a/N: Sorry, I know I said I would post two chapters today but I only got to doing around one. I have to do a bit of planning for the next one, which I will hopefully get done and post later this week. Thank you to those reviewed again and I hope you continue to enjoy this!
Chapter Eight: The Tent
"Who are you?"
The caravan were now on their way back to Hyrule, to regroup with the rest of the army and report that however it had happened, the mission to destroy the Gerudo strong hold had been a success. Marth sat upon his horse looking extremely upset over something and his sharp glare had not left Link's sudden savoir since the moment he had first saw him. Sheik didn't appear to mind, he met Marth's tart stare head-on, seated comfortably in the small cart carrying their supplies and a very wounded Link. Impa sat beside him, splinting his arm and giving him small doses of a red potion she had brewed earlier. Upon the witches departure, the ice protruding out of his shoulder had evaporated and the hole it left behind was now smothered in reddening bandages. Impa was focused in her work, but her eyes kept darting to the painted eye on the newcomer's chest.
"My name is Sheik," he responded to Marth's question, "I travel through many parts of this land and it looked like your friend here was in a bit of a bind…."
He looked to Link who squelched back in return, his pride a bit bruised.
"Why did you decide to take our side?" Marth pressed.
Sheik shrugged. "I have a very adamant grudge against the Gerudo, anyone who opposes them is alright with me."
Link watched amazed as Zelda weaved her lies effortlessly. She really did seem like a completely different person in this disguise. He had to give her credit.
"Did the Gerudo try to kidnap you?" Ike wondered pulling up to the cart on his own horse. Sheik's eyes tightened.
"I beg your pardon?"
"Did they kidnap you? You said you had a grudge against them. I just wondered if they—well tried to get you to---do something."
"That's a very personal question Ike!" Roy admonished.
"It makes sense though," Ike drawled, ignoring Roy, "a young boy like that…wandering around alone…defenseless…"
"I think I can say I'm not defenseless…." Sheik said with undertones of annoyance, "didn't I just save your caravan?"
"Yes you did," Impa spoke up and Sheik's eyes slid to her without turning his head, "that weapon that you were using—what is it?"
"You mean this?" Sheik asked lightly, straddling the large intricate bow Link had spied earlier casually across his lap, "it's a simple bow, though it does have properties that enhance the abilities of the user—and it just so happens I am a bit gifted in the magical arts already."
He raised the bow, sliding his wrapped fingers over its length. "I like to call that particular technique the 'Light Arrow."'
Impa's frown tightened and Link could tell the cogs in her head were turning. He too stared at the eye on Sheik's clothing and wondered why Impa hadn't brought it up yet. Surely she would recognize the symbol of her people? Especially when she thought herself to be the lone survivor of her tribe?
What is Zelda thinking? Why would she show up like that with Impa around? Didn't she know Impa would be here…?
"Yes well, we appreciate your help," Marth said dryly, "but we're soldiers in case you haven't noticed. Our country is at war, I don't think your parents would want you hanging around with us."
"My parents are dead. Besides, I said that I like you, I'll join your cause."
The soldiers exchanged troubled glances with one another and Marth's sneer sharpened. Link scowled at him. Was the man happy about anything?
"I think you would have to talk to Princess Zelda if you were planning on joining her army." Marth retorted.
Sheik's eyes closed and Link knew Zelda was smiling behind that white scarf. "I don't think that'll be a problem….she could hardly protest to more help, could she?"
"I don't—"
"I'm joining and tagging along with your little group whether you like it or not."
That seemed to end the discussion. Even in disguise when Princess Zelda made up her mind her orders were set, and none could really dispute her logic. Indeed she earned the right to be entrusted with the Crest of Wisdom.
Suddenly the cart lurched abruptly, tossing its riders and contents momentarily in the air and Link fell back to the dusty wood with further cracking of the bones in his arm. His voice cut open his lungs as he screamed and Impa rushed to set him back upright. She turned to glare at Roy over her shoulder.
"What happened?" she demanded.
"I'm so sorry!" Roy whimpered, "there was a rock over there and I thought I had turned enough to miss it but I guess I didn't, I'm sorry Link!"
Link clutched his arm with his other hand but couldn't grip it as firm as he would have liked due to the heap of bandages cluttered around his other shoulder. He bit down on his lip to keep the moans of agony locked in. Impa put a surprising gentle hand on his head and raised another bottle of potion to his lips.
"Drink this," she sighed, "maybe we better stop traveling for today. It looks like the roads only going to get rockier as we go."
"It's late afternoon too," Sheik added, "the sun is at its hottest now, we should sleep now so we can have strength to travel at night when its cooler."
"Makes sense," Ike replied not really keen on sweating in his saddle for much longer, "Roy and I will set up camp."______________________________________________________
Sheik kicked the dust circling around his feet. The dry air pained his throat and he surveyed the array of tents all huddled together in the coarse desert. Ike's feet poked out of the flap of one, apparently he had taken Sheik's advice to heart and managed to fall asleep despite the smothering heat. Marth and Roy sat together outside, having some conversation in hushed tones. Marth looked up when he saw Sheik eyeing his canteen of water.
"There's water in that tent there," he said a bit tersely, pointing over his shoulder, "tread lightly though, I think that Sheikah woman is in there with her patient."
Sheik appraised him silently before turning smoothly in the appointed direction. Marth is such a strange man, Zelda thought, He can be kind and charming, but only when he gets in the mood apparently. Still, he has an intuitive mind…and I get along with him just fine when I'm wearing dresses. That thought pulled a smile to her lips which she allowed to grow to its fullest, since no one could really see her face anyway.
The stench of blood crawled its way to her nose the moment she pulled on the flap to Impa's tent. She choked once and Impa raised her head, a bit startled by the sudden noise. At once her stare hardened with suspicion and she turned a cold shoulder. Zelda instantly regretted coming inside—never before had Impa treated her so harshly--and then she remembered that she and Sheik were never properly introduced.
"I just came to get some water," she rapped out, lowering her voice to suit the tones of a young man, "I didn't mean to frighten you."
Impa said nothing, merely continued to cut long strips of cloth and lay them out at her knees. Link lay on rolled out blankets beside her, his head tilted to the side with his eyes closed. Zelda restrained a cringe when she noticed the source of the smell, the gash in his right shoulder seemed to be getting worse. She turned away and knelt down to a small wooden basket containing canteens. She shifted through each one, tossing away the empty to keep herself occupied in the awkward silence.
"What did you say your name was again?"
Zelda froze—a thousand thoughts raced through her mind on how best to answer Impa's questions. She had to admit, she had overlooked this small problem with this disguise but when she faced her nursemaid Sheik's face was as calm as it always was.
"Sheik is my name."
"Where are you from?"
"I'm not sure, I've traveled all over the place since I was very young. I don't think I really belong anywhere."
The lie would have convinced someone else, but Impa persisted, now letting her acute glare skim down the lines of her chest. "That symbol there….you display it boldly, but do you know what it means?"
The Princess opened her mouth to respond but Impa cut across.
"It is a representation of the burdens and sorrows of my people. We were once a race that served the royal family of Hyrule with strict dedication—but many lives were lost in the wars of long ago and I doubt that very many of us remain. Your name is derived from that ancient tribe….the Sheikah."
Zelda's features became gentle and a flood of inspiration overtook her. She reached both arms behind her head and untied the scarf protecting her face. Impa watched it fall to the ground perplexed, as the white cap followed behind it.
"I know, Impa," Zelda told her, gliding her fingers across her eyes as a deep pool of blue began to flush out the red, "you told me that story some time ago. It's where I got my inspiration."
Impa rose to her feet. "Princess! How did you….I didn't know—why are you here?"
Zelda raised her hand. "Please don't be upset Impa. I didn't disguise myself like this to mock you or make you angry. I wasn't going to stay in the castle while those I loved were sent out to fight for my people. But I couldn't come out here as Princess Zelda….I needed a different persona and I thought that posing as a Sheikah…a race that only few know of…would be the best way to hide who I am—and fight as you do."
Impa sank down to her knees again and bowed her head. "I would not have advised these recent actions—but—you will do what you will."
Zelda smiled. "Thank you Impa. I knew you would understand, will you keep my secret?"
"Of course Princess."
"Thank you."
Link stirred, shifting in his sleep and winced from one of his pains, turning the others attention to him. Impa picked up her strips of cloth and began to weave them around his injured shoulder.
"Those are new bandages?" Zelda whispered.
"Yes," Impa sighed, "the wound has begun to bleed again."
"Will he be alright?"
"Yes. His broken arm should be mended by the morning with all the potions I've given him. This one is just taking longer because it's been infected with dark magic."
"Dark magic?" Zelda repeated in alarm.
"Not to worry though. It's not as bad as some other things I've seen. He'll be fine, we just have to let the medicine run its course."
Zelda nodded without diverting her focus from Link's face. He looked very worse for wear. Dirt and sweat stained his cheeks, while a heavy black bruise slowly began to take shape below his left eye. Patches of dark singe were scattered all over his clothes, and his chest rose and fell with the effort of breathing. It almost seemed foolish to hope that he would make a full recovery, but Zelda had faith in Impa's abilities, and Link's tenacious will to hold on.
"This man is very important to you, isn't he?"
When Zelda looked up, it was to stare into the calculating, but warm light that lined Impa's hardy features. Her nursemaid was exceptionally good at peering into her Princess's mind, and Zelda didn't quite know if it was because they had known each other for so long, or it was a natural talent bestowed upon her by the blood of her people.
"I think I will try to find some more water," Impa continued now looking at the pile of empty canteens Zelda had shuffled about, "I'm sure you'll be able to watch over him while he sleeps."
"You're leaving?" Zelda choked, "wait—Impa, you don't—"
But Impa left quicker than Zelda's lips could form the words. A queasy sensation settled in her stomach, and something compelled her to close the flap of the tent, producing cooling shadows to settle across the inside. She watched Link for a moment longer before pulling a bowl of water closer to her. She dipped the rag hanging over the side several times and started to clean the grime off his face gently. At her touch, one of Link's eyes opened and he muttered something incoherent.
Zelda pulled her arm back and raised her eyebrows. "I beg your pardon?" she asked playfully. Link groaned.
"You…am I dreaming?"
Zelda smiled. "I don't think so."
Link managed to prop himself up on his elbows and take a look around. "Wasn't Impa just here?"
"She was, but she left to go find more water. I think we're running out."
"Oh. So it's just you and me?"
"Just you and me."
Link chanced a look at her and he felt his cheeks slowly heat up in the following silence. "Uh—how come you don't have your scarf on? Won't someone recognize you?"
"Oh. I told Impa. I thought it would be easier that way, but I can put it back on—"
Link stopped her hand from reaching the scarf and she looked up with wide eyes. Link quickly became occupied with the overhead draping of the tent. "Sorry—" he muttered, "but you don't have to put it back on—I mean—we are—the only ones here…"
"Alright…" Zelda placed her hands in her lap, staring at them fervently. Another moment passed without words to fill the time and Zelda coughed to clear her throat. "Uhm…h-how are you? I mean, with your injuries. Are you still in pain?"
"Not as much as before," Link answered, gingerly touching the sling in which his left arm sat, "I can feel the potion working—I should be fine."
"Oh. That's good."
Another pause.
"So," Link prompted, "has anything else happened? You know, since I've been asleep?"
"No….everyone is just resting up."
"I see. So we're heading back to Hyrule then?"
"I guess so."
"What'll happen then?"
"Well," Zelda took in a deep breath, "I suppose you'll have to debrief me on the mission, even though I already know what happened…and I'll need to appoint a new Captain."
Link flinched. "I'm very sorry…I forgot that Twinrova would still be around—and they might foresee some kind of attack…"
"It's not your fault," Zelda responded, "really Link, it isn't. We dealt a serious blow to them last night. It needed to happen, whether they knew about it or not."
"I suppose…." Link hung his head, running his fingers over the cloth of the sling. His eyes narrowed and his jaw tightened, as memories of the previous night crept back to him. Zelda reached out her hand to touch him, but her fingers shrunk back with second thought.
"What is it?" she whispered.
"There's just something really disturbing about all of this….last time most of the Gerudo were loyal to Ganondorf…but some weren't—and now, it seems like all of them are completely on his side now."
"Well, we stopped him before he committed his more devious crimes," Zelda admitted, "perhaps they didn't have the chance to see him for who he really was."
Link shook his head. "Still…that doesn't explain…."
"Doesn't explain what?"
Link turned to her, a pained expression lingering in the calm of his blue eyes, and Zelda knew he was contemplating how best to tell her what was plaguing his mind.
"Zelda….Nabooru is their leader now…"
"Well, I suppose it would fall to her…since it did last time." Zelda replied nonchalantly.
"Zelda…" her name dropped from Link's tongue incredulously, "don't you know what that means? She's the one behind all of this—she's the one who declared war on us!"
Zelda hesitated before answering, her thoughts working. "Calm down for a minute….let's think. Twinrova is still at large here, I'm pretty sure they are the ones who are most responsible for all of this, they could be controlling Nabooru, just like last time."
"No. This isn't like last time."
Nabooru's face cropped up in his memory. Her golden eyes blazed fiercely with fury, an ugly sneer had twisted her beautiful face when she had set sight upon Link, so brutal was that mark of angry hatred etched in every line of her body that Link could not believe it was anything less than genuine. The place where she had kicked him throbbed sorely. No, this was defiantly not like last time.
"You should have seen her…" Link whispered still focusing on the horrific picture of his friend behind closed eyes, "she was just so vicious…in everything. The way she reacted when she saw me, and the way she spoke to the rest of them…."
This time, Zelda did reach out to him and gave his shoulder a tight squeeze. "I'm sure there is an answer to this. If Nabooru is really acting of herself then…we might be able to persuade her, she's still Nabooru after all."
"Maybe…"Link trailed off, distraught. The warmth of the Princess's hand felt very consoling and he let her soft words reassure him for the time being, even though he knew he would later doubt them. Maybe if she had seen for herself, she would be a little more worried.
"You should get some more rest," she said quietly, "we still have a long way to go before we get back to the castle."
She was very close. Now her hand moved to his chest as she tried to lay him back down, but Link caught himself and rose back up. Zelda's sharp eyes narrowed slightly, preparing to counter his arguments of protest. But Link's voice was very grave and the way he sighed conveyed that he had no strength for arguments.
"I've been sleeping….I think it'll be okay if I stay alert for a few hours."
He forced a smile at her and abrupt longing washed over her, cutting away at her heart.
Why does it always end up like this?
"You know," Link said, "I never did thank you…for saving my life yesterday. If you hadn't been there—"
"Hush," Zelda pressed her finger to his lips, now that she had started, she couldn't seem to stop herself from touching him, "you've saved my life plenty of times…"
Link laced his fingers around her hand and pulled it back. Impa had removed the leather gauntlets he usually wore and for the first time, his bare skin brushed against her own. Zelda's mouth opened, but her tongue refused to form words. Link watched his thumb run over her knuckles, his face illegible.
"I wonder...." his voice sounded surreal to Zelda's ears, and he didn't finish the sentence. Zelda's better judgment told her not to ask for it, but her body seemed to be ignoring that side of her brain today.
"You wonder…what?"
He lifted his eyes to hers, azure crashed with sapphire. He hadn't been this close to her since that night they had reunited in the courtyard and, much to his self disgust, he found himself wishing he would cast his self control away.
"I was just wondering…why I can't seem to break myself away from you. I know that I should—"
"Oh, please Link, don't say things like that." Zelda took her hand back and busied herself with rolling up her scarf from the ground.
"I know you must be very upset with me," he continued, "I say goodbye one day and then go right back to looking for you the next…I'm sorry…believe me, I disgust myself."
"As you should," Zelda retorted and Link blinked at the force in her voice, "but then again….I guess I'm not making it easier for you. I go looking for you too."
"Zelda…"
"You know what I think is funny?" she interjected, "neither of us have said what it is we're really talking about here."
Link was taken aback, and a strange emotion encircled him like thick fog. He later realized it was fear when he struggled to keep his voice steady.
"Don't…you know?"
Zelda cast a sidelong glance over her shoulder and knelt close by the hero once more. "Perhaps…but you could tell me…just to be sure."
Link leaned away from her, his heart pounded in his ears. "Uh—I'm not sure what you mean—"
"Yes you do, because you're always the one who gives me the reasons why it's not a good idea for us to be around each other like this…but I really wonder why those problems are problems. Why don't you want to be around me Link?"
He stopped breathing. Where was this coming from? Had she lost her mind? He thought the answer was quite obvious, but was she not worrying the way he had been all this time? Did she really not know why it was so crucial that they should keep their distance from each other?
"Be—cause…." Link said feebly, "it's not a good idea…"
"Why not?"
"Zelda….don't you know why n—"
"Is it because you feel guilty?"
"Yes!" Link gasped his entire face aflame, "goddesses Zelda…I'm married."
"Is it like that then?" Zelda persisted, "if you're around me…you think you might…do something?"
"Zelda this isn't like you," Link said defensively, "I thought you understood….you know how I feel about you."
"I'm not sure," Zelda stiffened, "if you felt about me the way I feel about you, you wouldn't have done something like this. You should have come back….I waited for you."
"I didn't know you would remember me! You didn't the first time I came back!"
"You still should have come back! You could've gotten to know me again!"
"Zelda…it was painful. I didn't want to see you look at me like a total stranger again, and besides, there's no point in arguing about this because you're a Princess and I'm married and there's no way this will work!"
"What won't work? What do you want from me?"
"You!" Link yelled, "don't you see? I love you Princess Zelda!"
A stampede of footsteps thundered outside the tent. Zelda quickly wrapped the scarf over her face in time for the outside sun to peer through the opened flap. The princess and hero looked to the entrance and found Prince Marth, his two bodyguards, and Impa all staring very quizzically back at them.
"Is everything okay in here?" Roy asked timidly, "we heard shouting."
"Everything's fine." Sheik rose to his feet with slick poise, brushing the sand off his legs. Link glared at the Princess's back as she strode proudly by the group of soldiers. Their heads turned in the direction of her fading footfalls and Marth faced Link when the trickling threads of a harp being picked echoed in the distance.
"Were you fighting with him?"
Link finally lowered his back to the blankets and shut his eyes. "He can be a little thick at times."
