I'm very sorry for the length of time it's taken me to update! I've been very busy these last 2 weeks. Thanks to everyone reading, reviewing and adding this to their favourite stories - I'm really flattered - thank you guys! Also thanks to anyone who read my one-shots (She doesn't see me and One of a Kind). Anyway, enough waffling - it's story time.
Please remember, please continue to R&R, you know you want to!!!
Chapter Eleven – The Zora Domain
(Link's POV)
The Princess has been quiet today. I think I understand. After the drama of last night she has a lot to think about. I can see the shock still lurking in her beautiful violet eyes. At least she has stopped weeping now. It breaks my heart to see her upset and I know that I am not really supposed to comfort her. Sometimes I cannot stop myself from behaving inappropriately, like last night when I accidentally held her hand when she walked at my side (alright, maybe it wasn't entirely accidental, it was more like involuntarily) or when I embraced her and she leant against my shoulder as she cried. I feel that my blood burns within me when I hold her so. How she remains unaware of my feelings is amazing.
But she is amazing and she constantly surprises me.
This morning she has decided that she will accompany me to the Zora's domain and she will attempt to make peace between our nations. That is her official intention. The real reason she is accompanying me is that she is desperate to meet her secret family. It is not my place to prevent her and in a way, I don't want to stop her accompanying me. My sister and brother belong to her too. I doubt I will ever think of them in the same way she does. To her they are the only link she has to her mother she lost. To me, they are the reason why I lost my father. He spent far more time with his secret family than he ever did with me and I resent that.
We left earlier this morning, before dawn. We will meet Rheyan at the Ordon Bridge. He promised to bring a boat for us. Varjo promised not to tell the King of our whereabouts and whilst I may doubt his ability to keep his word, he seems content to remain in Ordona for the time being. No doubt he wishes to further his acquaintance with Mali. He does seem extraordinarily interested in her. And whilst I still think that Mali is very pretty, she is no Zelda.
I choke even on the thought of that name. I have no right to call her by her given name - no right at all, and I am rapidly falling down a slippery slope towards my doom. If the King realises that I am in love with his daughter he will kill me. He is not a fool. The Princess may not realise but Varjo and many others do, the King knows exactly whom my father was and he is taking a huge gamble by employing me. If he suspects for an instant that I am more than the Princess's friend, I will be disposed of. He cannot risk another royal scandal. The last one almost cost him his throne.
I don't want to be the reason why Hyrule fails. I am born from a long line of heroes - men who have given their lives for the sake of this country and I cannot fail just so that I can fulfil my own selfish desires. I allow my gaze to rest on the Princess for a moment.
"Link, tell me something about yourself." The Princess speaks quietly and her eyes do not turn to me but I know she is aware of my scrutiny.
"What would you like to know?" I am careful not to allow my horse to walk any closer to hers than is seemingly. Although we are not observed I am determined that I will keep a distance from her from now on.
"Anything." She replies. She is concentrating on the pommel of her saddle. "I know nothing about you."
I thought she knew a lot about me. Her long hair has fallen over her face like a veil and my fingers itch with longing to touch it. I repress this feeling. I wish denying myself was easier!
"I am twenty summers old. I am orphaned. I enjoy reading and my favourite colour is…" I think of her magnificent violet eyes and golden-brown hair and smile, "green."
I seek the glimmer of a smile on her face. "I am a rancher at heart although I enjoy working for you…your father, I mean. In my spare time I relax by fishing." Again that little smile flickers on her mouth.
"Tell me about your family, Link." I see the way her hands are gripping the reins of her horse almost compulsively and long to place my arm around her shoulder and support her. She sighs slightly and corrects herself "No, I mean our family. Tell me about them."
"I don't know them very well." I admit. "My father kept us separate so I have only met them occasionally. I lived in Ordona Village with him and they lived in the Zora's Domain with your mother. Father spent most of his time with them. He would return home occasionally and provide me with rupees to buy a new horse or he would return and take rupees from our safe to pay off some debt. I barely knew him."
"Were you ever lonely?"
"Yes." I answer honestly. I have always tried to block out my memories of that time. It's been six years since he died and I have tried to forgive him but it still hurts. I always wanted him to be proud of me and he will never know what I can accomplish. Would he be pleased to see me working for the King, just as he had once? Or would he warn me of the dangers?
"Link, are you ever afraid?"
"Yes. Frequently." I wonder what these questions are getting at.
"What scares you?"
"Failure." I answer after a slight pause. Do I tell her that I am frightened of losing her? Or that I fear the darkness that I can feel sometimes just beyond my shadow? Or that I think she will never have faith the gods and will lose Hyrule as a consequence?
"Failure?" She repeats my words softly. I know she is thinking deeply. She always frowns slightly when she is lost in thought. "Why would you fail? You are so brave and strong, you are not like me – if anybody were to fail it would be me. I am always frightened and scared and I cannot be anything but a weak little girl who hides behinds the backs of others."
"You are not weak, Zelda." This time I do not cringe as I use her name.
"I am." She smiles again and I see the bitterness in her gaze. "I try to be strong and pretend that I am confident and that I can overcome anything. I even tell myself that I am all that. But I lie." She sighs and strokes the golden neck of the horse she rides. "I am a fool."
"Princess…" I resist the urge to reach out and take her hand in mine. I want her to see what I see and I don't think she ever will if I keep protecting her from herself. "You come from a long line of magnificent rulers. Every Princess that has ever been named as Zelda has always been a beautiful, strong creature. You are no different to them. You may not think it or believe it but I do. I believe in you."
"I am not like them." She sighs. "I do not believe in the gods of Hyrule. I think I am named Zelda as a coincidence. I am nothing but a little girl – a spoiled princess. The legends may or may not be true but even if they are, none of the Princess Zeldas before me were that strong. They all got captured and held against their will - Not exactly brave and courageous, Link."
"They were." I would not usually openly disagree with the Princess but she is wrong on this subject and she needs to see that. I think I have surprised her though - she is now staring at me and has stopped her horse. Her mouth is open and her big eyes have opened even wider. "The first Zelda – the Princess of destiny – hid from Ganondorf for seven long years, all the while disguised as a Sheikah warrior. She fought against his minions and was only captured by a trick. When she escaped, she led the hero and the sages to victory against the dark lord Ganon, and used her magic to seal him away in the sacred realm. She was hardly a weakling.
"From there on your ancestors were spiritual and physical leaders of Hyrule. It was always the Princess that protected the Triforce and if it was broken or stolen, the Princess had the ability to guide the hero to victory. Yes, sometimes she was captured and needed rescuing but she was always there at the forefront, leading Hyrule as only she could and without her Hyrule would have been lost many times over. The Princess from the Twilight era actually led the Hylian soldiers in battle against Zant and only surrendered to save her people. If the past Zelda's had been weak, then Hyrule would not still exist and your family would not still rule."
"Oh." She frowns at me whilst she considers this and then to my surprise says, "I knew that, I am just saying that I am different to them. It was said of my ancestors that they were gifted in magic and were prophets. I cannot do anything like that. I think am misnamed."
"Perhaps you are not yet gifted with powers because the gods do not need you yet." I answer. I am not entirely sure how to put my feelings in to words. There is no doubt in my mind that the Princess is aptly named. If she were not a true heir to the Triforce, then I would not be here. There is no need of a hero when the land is at peace. Again I sense that feeling of darkness just beyond my grasp. I sometimes feel that Hyrule is on the very edge of disaster and that I am the only one that can see the darkness closing in. Not for the first time, I find myself wishing that the Princess would open her mind to who she truly is. She is…
Smiling at me. Again. Suddenly my thoughts become muddled and I feel my face heating up and my blood stirring. Goddesses, how does she do that to me?
"Link – thank you."
"What for?"
"For being my friend." She smiles softly; her head is slightly tilted to one side. "Do you think that once we've visited the Zoras, we could go on to the Temple of Time? If it is important to you and you believe, then I think that I at least owe it to you to try and discover my true ancestry."
"Perhaps it is not yet time."
"Maybe not. Maybe I do not trust the gods for a reason. I do not know, but you do and I know I can trust you. You are always honest with me."
I can't deny that hearing those words sends a little tingle of thrill down my spine. But I know I am not honest with her. I can't be completely honest with her. She would be mortified if she discovered what I really thought of her. I smile back at her, unable to look away. Somewhere, deep in those endless eyes, I think she knows the truth. She knows what I am thinking.
Oh gods, I am in serious trouble!
The Zora's domain is the same as I remember it. My last visit was seven years ago, just before they turned against the Hylian King. We are standing at the base of a waterfall looking up. It is the largest and tallest waterfall in the known world. Towering high above us is the entrance to the royal chamber and the source of the great Zora River that runs right down to Lake Hylia. There are a few Zora swimming in the lagoon beneath the waterfall. The ones that are have stopped and are watching us suspiciously. The water is icy cold and perfectly clear. I can see fish swimming. The thunder of the waterfall is almost deafening. All around the lagoon, soft grass grows in a gentle slope. Beyond the grass, dark grey stone juts out from the ground, melting into the mountains. The Zora's domain is set in the Snowpeak range, cut out of the very rock. It is very beautiful. Zelda is gazing in some awe at the waterfall. She has never been here before.
"How do we get up there?" She asks Rheyan.
She seems to tolerate him now; she is still a little wary of him but considering he has single-handedly (or should that be single-finned?) towed our boat overnight to get us here, she is starting to trust him. I am glad because I have known Rheyan for many years and I wouldn't like to lose his friendship because of her. I also think that she may just be able to resolve the issues between the Hylians and Zora. Rheyan certainly thinks she will.
He is not even panting as he gazes at the waterfall yet the pace he towed the boat up river was incredible. He smiles at Zelda, "Well I can swim up." He demonstrated this amazing ability earlier when he dragged the boat the rapids near Kakariko Gorge. Zelda returns the smile, "Well I certainly cannot do that!" She replies.
"You may have to go the hard way." Rheyan explains that as Hylians are not frequent visitors to the Zora Domain anymore, the old route to the top has been neglected and was flooded a couple of years ago.
"But how does my…sister get around?" She asks after a pause.
"She has many Zora friends, who will help her." Rheyan replies. "She usually cadges a lift off one of them, it's not too much trouble because she is still a child, it might be different when she is older and heavier but I suppose we will still carry her around - we see her as an honorary Zora."
Zelda nods and returns her gaze to the wall of water just in front of the boat. She sighs, "I suppose it means we will be scaling the rock face?"
Rheyan nods. "I will swim to the top and drop you a rope. Link can then climb and then together we will pull you up."
Zelda ponders this for a moment, possibly imagining being dragged up the sheer cliff. She shakes her head after a pause. "I cannot do that." I am about to object when she adds, "I will climb with Link."
"Um, Princess…" I start but one look at her face is enough to quell my protests. I am sure she is aware of the massive amount of physical exertion climbing would take. I am not sure if I am even capable of it.
"I can see the old path." She points it out, a series of broken boulders and gouges in the cliff face zigzagging their way over the slippery rock. Water pours down in a torrent down the path. I think on consideration I would prefer the sheer climb. "If you swim up the waterfall and attach the rope to something secure, then we will follow the old path."
"I think I would prefer to pull you up, Princess." Decides Rheyan. "That path is treacherous, the water pushes you back constantly and the rocks are slippery."
"Link will not slip." She answers confidently. I exchange a glance with Rheyan. We are both thinking the same thing – there's no way I could keep my footing on that path. But the Princess has handed out her orders – it is my duty to obey her. I don't know what to do. I don't think I can do as she asks.
She must have sensed my confusion for she turns to me and smiles softly. I feel as though she is caressing my face although she is not touching me. "Link, I trust you – you must learn to trust me." She whispers.
I raise my gaze to her beautiful violet eyes and my mind wanders back to the stories of previous Links. I realise I must listen to her. Although she does not yet believe, I know the Triforce of Wisdom lives in her. I am here to fight for her, and she is here to guide my steps. Do I really believe that? Do I trust her? I see the anxiety creep back into her eyes, as I remain silent.
I turn to Rheyan, "Have you got the rope?" I ask. I admit defeat. Even if she ordered me to jump over a cliff, I would. I cannot deny her anything. Rheyan looks mildly surprised by my decision but he hands me a long, thick rope from the boat.
I check the rope for any flaws. The fibre is silvery coloured and seems sturdy enough. My eyes are drawn to that path and I shudder slightly. It is not the danger I am putting myself in that scares me, it is the thought that I could lose her. If she fell…
"Link." Her voice enters my head; my eyes and thoughts are dragged to her. She smiles at me, and this time I do not imagine the feel of her hand as it rests on my cheek. Her touch is so gentle and her hands are so soft as they brush my hair from my face and tuck it behind my ears. "You are so strong." She murmurs, all the while her eyes burning into mine. I recall her words from yesterday – she believes I will not fail. I told her I had faith in her. "I'll guide you…" She whispers and for the second time in my life, she leans forward and kisses my cheek.
I smile reluctantly at her. I pretend that I do not feel as though I am dancing through the clouds. I mask my love for her in my eyes but I cannot deny that I want to kiss her back. Knowing that I cannot, and that I never will be able to destroys a part of me every time.
Rheyan clears his throat. Clearly we have been lost in a private moment for far too long. I can see the way he is watching Zelda and I. He's evidently joined the ranks of 'people that think we are lovers'.
We jump apart and I quickly tie the rope around my own waist before turning my attention to the Princess. My hands shake slightly as I pass the rope twice around her tiny waist, I cannot stop myself marvelling at her figure. She is just so dainty… I gulp and, though I can feel my face reddening with each passing moment, I tie about four knots in the rope. I only stop when Zelda checks me, "I think that will suffice, Link." She laughs. I don't respond, I just check the strength of the rope. I nod to Rheyan.
He takes the loose end of the rope and ties it to his arm and then dives gracefully into the water. It never ceases to amaze me how the Zoras move with such fluidity. As he swims, he almost becomes a part of the water. We watch as he makes his way up the waterfall. His progress is slow but steady. I can only imagine the physical effort it would take to swim against such a huge, powerful current. The Zora are an incredible race.
Higher and higher he ascends up the vertical wall of water. The sun hangs in the sky, blinding our eyes as it bounces off the cascade. I feel Zelda's shoulders as they rest against mine. We stand side by side – shoulder to shoulder - our bodies tied together by a strong cord but at that moment, I feel that we are bound by something invisible inside our souls, something more powerful than any manufactured rope, something that can never be cut. I glance at her and see that she is again looking at me. Surely she feels this bond too? Her gaze softens as she smiles. I don't think I can stand this torture any longer. My hand moves of its own accord to touch her face… I am drawn to her…
Suddenly I feel the unmistakable cold of a sword pressed against the back of my neck. My one urge is to protect the Princess. I grab the hilt of my sword and then halt. The metal against my neck is pushed a little harder against my skin. I try to twist my head so I can see who attacks me.
"Stay still, hero." The voice is one I do not recognise. I feel Zelda tremble and I don't care that my arm wraps around her waist and I pull her against my chest. She presses herself against me but she still trembles with fear. Her heart is beating rapidly and her breathing is fast. I whisper to her my promise to protect her for eternity.
"What inappropriate behaviour for a mere peasant – embracing the Princess of Hyrule." Says my captor. I feel suddenly cold as she is ripped from my arms. The rope that binds us together is stretched to a breaking point, Zelda holds my gaze with hers. I can read the fear there but also the relief that I am with her.
Our captors are a band of Zola warriors. I am surprised to find they are all female. They look identical to Rheyan; only they all wear the heavy Zora armour of metal breastplates, shin guards and fish-head helmets. They appear to be equally as strong as my friend. Most are holding the long Zora spears but a few are armed with swords. I feel my captor's hand reaching for the hilt of my sword. There is nothing I can do – if I fight they might harm Zelda.
She pulls it from its sheath and throws it into the lagoon. Satisfied that I am disarmed she nods to one of her guards holding Zelda still. We are still bound by the same cord. I cringe as one of the Zola's severs it. I have never felt so useless before. They bind Zelda's arms to her side with the rope. Still she gazes at me, it is almost like she cannot see anything else.
"You are the Princess Zelda, correct?" The Zola commander's question is more like a statement. To be fair, it would be nigh on impossible not to recognise the Princess. She is a well-known figurehead. Hence the reason we had travelled overnight to get here. Zelda nods in acknowledgement. Her gaze is still fixed on me.
"Good, we have been searching for you."
"I know." Said Zelda. She cannot disguise the fear in her voice but also she kind of looks resigned. Perhaps she has always been expecting this. "I came here for this reason. I want to mend the divide between our people."
"You cannot do that. The wound is too deep." Retorts the commander.
"You lost your princess." Replies Zelda, she turns her gaze from me to the Zora. "I am sorry for that. I do not know who gave the order to execute her but it is my responsibility as leader of my people to accept blame for their actions. If my father will not do that, then I will and I will arrange recompense."
"You cannot pay for the life of Ruaela. No amount of money you offer can bring her back."
"I do not offer money." Says Zelda quietly. All eyes are on her now. How she thinks she is weak is beyond me. I have never seen her so calm and collected before. She is completely in control of the situation. She glances at me and smiles slightly - her look is almost apologetic. What is she going to do?
"I offer myself - the life of a princess for that of a princess. Will that do?"
"Zelda – no!" I cry.
"You offer yourself?" Asks the commander, surprise and suspicion apparent in her cold voice.
"Yes. I wish to heal the hurt my people caused yours. I understand why you hate the Hylians but our people used to be allies. If I can restore the peace between us, even if it costs me my life, I will. I do not like conflict, especially conflict between friends. The water that flows from the Zora Domain is the lifeblood of this nation. It fills the fountains of the castle and reminds us daily of our debt to you. Yet we scorned that debt and destroyed what was most precious to you. So I offer you what is most precious to my people."
The commander considered her offer for a long moment. "Very well." She nodded. "Bind her."
Zelda remained passive as more ropes were fixed around her wrists, ankle and neck. I could not move. For one thing, the Zola commander sword was still pressed against my neck. The world was spinning around me and I felt a blind panic rising in my throat. But what could I do? She offered herself willingly. If I try to stop her, it would be worse than if I kissed her in public. Still I cannot restrain myself from pleading with her not to sacrifice herself.
She does not listen to my pleas; she is determined on her course. So I can only watch, reassuring her with my eyes. I don't even care if she can see that I love her. I might never see her again.
The Zola carry her between them, each holds a rope. They will swim up the waterfall with her in tow. Just what she had been frightened off.
"Zelda! ZELDA!" I scream her name as she is taken away from me. "Don't do this! Don't do this to me. Stop! Please!" I hear my sobs and I crash to my knees. I see her beautiful face turn towards me as the Zola warriors slip into the water. She shakes her head slightly and smiles at me.
There is a splash and then she is gone.