Chapter 10 melding the cracks
Telma mused at his shocked expression before walking closer before ruffling his hair before he could protest. He growled in annoyance as he has was too busy trying to defend of Kili from touching his hair.
"Feeling better?" Balin asked kindly walking to the other side of the bed. Fili pulled Kili off of him, much to his appreciation.
"I'm fine." Link answered simply.
"Good. Now what in Mahal were you thinking idiot?" Oin asked in anger, pointing a finger at him.
"What?" He raised an eyebrow in confusion as the doctor scolded him.
"Don't go off and start killing yourself like a idiot! You had us worried, don't ever do that again." Oin grumbled.
"That's not an option. You all know that I have to protect you all." Link reminded frowning.
"We know this lad, but you're not going to last long if you make choices like this." Balin said.
"And if I don't these decisions, then the outcome could possibly be the death of the company. Even if it's one member, only one, I will meet the odds to guard them with my life." Link as he grimaced.
"Still the same stubborn swordsman I see. There's no use in trying to change his mind, dwarves. If a army of monsters won't stop him, neither will you. Trust me when I say this, nothing will rob him of his courage." Telma advised smiling silently.
"Are all hylians this reckless?" Fili muttered under his breath.
"Not even close." She answered surprising him, he had forgotten about the Hylians strong ears. Link's scowl deepened as he stared down at his hands.
"But I be honored to stand, fight, and die by his side. He has a pure heart, and a kind soul even if he doesn't think so himself. his choices come from the heart, even if not everyone agrees with them, they are for the best. And because of that he's always been there, even when the odds seem impossible, if it's to save little boy's life, or to bring back a girl's memories. To me he's the definition of a true hero. No matter how stubborn he is." Telma said wholeheartedly. Link looked up at her in surprise before a smile ghosted on his face.
"So let's spare the time by getting to the real question at hand then. How are both you and Rusl here?" Link asked snapping back into a more serious tone.
"Honey, that would just ruin the surprise." She said teasingly. Link turned to Balin to see if he would have the answers, sadly he didn't know either.
"Now let's go get something inside hat stomach of your, must be hungry by now." Telma said before walking over to a table, ruffling through the drors.
"But I thought I would need to stay in bed?" Link asked. He at least expected to be bedridden, even if he didn't want to.
"I already know you won't stay in bed, even if I tried you to it you'll somehow get out." She predicted easily. It was true he would have done that. She came over handing him his gear, before heading towards the door pausing to wink before stepping out.
"What a strange woman." Oin said once she stepped out.
"Because of that she knows me so well." Link mumbled before swinging his legs over the side, before strapping on his belt pouches, shield, and sword.
"Don't you think you should rest a while longer lad?" Balin asked coming to his side.
"I'm not going back to sleep, and I don't have anymore injuries, there's no point." He brushed off their concern. The healer blocked his path, firmly pushing him back down just as he attempted to stand up.
"You're not going anywhere unless I clear you from this bed, boy." Link huffed in annoyance, but stayed put. Oin gave him a check up as before he was allowed to even stand off from the bed. Once he was standing up the dwarf wanted him to walk to see how he could perform the task, with all the lost blood it made it difficult to focus but he managed to talk in a straight line. He barely noticed Fili and Kili on both of his sides, ready to catch him. It aggravated him at how they treated him like a fragile glass figurine all the time, like anything they say or do will set him off or hurt him. Only a few weeks ago they didn't care if he disappeared off the face of the world.
"The female hylian was right. You need something eat, build back your strength. You almost lost half of your blood in only a few hours." Oin instructed as they walked down some silence was almost suffocating, only the noise of Link's sandals clicking and the thumps from the dwarfs boots were the only thing he could focus on, well there were a few things. He admired the beauty of this place, but it seemed too perfect for him, and he wasn't exactly comfortable being around the bloody elves right now. They walked into a room where to be greeted by the surprised company seated at two tables, while Lord Elrond, Gandalf, and Thorin were sitting at a separate table. He managed to catch their attention as he walk through the door open before they stared in surprise.
"Master Link...shouldn't you still be resting?" Gandalf asked surprised at his appearance. Link nodded to Thorin in acknowledgment before facing the wizard again.
"I've had enough rest." Link answered as he eyed the elf sitting next to Thorin and Gandalf. Rusl appeared out of nowhere, the company noticed the hylian's demeanor almost instantly changed, he seemed more relaxed and less tense around the man.
"Normally you would love to sleep into the afternoon." Rusl reminded, with a raised eyebrow.
"Anything can change in only a few years." Link sighed running a hand through his hair. Rusl's smile seemed to have vanished for a moment.
"I know...but that doesn't mean you can't change back." Rusl said quietly, studying Link for a moment.
"It's the nightmares again, isn't it?" Rusl asked in realization. Link sighed, before looking defeated for moment nodding.
"I don't want to talk about." Link stated before the man could continue. He felt the weight of an hand on his shoulder before looking up.
"You know I'm always here, read to listen if you want.. He offered. It felt nice having someone to talk to, hylian thought to himself. They stared at each other before breaking eye contact, Link walked past him to sit next to Bilbo. Who looked surprised to see him as his choice, before greeting him happily.
"At first I almost didn't recognize you, with the new clothes and all." The hobbit said examining his attire. Link smiled slightly at the hobbits honesty. He noticed in the corner of his eye Kili sat down next to him, and his brother. Bilbo noticed how cautious he seemed in this place just like back at the Shire, looking at everything quietly deciding on every move he was going to make.
"I wore these years ago, when I lived in Ordon. I-have to admit I never thought I would wear these again." He said suddenly observing his clothes as well.
"We are all glad your right lad, but don' you think you should have some more rest?" Bofur asked with concern in his eyes. The others too had a look in their eyes.
"How long was I out for?" He asked suddenly.
"Only a few hours, at the most." Dwalin answered. Link shook his head in thought, his body should have shut down for more then that. Even with the healing position, his strength needed to recover. But something was still blocking him, it also prevented him from sleep. His nightmares were only getting more violent, and his sleep was diminishing. What could be the cause of his? Maybe it was the curse, it was the only logical explanation, it started about that time. Or it could just be that his body wasn't functioning right in Middle-earth, his magic too was affected. No wonder why everyone was telling him to get some rest.
"What happened when I passed out?" Link asked studying the dwarves' reaction. They seemed quiet than usual.
"I think I can explain that." A familiar voice said suddenly. The hylian teen snapped his head up to see four figures standing at the door way. One black haired female equipped with armor and metal plating on her arms, feet, and waist, Ashie. The next a male with distinct pointed ears, with a brownish red hair color. Glasses placed on his face, as his book rest open in his arms while he writes notes down in it, as if he was had little time to jot it down, Shad. Last was a male with the same distinct ears, his eyes met with his as his old wrinkled face folded into face, Auru.
"It is safe to say it is well to see you again old friend." Aura said walking to his side as the others did as well. Telma leaned at the door sixth the same smirk plastered on her face.
"I can say the same, Auru." Link said standing up. They clasped each other's shoulders reassuringly, both smiled before Link greeted the others.
"Seems like I'm getting more surprises by the hour, mind telling me what else to expect." The teen asked. The three look at each other before answering.
"I am sorry, but we cannot give you a warn you at this moment, nor explain." Shad said turning to the elves playing their harps as angelic music played throughout the air. Link sagged down defeated and frustrated being in the dark and everything that was going on.
"Fine. Can you can you at least explain the progress so far in Hyrule?" The teen pressed.
"Construction is running its natural course. Each race is contributing to food, supplies, and weapons shipments. All are allowing almost full permission for others to roam on each other's land." Shad explained pulling out notes and maps to him to examine.
"Already?" He asked surprised looking up from the data charts. Balin looked over to see it was almost the same map, but it had different neater notes on it that Link's map.
"Wonder what or who the races would care so much about to do that." Telma hinted with a smirk.
"You aren't saying-" his question was answered before he could finish.
"Aye we are. Your selfless actions and relationships managed to have all races to step aside their differences, they went even farther to find you after you were declared missing. Search that day, parties were made across to the corners of the world, even to the Gerudo desert for Din's sake. There wasn't a leaf unturned when the reach started...they were all afraid their savior was killed or kidnapped." Rusl explained. Kili frowned as he watched Link place his head in his hands for a moment, then he noticed the grin forming on the hylian's face. Inside himself he felt many mixed emotions, but he was overall happy at what they had accomplished by themselves. This was a big step for peace fully coming back to all the lands.
"Weeks, I spoke to each of the leaders for weeks to try to think about the option. It only took a day to do actually make a choice?" Link asked smiling, not in humor but in proudness.
"That and a missing friend." Auru said. Link's smile dropped slightly as he looked down at the papers. Suddenly they were retched out of his hands before he could protest.
"Hey!" Link reached to grab the papers, but they were already too far gone.
"Can't have you working already, eat before I have to spoon feed you." Telma warned before handing back the papers to Shad.
"It's for the best. Your full strength still hasn't returned yet. Working isn't going to help that." Shad said apologetically. Kili bumped his shoulder to gain his attention.
"May I ask, how did you all meet each other?" Kili asked curiously as his eyes lingered on the others. They held distrust, but curiosity at the same time.
"We formed an undo over team of our own just a few months after Hyrule was taken, the Resistance. Each of us came from one opposite corner, trying to help anyone in need, or to stop the sudden monsters appearing." Ashie explained for him.
"So all of you found formed this team to protect others?" Dori asked questionably.
"Yes. But not all of us are on this team." Arur piped up, this raised many questions to the others.
"Link isn't an official member. A while later after our missions have started, we heard rumors there was rumor of a someone managing to slag beasts that attacked innocents, and also managed to stand his ground against the Bulblin King. We were rather surprised at what we found." Shad explained sticking his nose down into his book again.
"So you didn't have any missions with him?" Fili asked.
"No. We don't have any idea what he has even seen. Not even will he tell me much of the past few years." Rusl said looking down as the boy's frozen form. All eyes were on him now as he stared down at his hands, finding them more interesting. Telma managed to see him by continuing.
"To think a boy from the village of Ordon, of all the places. Out of all the men in Hyrule castle, it would be a 16 year old to solve all of our problems." Telma mused.
"Almost 19." Link reminded annoyed.
"He managed to find his way into my bad one day, looking as lost as a puppy. Just in time to help me transport a sick zora child across the land, he was our only swordsman." Telma said remembering to that very first day. Link can still remember the smell fresh meat, wines, alcohol, ale, mead, beer, and other beverages the grown men loved to grown themselves in back then. Most reason was to dull out the painful world, lost neighbors, friends, family, and loved ones. Just to drown out their memories and true emotions to feel somewhat happy again.
"Weren't there any other men around?" Nori questioned confused.
"There weren't any. All brave ones died in the first battles, the rest were cowards trying to run away from their own duties. Bah! They all talked big, but once the time came they were running like dogs, tails between their legs and honor out the door. Bunch of scared babies." Telma fumed for a second.
"Can you blame them? Who wasn't afraid back then, people were killed or being imprisoned each day. To watch their world being destroyed, everything they knew. They weren't animals, animals kill to live and eat. They were monsters only set to make any destruction. The real question is who wouldn't be afraid? Link suddenly as he looked to the others.
"You weren't." Bilbo said stopping mid way of eating his salad.
"Of course I was afraid, i'd be concerned if I wasn't. I was feared for everyone's lives, afraid if I would not be able to find a village with actual people in it. Someone without fear is impossible." Link said.
"I'm never afraid. I'm a grown dwarf, fear isn't in our blood." Gloin argued. Link trained his attain on the red haired dwarf.
"Are you saying that you don't fear for the lives of your comrades? Or your family? How about your son or wife?" Link asked daringly. The dwarf smut his mouth before taking out his small portrait of his beautiful wife and son Gimli.
"Nothing is wrong to fear. It's you who gives it power, if you decide to let it control your life that's on you. But you alone can overcome it, make it into something else. If there is no fear then there is no courage, you need both to give other a true meaning. That's how I move on, I conquered my fears to be where I am today. Not because someone else told me to." Link mumbled the last part. 'Even if I'm still fighting it' he said inside his head. The Rusl suddenly clasped up him on his shoulder in comfort, giving him a reassuring smile.
"Wise words from someone familiar, I believe." The older man said raising an eyebrow. Link smiled faintly before returning back to his blank face.
"Your aunt would be proud of you." He continued. Link growled under his breath.
"So what's going on with you and princess Zelda?" Telma asked suddenly switching the topic. Link racked his brain to think of what she was talking about as he stared at the woman in confusion.
"What?" Telma huffed before Shad came up to clear the confusion.
"Rumors are spreading that you both have developed a romantic relationship with the time spent some together." Shad explained. Link was taken back at this. Him and princess Zelda? He had only seen her as a leader, maybe a friend, but far from lover. Not to mention she was the princess! The company laughed, someone (probably Fili or Nori) howled like a wolf.
"We are not courting. Now leave it alone." Link dismissed easily. Rusl raised an eyebrow before continuing.
"You two seem to have some connection." He drawled out, questioning if the teen was telling the truth.
"She offered me a position of a royal knight. We only have been discussing of the future plans for Hyrule….what is this really about?" Link narrowed his eyes in suspicion slightly.
"We are just concerned of the potential leader of Hyrule." Ashie explained quickly, raising her hands in reassuringly.
"I'm not becoming king, so don't worry about it." Link said huffing silently, but they pressed on.
"You may think that now-"
"I don't want to be king! Princess Zelda and I have no desire to have that type of relationship, so don't go start planning about my future." His voice raised slightly in anger. With all of his strength gone it was hard to control his emotions when they threatened to lash out. Link looked to the company as they stared, practically asking for more details with the looks he received. Bofur opened his mouth, but quickly shut it as Link shot him a look.
Link refused to continue the conversation any longer, and thankfully the others felt his distress to they managed to put aside their questions for now. Ashei, Shad, and Auru, and Telma excused themselves that moment. Link could practically feel the distrust of the dwarves in the air, not only to his friends but mostly the elves. However Thorin seemed to put up with the discomfort of sitting next to Elrond, surprising him even more by talking somewhat little with him. Link sighed disappointed while looking at the table's supply. It was all green, salads, fruits, and vegetables, all things that he could tell the dwarves found disgust to, all by the looks on their face and how their appetite for the past weeks mostly contained meat. Just listening to them was embarrassing.
"Try it. Just a mouthful." Dori said staring down at the contents of his plates.
"I don't like green food." He heard Ori say, pushing away his plate.
"Where's the meat?" Dwail asked. Link started to grab a few fruits and bread as he listened. Bilbo already had his plate filled to look like a mountain of greens.
"Have they got any chips?" Oin asks. Link's attention is drawn back to the wizard and his conversation.
"This is Orcrist, the Goblin Cleaver. A famous blade, forged by the High Elves of the West, my kin. May it serve you well." Elrond observed the sword Thorin had found at the troll cave with care, as well as Gandalf's.
"And this is Glamdring, the Foe-hammer, sword of the King of Gondolin. These swords were made for the goblin wars of the First Age..." the elf explained as he looked down at the blade. Link saw the hobbit look down at his new sword.
"I wouldn't bother, laddie. Swords are named for the great deeds they do in war." Balin said. Bilbo crunched his face up in confusion.
"What are you saying, my sword hasn't seen battle?" The hobbit asked confused.
"I'm not actually sure it is a sword; more of a letter opener, really." the dwarf said looking down at the small blade. Bilbo's face fell not long after that.
"Don't worry Bilbo, after we are done traveling I bet that yours will become legend." Link whispered silently over to the hobbit in encouragement. The hobbit looked up with curious eyes.
"You think so?" He asked quietly. Link smiled faintly before nodding, proceeding to eat what was on his plate.
"How did you come by these?" Elrond asked.
"We found them in a troll hoard on the Great East Road, shortly before we were ambushed by orcs." Gandalf explained.
"And what were you doing on the Great East Road?" the elf questioned. Gandalf shifted uncomfortably in his seat. No one had answered the question as it remained silent, only the elven music playing. Link noticed out of the corner of his that Kili was eyeing a certain female elf playing the harp, she watched him in curiosity as well. He even giving her a wink with his famous smile as Dwalin looked somewhat a little angry with him.
"Can't say I fancy elf maids myself. Too thin. They're all high cheekbones and creamy skin, not enough facial hair for me. Although that one there's not bad." Kili says looking to a passing elf. Link almost choked on a his food as he looked to the elf, male elf. It takes everything to keep in his laughter as Dwalin points it out.
"That's not an elf maid." He points out. Kili blushed embarrassed to find out its true. Everyone bursts out laughing as the young dwarf sinks down into his seat, shoulder resting against Link's rib cage as he sloughed. Link managed to contain his laughter but his eyes betrayed him again, until something hit him.
"You think you would learn the first time?" He questioned looking down to the dwarf. More laughter rose at the questioning look he gave, Kili nudged him in the ribs frowning.
"How can you eat that stuff?" Kii questioned looking down at his plate, already 3/4th gone.
"Eh. It's not my favorite of foods, but it's better than nothing. Besides I don't think Telma was lying when she said she would force feed me." He shuttered at the thought of it. The others chuckled around him. Just as he picked up his cup he stopped, just as it neared his face that scrunched up. Bilbo noticed the face of disgust as he started down at the contents in his cup.
"What's the matter?" Bilbo asked with concern as Link pushed his cup away.
"Nothing." Link said simply not wanting to go into detail. The hobbit didn't push any further.
"13 dwarves, a halfling, and a hylian,strange travelling companions, Gandalf." Elrond questioned with an raised eyebrow in suspicion. Link's ears twitched in annoyance of the elf trying to pry for information. Obviously the company (mostly Thorin) didn't want anyone knowing of their journey to Erebor. Fearing they could stop them somehow. Not approving of the risks they were willing to take.
"These are the descendants of the House of Durin! They're noble, decent folk. And they're surprisingly cultured. They've got a deep love of the arts."Gandalf says as the poorly table mannered dwarves complained and chewed loudly.
"Change the tune, why don't you? I feel like I'm at a funeral!"
"Did somebody die?!" Oin exclaims. Link face palmed as Bofur jumped onto a table.
"Alright lads, there's only one thing for it!" The dwarf starts singing loudly then. I
"There is an inn, a merry old inn
beneath an old grey hill,
And there they brew a beer so brown
That the Man in the Moon himself came down
one night to drink his fill.
The ostler has a tipsy cat
that plays a five-stringed fiddle;
And up and down he saws his bow
Now squeaking high, now purring low,
now sawing in the middle.
So the cat on the fiddle played hey-diddle-diddle,
a jig that would wake the dead:
He squeaked and sawed and quickened the tune,
While the landlord shook the Man in the Moon:
'It's after three!" Soon all of the dwarves joined in, stomping and clapping to the rhythm. Link couldn't help but watch in amusement, unlike the elves and Gandalf, who was embarrassed at their actions. It only became worse as food as being thrown around to hit others. The laughter was like music to his ears as he watched with a smile, as well as Thorin. The song ended soon after, but the laughter didn't stop, that was until the door creaked slowly a small form scurried in quickly before rushing over to Rusl. All the air left him as he studied to see a small child with blond hair and sky blue eyes...Colin.
He looked the same, besides the sword and wooden shield he had left him with, strapped neatly to his back. But his arms and legs were covered in bandages, already needing to be changed. He didn't even pay attention to what the boy was speaking with Rusl before the man pointed in his direction before his eyes landed on him. Many emotions laced into his eyes, shock, disbelief, hope, fear, sadness, anxiety, pain. It only seconds as the tears streamed down his small face before he found himself already standing up to move to him.
Suddenly he found the boy rushing in his arms, desperately wrapping his arms around him as if his life depended on it. Link returned the hug just as fierce as Colin sobbed loudly into his already dampening shirt. The teen gently coming his hand through the light blond hair in comfort. The company stared in confusion at the scene, but we're totally ignored as the hylian's attention was drawn on the weeping boy.
"Colin..." Link whispered trying to pull away, but the boy refused to budge away as he climbed to him.
"Please don't do-don't, p-please not again. D-Don't leave me alone like the others." Colin managed to choke out in a desperate attempt. It broke his heart hearing the fear in his voice as he fell apart in his hands. Link realized now that all this time he seemed the comfort of his family, his real family. After so long of being alone, it was- it was nice. No more than that, like the sun shining down on mountain that has been clouded by raging storms for too long.
"I'll never leave you like that, never little brother." The words formed naturally in his mouths shut he silently whispered them to him. The trembling boy seemed to have cried harsher into his now soaking shirt.
"I-I missed you t-too...I thought." His hiccups soon became uncontrollable for a moment. Link steadied him before instructing him to take deep breaths.
"I-I thou-ught he got you-u to-o." Colin struggled the words out. Link raised an eyebrow in confusion.
"Who Colin?" Link asked silently.
"T-The monster who t-took the others a-away, k-kidnapped me, hurt-" he didn't manage to finish his sentence before another wail passed through him. Link picked up the child in his arms with his little strength before standing up.
"That monster won't ever touch you again, he's far away where you'll never see him. Nothing is going to happen to the others-" Link was cut off by the boy in surprise.
"W-What about you?" Colin asked raising his head to look up to him. It pained him to see his red, teared, puffy face staring up at him like he was a kicked puppy.
"Don't worry about me. I can take care of myself." Link excused trying calm down the child, giving him a reassuring smile.
"That's exactly what dad said, and he almost died!" Colin yelled. Link winced before sharing a look with Rusl before turning his attention back on the boy.
"Have I ever given up, or lost?" He asked, Colin remained silent.
"...No…." Link pushed his head back into his shoulder.
"Then I'm not giving up now, you know that….Besides Ilia will probably kick my ass if I ever did." Both Colin and Link laughed brightly. Kili stared at the heart warming scene with full interest as well as the rest as the company. This boy actually managed to make Link laugh, and smile! A side of the hylian he had never seen before. He wished he could see this more often from the teen. He could see why he wanted to protect his loved ones so much. Even if it meant never seeing them again….
The way they interacted with each other reminded him of something familiar…..
Kili noticed three more children paused in the doorway. Two boys, and a girl both shocked before they sprinted towards the teen. Link who was unaware of their presence, was pummeled to the ground under their added weight, landing harshly on his back as he was squashed under the pile. Even with the wind knocked out of him he managed to chuckle slightly before groaning in pain. Link questioned how he was still barely able to breath with all of the tight hugs he was receiving. He froze as he heard their sobs threatening to escape them. He sat up trying to wrap his arms around them all as they sat on both sides, and his lap. Still clutching to him tightly as they sobbed. Whispered to them silently trying to calm him down as best as he could. He managed to catch his name a few words like "you're finally here", "I knew you would come","don't leave".
Guilt soon filled his chest as he stared down at them. He was the cause of the tears. The stress building up in the kids must have been extremely uncomfortable, and only more heart breaking as they vented out time to time whenever he tried to ease it up on them. This was his fault, if he hadn't have let his guard down that day, if he could of been stronger, then maybe they would have never felt this pain they were going though. They would not have been taken from their home, seen things no kids should have, experience the pain and anxiety of fearing for their lives that could have been taken within an seconds.
It's his fault. He's supposed to protect them.
It's his fault. He's responsible.
It's his fault….
"It's okay, we're all here now. Just let it out." He whispered softly to them. Their cries soon drowned out after a while until their hiccups finally subsided they hesitantly sat back, but still remained by his side cling to his arms or hands. Malo sat on his right side, while Beth stayed on his left, both Colin and Talo sat in his lap.
Link took full notice to see that the other three kids had bandages as well over their limbs. A fierce bolt of anger stuck through him as he stared down at the cloths covering their injuries.
"How did you get these?" Link asked with a stern yet concerned face. They all seemed to stiffen as they chose to remain silent, fear of his reaction to what trouble they manage to get themselves in. Only when he asked again forcefully did someone answer hesitantly.
"Uh we….we went into Faron woods looking for you." Beth answered looking up to Link with watered forest green eyes. Link seemed to have puffed up in anger as he looked down at the kids.
"After I told you never to go in there? It's dangerous the last time you kids when in there, why would you go in there again?" Link scolded. The kids seemed to shiver all of a sudden.
"We-we just wanted to find you. We were scared when we heard no one had found you yet, and-and we just couldn't sit there and wait. What if you were imprisoned by trolls in the forest just like me!?" Tall shouted as a sob threatened to escape him. Link's stern face fell immediately as he pressed Talo's head into his chest before he managed to start the river of tears again.
"Please don't do that again. I couldn't live with myself if you ask get killed because of me." Link begged with pleading eyes. The children nodded in promise before Link ushered them to let him stand up. Reluctantly he able to do so, but not without the kids cling to him again. The teen sent Rusl a pleading look to help, unluckily he helped this time only watching in amusement. His eyes wandered to the company, suddenly aware that they had been sitting there the whole time. He shifted uncomfortably realizing they watched him and the kids emotional scene. They looked almost in disbelief, shock, and amusement.
"I knew you weren't dead. No one can stop you." Talo declared smugly before he was elbowed in the ribs by Beth.
"Liar. That's what Colin said, you were too busy moping around." Beth reminded.
"Did not!" The boy yelled in disagreement. Soon an argument broke out between the two as the others watched them go back and forth before Link broke them up.
"Now, why in Nayru's name are you here?" Link asked crossing his arms in front of his chest as he pinned the kids under his stare. He knew none of the adults would ever let them wander into another world willingly. The kids looked down in guilt before Rusl answered after a moment of silence.
"They managed to sneak their way into the cargo before we traveled here." Rusl answered. Link's frustration slightly grew more.
"And why would you kids do that?" He questioned. Suddenly Talo spoke out suddenly.
"We heard you might have been here. All we wanted was to see you again." The boy answered with an attitude, huffing.
"Talo-" he was cut off by the boy's sudden outburst.
"I'm not a baby anymore! I can take care of myself!" The child protested.
"I know you can, but all of your parents gave me the job of protecting all of you. What would I do if anyone of you got killed? Or your parents? You all know they have been worried sick about all of you these past years. You'll break their hearts if you didn't come home again, especially after you just got back." Link reminded.
"What about you? You still haven't come home yet?" Talo questioned back.
"We just want our big brother back!" Beth yelled suddenly as she visibly shook. The boys seemed to have stopped as Link looked down at them in shock of their outburst. His face seemed to have crumbled in before he sighed tiredly looking over to Rusl quickly.
"Remember the promise we all made each other, right before I left for Death mountain?" Link suddenly asked. The kids thought a moment before nodding.
"We promised not to give up." Beth murmured.
"But what does that mean? You didn't even tell us not to give up on." Talo complained annoyed. Link looked over to Colin for a second before smiling.
"That's for all of you to figure out. Colin already figured it out." He said smirking. Talo turned to the blond hair boy sharply.
"What does it mean?!" The boy asked confused huffing in annoyance. Link laughed ruffling his hair.
"One day you'll understand." He said simply. The boy narrowed his eyes in frustration, before suddenly looking behind Link, towards the audience of dwarves watching them (including the Bilbo,Gandalf, Thorin, and Elrond.)
"Who are they?" Beth whisper the question to Link in an attempt not to be heard. She was torn between being scared and curious. Talo was set on his tough act, Malo on his unimpressed expressions, and Colin hiding quickly behind Link for cover.
"Dwarves." Link said simply as he watched the children's faces grew to a look of disbelief.
"Dwarves? You mean like in the old stories? The best smiths that have been known linage in Hyrule?" Beth said dreamily in a daze.
"Hey we should go tell the others about this!" Talo suddenly exclaimed in excitement. Others?
The kids filled up with energy again running through the door, tripping over their feet in a rush. Link called out to them confused. They didn't even go and talk to them yet.
"Wait! Tell who?!" But the kids slipped away before they heard good question. Link huffed running a hand on his hair.
"They still keep you on your feet." Rusl said from his spot in amusement.
"Their worth the trouble. And at least I don't have to share a house with them." Link said looking over to the man with a faint smile.
"...Why don't you come live with us then? Colin would love to have you home." The man said before the happiness wiped away from the teen's face suddenly.
"You know I can't do that." Link said blankly. The company watched the familiar conversation before them. Why did Link still continued to distance himself to everyone? Kili was starting to get lose control of his curiosity of finding the answer why. He had a chance of having a family and plenty of opportunities of great career. What happened to make him like this? Link looked over to the company before the man grabbed him by the arm.
"We need to have a talk, now." Rusl instructed before pulling him towards the door into a nearby room.
"They won't find you at the village. The war is over, it's time to let go of the past. Why won't you come home?" Rusl urged stepping closer.
"You, of all people should know why. There's too much to risk with me coming home, and I won't take that chance with anyone." the teen said holding in the anger by the edges.
"It's time to forget about the past, about that day."
"Really? Look what happened to you, you almost died, the kids were taken, more than half the village was scared, dead, injured, or missing! How can I just forget?!" Link caught himself after the burst of anger. Setting on a blank face as he stared at the bewildered man.
"I'm sorry, the burdens you bear at such a young age…I can't even imagine what you went through, alone...no one should have to grow up like that. You can't sleep anymore. and now my own son has to grow up with these nightmares, even Uli has night terrors. I can't protect my family, but you can." Rusl said down casting his eyes in shame. Link froze as he heard his cracking voice.
"Those kids idolize you, you know as well. Uli even told me you always managed to come by the village to check up on everyone while I-" suddenly Link cut him off with a stern look.
"Stop it, I know what you're doing and I'm not going to let you try to take all the blame, and say I should stay at the village as you join the army. I'm not going to replace you, and take care of Colin, Uli, or your daughter. That's your job, I'm not going to do any better at it. Colin needs his real father, and Uli needs her husband back, without you they won't manage. Trust me having no father while growing up is hard enough, I don't want Colin to go through that. I can't provide their needs, no matter how much you think I can, just because you feel guilty for what happened doesn't mean you can give your life up for me. I've lost my family, I don't want you to just give yours away. What's done is done, and you need to take your job as a father, and go be happy with your family while you still have the option." Link instructed sternly crossing his arms over his chest to prove his point. The man was bewildered at the boy before cracking a smile ruffling the teen's hair, much to his annoyance.
"Dense as your father I see. You don't even realize the family you already have." The man chuckled before reaching into his pouch, pulling out a crinkled paper package. He handed it to Link, it seemed pretty heavy for its size. He raised an eyebrow in confusion.
"Consider it an early birthday present. I've been instructed to give this to you on your 18th but, well you can see why." Rusl said scratching his chin caring down at the package.
"Instructed?" This caught his attention quickly.
"From your Aunt, she meant to give you to this herself, but-" the man suddenly had no words to say. Link stared down at the package before tearing his eyes away. Looking up to the man in shock.
"Take your time, no one's rushing you." The man patted his arm before exiting the room. Link remained in the same place, looking back down to the object in his hands.
Sorry it took so long! I've been watching Doctor Who recently, it's been distracting me, and Matt Smith man. Anyway wonder what could be in the package, also who the kids went to tell about the dwarves. That heart warming scene always playing in my mind, and I'm finally able to write it down now! Now the company has seen another side of Link. Maybe they will finally start trusting them, maybe not.
Anyway please review and follow! BYE