering his belly. The boy retaliated and threw back, causing a short mud flinging fight to break out. The other gorons also flung a few at the boy -it was clear he lost. He wiped off what he could as he was forced out of the pool with the other young boy. All the adult gorons were laughing at them as they fled the hot springs area (it was all in good fun.)
MaleGoron: "Good aim, Brother!" He stood up tapping his fists together, "I wonder how good you are at wrestling?"
The bigger gorons stood up challenging that goron: "You can't even beat me. I say we go take it to the ring!"
Golo: "Go on ahead guys. We'll come join you after a bit."
The 4 male gorons again clambered in a cheer –of course they were referring to sumo, a very popular and traditional such event as the Hero visiting might call for. It seemed they wished to leave the pool now and battle some, so they did. Golo explained the game to Link and Zelda as the pool was now quiet – only the three of them.
Golo: "Yes, it's not too often we have good reason to Sumo traditionally, so they are over eager to do so. But enough about that for now –there will be plenty more excitement later. I should recommend a nice mud rub." He put a little more fresh mud onto his shoulders, "You'll see it's quite nice."
Link and Zelda stood with Golo in the middle of the pool, getting a nice coat of mud on their arms and shoulders and all the rest that was exposed out of the water. Golo rubbed some of the mud off Link's hair down on his face: "Don't forget the face!"
Zelda too obliged; her and Link laughed at each other as they covered their faces. Zelda dipped her finger into the mud on his check and forehead making designs; he then did the same to her. She also made a design on his chest before playfully pushing him away and splashing, giggling – Even Golo got a laugh at them.
-o-
They sat and talked for a few more moments. Then it became quiet as they all just sat back and relaxed as the mud dried on their skin. Zelda moved closer to Link as he put his feet up on a rock, his toes sticking out of the water; she leaned back as he did but brought her knees up, making sure she was plenty covered.
Maybe 15 minutes or so went by. She scooted over to Link and lightly took his arm under the water. Her shoulder now touched his. She laid into him a bit and seemed very comfortable.
Golo seemed to notice and think they were getting a little more intimate –maybe they wanted some privacy. It is a common thought in every goron's minds as to the things one could do in the hot springs… (though it was forbidden).
He stood and splashed himself, washing the mud off. I suppose it was only good to keep on for so long: "Ahh yes, I think I'm done for now, but you two still have a good 10 minutes left to really get the most out of it. So stay as you are." He began to get out of the pool as he talked: "There is plenty of time to stay and relax here and do whatever it is you wish; after all it's at least 2 hours till feast even starts to begin."
Link sat up a bit, pulling Zelda up with him, since she still held his arm.
Golo grabbed a nearby towel and dried off: "Now listen…I'm going to close off the springs so you can have some privacy, so no one will come in and bother you. I'm sure you'll want more time to relax before the evening. It will be nice and quiet this way."
Link: "You're leaving?"
Golo: "Yes, yes brother; I have some things I need to do and some supplies to pick up. But really, stay as long as you like here – just come meet me outside whenever you are done. No one will disturb you till late night fall."
Zelda: "Are you sure that's all right?"
Golo: "Of course, dear Goddess! I insist you take all the time you need to refresh yourselves. You may indulge in all you wish."
-Indulge? She wondered.
Link: "Alright, Golo. Thanks a lot! I guess we'll see you in an hour or so then."
Golo nodded and headed out the entrance, his wet feet clapping the stone floor as he walked. Soon his footsteps faded and the area was very quiet again with only drops of water and other sounds of the pools continuing on. Link again leaned back and put his feet up – Zelda too went back to her position in comfort.
Link: "That was awfully nice of him, wasn't it? I bet you like this a little more anyways –the quiet."
Zelda: "Yes it was and I do…"
He leaned back in his seat again and looked into the sky; it was nearing dusk but the blue still remained: "I bet the view of the stars from here is beautiful at night."
She joined him in an upright glance, their heads leaning against the side of the pool: "Yes, I bet it is amazing here at night with only the moonlight the few torches to see… Can we stay that long? To see it?"
Link: "I'm not sure how much more of the water our skin can take but sure."
There they sat with their heads back a little while longer. Zelda noticed Link closed his eyes. She wanted to join him. Her head almost fell to his shoulder when she released she shouldn't get her hair a mess –she didn't want the clay to get in it. She sat up and began to wash the dirt off her face, but it was stuck. She soon realized she needed to peel it off. It came off easily. The commotion caught Link's attention and he sat up and watched.
Zelda: "Wow, it feels good!" she said surprised. She had to admit her skin felt great, as if the imperfections in her pores peeled away with the mud layer.
Link peeled his off then too. They sat there and looked at each other's faces.
Link: "Looks the same though."
She stood up and walked to the center of the pool. Her upper torso was exposed and the soaked cloth clung faithfully to her body. She held out her arms, removing the layers.
Link joined her and took the dried mud off his arms as well.
She looked at him standing there – he had a lot more mud on him then she did, because of her towel. Despite them going into the water after applying the layers, it seemed as if the clay remained stuck to Link's chest and stomach. She noticed the designs she drew were still there as well as two hand prints, her hand prints, from when she had playfully pushed him away. She hadn't intended for that. She giggled noticing this. She kept giggling.
He pulled the last of the mud off his arms: "What's so funny?" He looked down at himself to see what she was looking at and saw two feminine hand prints across his chest. He chuckled: "This stuff really stays on think doesn't it? …I guess that's how it sticks so well to the bottom of the pool."
Zelda: "Probably."
She got the rest of the clay off her and was now clean. She felt her own skin: "I would say Golo was right about this. It's very soft now…"
Link turned around trying to get some off his back. He was having some trouble though.
She stepped over and peeled the last chunk off his back, with a giggle: "That's all of it there."
Link: "Ah, good." He turned around to do the front of himself, suddenly realizing how close he was to her. He took a casual step back so he could actually look her in the face. At the same time, she too took a baby step back, but had begun to stare where the rest of the mud was on him as he unsuccessfully peeled it off –he only picked off a few pieces. "Hmmm…"
She stepped in closer to him again, still staring. The close proximity made him stop what he was doing. He saw the wet cloth draped around her more clearly now and noticed how much darker the designs looked when damp.
The relaxation from the hot water, the steam; she felt good now with the mud gone and without anyone else around –very peaceful. She impishly giggled, taking another baby step forward.
Link: "Huh?" She had a strange tone in her laugh he wasn't used to and felt a little defensive at first.
Still staring, she placed her hands back into the two clay imprints she left on his chest. They fit into them perfectly as if the drying process made the prints just a tad larger. She held her hands there against his chest. At first she looked up at him and giggled, like an amused child, but then she looked down at her hands there and grew unusually quiet. She stared. Things suddenly felt serious. She had noticed she could feel his warmth and breathing even through the clay and got a little caught up in the moment. She took another baby step forward causing small ripples in the pool to spread out. Her elbows relaxed.
Her quietness and sudden elegance caught him a little off guard. He just stood there and watched as she looked at her own hands in the imprints. He could feel her fingers resting into the grooves. It tickled just a little.
She was quiet as she spoke: "From when I pushed you earlier..." she again sensually giggled, as if feeling pleasure. Something about it and the way she stood there was different -captivating.
She was thinking about all the times they spent together. Remembering now when she pushed him off the landing port when he had told her he didn't sense his bird, and when she pushed him off the Goddess's statue after he won the sailcloth. There had been other moments like that when they were kids… She felt guilty for her actions suddenly coming to some kind of realization… she always got aggressive towards him when things got too personal...
A minute or so had gone by but it felt like five. He felt his heart speed up as her warm little fingers held their place in the imprints. He took in a few shallow breaths to calm himself, staring down at the top of her head as she still looked down.
Zelda: "Maybe I shouldn't be so rough…"
Link: "…?"
She looked up at him then. Since he was already looking down at her their eyes met and held. Her eyes looked soft and serene. His too looked calm and relaxed; eyes deep blue and strong despite the current confusion he might be hiding from her, but he seemed good at masking his thoughts most of the time.
Zelda: "I guess I get carried away some times."
They were quiet for a moment, caught in each other's eyes. He tried to read her or to figure out what she meant but she had been apologizing to him for a lot of things lately. He just smiled at her and shook his head: "We all do."
She began to look sad, remorseful for a moment. She looked away and into the distance.
He couldn't help but feel for her, seeing her look upset for a moment in such a place, in such a state when he knew she was excited to be here. He caught himself staring down at the designs on her cloth and how the few golden hairs hung down on her white, damp neck under the low light of evening beginning to take over. Dusk was kicking in and the torch fire on the wall danced. The stars would soon begin to rear brightly overhead. His eyes followed the blonde strands up to her face again. He had never seen her wear her hair in this fashion before; it was adorable in a way. He imagined that's how she might wear it if she were taking a bath back at the Knight Academy… With that thought his heart beat faster; he quickly cut off that line of thinking before he got pictures in his head of bubble bath fuzz, sponges, and washing. She turned back to look at him again, that sad look still in her eyes.
He held her shoulders and gently rubbed her arm, trying to console her. His eyes focused on her exposed skin again. It looked flawless and exquisite in the soft shades of moonlight -it was smooth and warm…very much so… He realized she was looking at him, so he quickly snapped out of it and looked back at her again and smiled kindly as if not a thing was on his mind.
She smiled gently back, her eyes getting a little wide. She rather liked what he was doing and was tempted to wrap her arms around him and get closer…but…
It made Link feel a little awkward and embarrassed –he thought quick to break the tension. He arched an eyebrow up trying to not seem serious but was still earnest: "…Ah, you're right… It does feel soft." He smiled and stopped rubbing, taking his hands away and taking a small step back. She realized she still had her hands on his chest. She took her hands away beginning to blush, but considering they were in a hot spring such a thing as skin blush was not noticeable or unexpected.
Link: "You going to let me get the rest of this off me now?"
She smiled and took a step back, holding her hands together against her chest sheepishly. She blushed a little more as her eyes watched him pull the rest of the clay layers off. She got a nice eyeful of his torso and abs this time as he dropped the mud back into the water. She had been attracted to him for awhile but never realized just how physically handsome he had become… Not ripped but defined and well cut… But she also noticed something else, and let out a small gasp, reaching towards him.
Link: "…?"
Zelda: "Link," she sounded upset as she touched his skin –there was a small patterned scar on his side she never noticed before. It wasn't exactly a noticeable location. It looked as if a bunch of tiny round loops had been branded and carved into his skin. "What is this scar? It looks like a burn."
Link: "Oh, that?" He sounded completely unconcerned. He turned so they could see it better. "It is, probably from 3 or 4 months ago; in Eldin –here actually, in the Earth Temple."
Zelda: "The Earth Temple?" she remembered being dragging into the place. "What happened?"
Link: "The place was filled with lava. I got splashed with some after an explosion. I was careless."
Zelda: "Does it hurt?"
Link: "No, not now. It hurt like hell when it happened though, sure –pure agony. But I needed to keep my balance. I couldn't do anything about it for at least an hour. There was no safe place to stop. It sure tested my resilience though," he laughed, trying to brush away the experience.
She ran her finger down the burn scar, feeling the round indentations in curiosity and worry: "Why does it look like this though?"
Link: "It burnt right through the cloth and the mail I was wearing underneath absorbed it. The mail embedded itself into my skin a little; I had to rip it out. That's why the indentations are so clear here," he pointed.
She felt horrible picturing the whole scenario. How it could have happened; when it hit his skin; how he probably winced and held his fists in pain unable to do anything about it; and when he ripped the mail out of his own flesh – she cringed just thinking about it. "That's horrible…"
Link: "It's alright."
He regained a normal standing position but Zelda remained focused on his torso. She found herself looking to see if he had any other such wounds. She noticed a few light scratches here and there but only a few more deep wounds.
She noticed a gash on his shoulder and inquired about it: "What about this one?"
Link: "Ghirahim."
His name coiled her; she didn't really care to think about him again.
Link laughed seeing the sudden disgusted look on her face.
Zelda: "What about this scar?"
Link: "That? That might be from the mines. I'm really not too sure."
She smiled sorrowfully, but the way he smiled back at her made her feel content.
Link: "Come on now," he held out his hand to her, "Lets relax while we still can."
But she stood still, not budging as he tried to lead her back to the seat.
Link: "…?"
She continued to look him over. Maybe she got a little caught up in what she was seeing and their conversation.
Link: "…" He might have started to feel a little awkward as she stared at him if her eyes hadn't been half glazed over in a daze; he could tell she had sunk into thought again.
3 or 4 months ago? Had it been that long ago already? She wondered.
Link: "…Zelda?"
She suddenly snapped into reality again and blushed heavily as she realized what she had been doing.
Link: "Come on."
Again they sat in the warm water as the steam moistened their faces. After a few minutes Link laid back, getting the back of his head a little wet.
She took a few deep breaths in through her nose, slowly, in and out her mouth to fully relax. She looked over at him seeing his eyes shut. He looked content.
Though she sat less than a foot away, it felt like a yard. She scooted closer and took hold of his arm under the water, carefully wrapping herself around it as if hugging him. It made him open his eyes to look at her. He looked very relaxed and dimly smiled at her before resting his head and eyes again, accepting her company. She took it as an invitation to get more comfortable – this time she could rest her head on his shoulder and shut her eyes for a moment. So she did.
Another 5 or 10 minutes went by and he could feel her weight against him getting heavier by the minute. Her head drifted closer to his and he could feel her arms and breasts wrapped more tightly around his arm. He looked over assuming she was falling asleep. It sure looked like it.
He half whispered, making sure not to startle her: "You okay?"
She let out a tired moan as she moved her head: "Mhmm, just tired."
Link: "I can tell."
Zelda: "Mmhm" –it came out like a murmur.
They had done a lot of things and a lot of walking today and they still had whatever was going to happen tonight to do. She wasn't used to it, not like he was. She probably could use a nap.
Thinking it the right thing to do considering the situation, he moved the arm she was cradling to break it free from her.
Zelda: "Hmm?" She sat up, still half in a stupor displeased with the disruption, like a mouse might be if you tapped it awake.
He brought his arm up and around her, gently scooping her shoulder as if telling her to move closer: "Come here… " he dimly smiled again looking as if he could fall asleep too, "You can rest if you want." She instinctively got closer and fell into him as he continued talking "I'll make sure you're up."
Their voices were very quiet now.
Zelda: "You make sure I'm up?" she lightly giggled, her face against his inner shoulder now. "I should know you better than that. You've had your eyes closed longer than me."
Link: "Well…I could try." He joked. "We have plenty of time."
Zelda: "Hmmm, maybe…"
She had her arm around him now and her knee sat next to his. She quickly fell back into a sleep-like state like she was in before he had moved her. Her weight quickly got heavy on him again. He expected it.
After another 5-10 minutes went by he found his breath was slowing and his body relaxed too, as if the early stages of deep rest kicked in. He figured if he weren't in the water he'd be sleeping too. His head fell forward and he found the side of his face resting against Zelda's head. His fingers gently rubbed her shoulder and arm in a comforting manner; he may have not even realized he was doing it.
But Zelda did. She also felt his body relax as well. Sure she had experienced this before when they slept but this was different. She could feel the light breeze of his breath in her hair as well. She could tell at times he was relaxing, his chin resting on her, but also looking around. It's funny, she may have thought, but there was something about it that felt good… it felt safe, protective even, as if he was looking out for her. Was that so silly to think? She wondered. But she was too tired to think more on it. She actually did fall asleep. How he was, what he was doing without really doing anything intentionally made her feel so at ease that it lulled her to sleep.
He noticed and knew she was sleeping at some point. He looked down at her peaceful face as she slept there… He was pleased she took his advice… He looked up at the sky seeing it was about night now – the stars should be truly visible soon. He began staring at the torches and the fire; the light that was being cast was rather beautiful he thought.
Still sleeping, Zelda stirred for a moment, shifting to find comfort. It drew his attention away from the fire and back to her again. He felt her hand move up his stomach and watched as it moved towards his chest as if in slow motion. He didn't want to move or wake her but it almost made him gasp, it felt good though. He felt embarrassed thinking that and quietly laughed to himself as her hand rested there. Her legs then moved. He grew concerned for himself as he felt her knees bump into his side. She leaned into him as she shifted again and her feet made their way over his legs. He feared for all he had covered what she may do. Then she stopped moving again. Her butt was firmly planted on the seat but now her legs hung across his knees. He laughed again at himself and the situation. At the same time though she still slept and he realized how cute it was. She was making herself comfortable I guess. …He continued to look down at her face and the feeling of her legs became more apparent but it wasn't much weight thanks to the water. His face was a little closer to hers now and he began to notice just how sweet her hair smelt – like flowers; the humidity must be drawing out the perfumes of her shampoo, plus some of her feminine odor from her sweat surly lingered in the air. He made a half disappointed face, thinking he shouldn't be noticing such things…but soon he found himself relaxing again in the warmth -it was hard not to. His eyes grew droopy again as they made their way back to the sight of the flames dancing… A cool breeze blew from overhead; it felt fantastic. It also made the sweet smell stronger. God it smelt good… Soon he forgot he shouldn't resist it or the feeling of her body next to his. The more he relaxed, the more the feeling of her, the warmth, the heat and the scents enamored him unconsciously. He rested with her there for a good half hour. It was very quiet. She surly needed the rest.
Link looked up at the sky again, realizing now everything looked perfect. All clouds in sight departed and the sky was very dark as the vivid dots of white shined brightly above their heads. There was something about viewing the stars from here, like this, with this atmosphere that made it romantic -akin to something you might read about in a book. He also realized they were probably running out of time. So he decided to wake her up so she could enjoy the moment before it passed.
He gently patted her until she shifted back into consciousness: "Zelda."
Zelda: "Hmmn…" Some of her weight was lifted as she woke up but she remained still against him.
Link: "Zelda." He looked down at her face, the few strands of hair that hung down stuck to her cheek. He used a finger to brush it to the side. He kept his fingers against her face as she responded and opened her eyes. "Hey," he smiled at her.
Zelda: "Hmmm," she smiled back, enjoying the feeling of his hand caressing her face. But he then withdrew it. "…I actually fell asleep. I didn't think I would." She sat up a bit.
She noticed how her position had changed and she found herself embarrassed. She figured she had done it on her own – she had always been a shifty sleeper at times… It made her realize how kind and considerate he was being towards her. He usually was, yes but…she blushed heavily realizing how much she liked it like this. She had never been this intimate or close to him before, plus she felt half naked –he was half naked.
Link: "Look," he broke her thoughts, "the stars." He leaned back and looked up; her body moved with his, "You wanted to see them like this, yea?"
She looked up but her head remained on his shoulder. The scene took her by surprise; the lighting was perfect and so much seemed to have changed so much in only a short time.
Zelda: "Wow... It looks incredible."
Link: "Mmhmm," he nodded.
She smiled there looking at everything for awhile. It was a moment in time that made her feel great to be alive, awe inspired. She was glad to be on earth.
Zelda: "See? This was worth it, right?"
Link: "Mmhmm."
She looked up at him again. He looked most content, slowly breathing in the air around him through his nose.
He looked at her looking at him: "Hm?"
She softly giggled at him, but it had that sensuous ting to it again that made his heart skip a beat. He readily accepted it as sensual considering the state he was already in. He was entranced without realizing it. But also very warm from sitting in the springs so long – his skin was very hot and his face was blushed over.
She had felt his heart skip that beat and it made hers skip one too out of principle. She found herself realizing she had never seen him look like this before. She was semi-shocked.
He shut his eyes for a moment again.
"Link…?" she whispered
Link: "Mmhm?," he again responded, sounding strange –weak maybe or vulnerable.
It struck her quiet in surprise as she realized, but she remained watching him.
He looked at her looking at him again, not much question in his expression now though.
She leaned back into him again, her forehead against his chin, giving him another strong batch of her pheromones. But it wasn't one sided now. She found herself drawn into his weakness and comfort. She lay against him again.
"This is nice," she spoke; "much more beautiful than in Skyloft." He could feel her skin against his neck and made a sound in response to her comment.
He looked up to the sky again starting to wonder things. Briefly thinking about Skyloft and why this all happened again. Why him? Why them? Why anything? –Ah, he couldn't concentrate on such things. His mind was in a fog.
Zelda: "Thanks for letting me see this, Link," she spoke moving again. Her knees bent a little and her arms grew tighter around him. Link found himself being hugged by her now. "It's like nothing I'd ever seen before… I…" She held her face against his neck and titled her head to feel the hot skin of his chin against her forehead. "I like it here."
He could sense her gratitude. She was a good girl despite everything she had put him through. He couldn't help but reciprocate at the moment. As if it was a desire he let spill out he shifted his body more in her direction and hugged her back. With a sudden strength he held her in his arms, bringing his face slightly closer to hers.
It struck her again silent and full of surprise and almost took her breath away. This had been what she wanted all along but now that it was sort-of happening it wasn't like she thought it might be. She quickly tried to catch her breath as her heart sped up-this whole scenario was very idealistic. She hugged him a little tighter not wanting him to let go of her yet. He seemed to have no intention of doing that though. She could feel his heartbeat now since they were so close; it was very slow and steady unlike hers. That and his breath close to her face instantly seemed to relax her and soon her heart was calm, but still not nearly as calm as his. She was practically in his lap now as they remained embracing. Nothing seemed to be bothering him in that regard though, so all of the hectic-ness of her thoughts disappeared. Her grip around him naturally relaxed and she got to fully enjoy the moment.
His grip around her now loosened but he still held her. He drew his face away from her for a moment as if he was going to let go, but he then brought himself back as if he realized he wasn't done. She remained close to him, quite at ease now. She then felt his body tense up a little as he ever so slightly nuzzled her hair, but it seemed different. Was something wrong? –she thought. She suddenly felt bad, wondering if he needed comfort. He had never asked for it or seemed to need it before, but…
She brought her hand up to his chest, ever so gently pushing him back to try and see his face, to see if he was upset. But he didn't look at her. He didn't look so care free anymore, maybe a little sad. It drew out her motherly or Goddess-like instincts as well as the love she felt for him. With the same hand she reached up and touched his face to get his attention, much the way he had done to her earlier. It worked. She tenderly pulled his chin down so that he would look at her. They were too close to maintain eye contact comfortably for long though. He dropped his arms from around her so tightly. He held his head up and looked forward with a sad smirk and soft chuckle – he often acted that way to brush away his own feelings. But Zelda wasn't ready for him to grow distant again quite yet.
She again reached up and touched his chin, bringing his view back to her. She looked worried and it melted his cold expression back to a soft one again. She held his cheek in her hand pulling his face down towards hers. At the same time she brought her own face up and laid her cheek up against the other side of his face. She pulled his face closer against hers with her hand as she snuggled her face against his. It was comforting; it felt good, so warm. She soon felt him nuzzling her back just a little. The more he did, the more her hand fell away from his face.
Her hand lay on his chest now and she felt him lay his hand on her wrist as he equally nuzzled with her now. She then felt his fingers by her ear as he now held her face. It made her suddenly grow very shy, but she continued to nuzzle him back.
He held her face still now and backed his own away but not far enough for them to make eye contact. She was rather glad for that though. It made her heart race again. Was this it? She though. Was he going to…? She froze. She suddenly felt terrified; she hadn't the courage to actually do it… She thought her heart might beat out of her chest. But thinking back to her thoughts earlier she resisted every inclination to hit him or push him away this time.
Though this felt good, Link was beginning to feel unbearably hot now. They had been sitting in the hot spring for a long time and his senses were starting to feel overwhelmed. He was ready to leave and was trying to initiate that. But Zelda apparently objected. She suddenly dropped her head to his shoulder again. He had to admit this was nice. Maybe just a little longer…
He felt her nails gently dig into his skin as if she were in pain. He wasn't sure what was wrong but rubbed her shoulder until she relaxed again. As he did he felt goose bumps pop up on her arm as if a chill ran through her body. It finally prompted him to ask if she was okay.
She breathed out quietly: "Yea." They sat silent for a few more moments, debatably enjoying each other's company.
It was then the sound of Link's stomach broke the silence. As if one more basic biological need instantly over through any others, Link decided it was time to go now.
Link: "I am pretty hungry."
Zelda giggled, actually a little relived to end the tense moment on a good note.
Link began moving and Zelda sat up. He carefully scooped her legs off of him and around so she was sitting again as he stood up. He pulled himself out of the water, now sitting with only his legs in, gradually escaping the glorious warm water trap.
Link: "This cool breeze feels great right now," he said extending an arm to her so she would move up.
She sat with him on the edge as they toweled off, unsure about that sentiment. More goose bumps, this time from the cold breeze, covered her arms. She rubbed herself to keep warm as they stood up.
Link: "Is it too cold?"
Zelda: "The transition seems to be too drastic for me," she said folding her arms, getting cold.
He put the towel over her and draped his arm around her shoulders as they walked back to the room to get their things. She smiled at him and put her arm around him, lightly hugging him to steal more of his body heat.
His stomach growled again.
She giggled, grateful to for his quirks
The room in back was warm enough for Zelda to remove herself from him. Link reached up and brought down their things. He then stood there with his clothes staring at the sponge and suds left in the washing area, as if something re-entered his mind for a moment...
Zelda: "What is it?"
Link: "Huh?" He laughed and scratched his head: "Oh? No -nothing, ha-ha." He stepped forward towards the door, "I'll wait outside. Let me know when you're done so I can come back for the rest of my things."
She nodded.
He exited the room, closing the door behind him.
Alone now, she removed her damp coverings and placed them in the laundry bin in the corner. She found herself then looking at the sudsy sponge in the washing area, where Link had been staring. "I suppose it would be a good idea to wash up real quick…" she thought, stepping in and lathering the sponge.
-o-
Author's ending note:
;3 *nosebleed
There will be more to come as it comes along. I need time to write it of course. But let me know your thoughts so far and any expectations or predictions you may have. I might find it interesting to find out what you think and where you think this is headed –and if you're right or not.
Thanks for reading so far and I hope you're enjoying it