Game: Twilight Princess
Day Eight Prompt: Companion
Link groaned from his bed, "Zelda, please. You really shouldn't be here. You have more important things to do!"
"Shh!" Zelda sat on the bedside, the mattress sinking slightly with her weight, "No more protesting! Drink your soup while it's warm."
Link leaned up on his elbows, his face pale as he reluctantly accepted the bowl from Zelda. "Thank you, Zelda," he murmured, his gratitude evident in his awed tone.
Zelda smiled as she left the bed, sifting her fingers through his hair, brushing it back and pressing a hand his clammy forehead, "There's no need to thank me."
Link subconsciously leaned into her touch, and Zelda smiled shyly, her heart fluttering as she drew back. She climbed down from the loft, returning to tend to the fire on the lower level of Link's cozy home. She blushed, remembering the way she had slipped out of the castle to visit him. It was highly inappropriate behavior for a princess, but she would risk much more than punishment for Link. The rosy warmth of her cheeks deepened as she glanced around her, thinking of how maybe, perhaps one day she could share such a charming home as well. Although, if Link ever were to return the affections she felt towards him, he would probably need to move to castle with her. But still, it was a nice little house, and Zelda felt the most peaceful sense of contentment wash over her whenever she visited it.
She hurried back up the ladder to Link's homely bedroom. "How's the soup?" she inquired, pulling a stool to his bedside as he drank slowly.
"It's-it's wonderful, Zelda," he murmured, meeting her eyes guiltily, "Really, Zelda, you shouldn't have done this."
Zelda smiled modestly, but within her, fireworks of hope filled her entire being, "It was nothing, really, Link. Besides, someone had to take care of you. We can't have the Hero of Twilight falling ill, now can we?"
Link grinned sheepishly, "Well, Ilia's been a big help, but I truly appreciate your visit too. It's nice to see you again."
Zelda arched an eyebrow curiously, a tinge of hurt fading her joy, "Ilia?" Zelda vaguely remembered her as the village girl Link had initially been attempting to save.
"Yes, she's been visiting me every day actually," Link elaborated, setting the bowl aside, "I'm actually very glad you've come Zelda, because I've been seeking advice on something."
"Oh? And what's that?" Zelda ventured, folding her hands in her lap out of habit.
Link bit his lip nervously, glancing away, "I—I've had feelings for Ilia for some time now. Especially after rescuing her and helping her regain her memory, I've realized how much I miss her when she's away and how truly happy I am whenever she's at my side. I—I feel as if I could fly when she's near, and when she smiles at me, my heart stops in my chest. I know she has feelings for me too; we've, er…kissed and traveled together and even discussed marriage. But…would you think it too forward of me to propose? I understand that we're still young, and I don't want to come across as too bold. But Zelda, I…I feel as if I can't live without her."
Link had blushed throughout his speech, obviously uncomfortable with sharing his deepest emotions aloud. Zelda knew he must hold her in high regard to relate such information to her, but the knowledge did nothing to console her.
"I—" Zelda swallowed roughly, her throat clenching and eyes blinking rapidly, "I think that any girl would be fortunate to be your wife, Link. I'm sure she'd be delighted if you were to propose."
Link smiled with relief, taking one of Zelda's hands and squeezing it lightly in thanks, "Thank you so much, Zelda. You're an irreplaceable friend."
Zelda nodded sharply, "The same to you, Link. Excuse me briefly; I'd better check on the fire once more."
Once Zelda was out of Link's sight once more, she knelt before the fire, clapping a hand over her lips as she wept.
I feel awful. Here's some Zelda angst to go with that Link angst, I suppose. But seriously, I apologize for putting you guys through that.
