Chapter fourteen, Their First Adventure
"Are they ready?" The ominous figure peered out onto the crashing waves below, the winds carried sprinkles of salty water. Beyond the horizon the sun had already set, and the stars collided with the sea.
"They are loading the machines as we speak, master," replied the grisly man with a haggard and gargled voice.
"Is there enough ammunition?"
"Yes, master. Although we could fit more, if there weren't so many passengers…"
The darkened cloak enveloped the figures features, his servant could not see his face. "Throw as many as you need overboard. Let the sea take them away, and fill their places with more ammunition."
"Yes, my master. I will do as you command." The beads and jewelry that hung around the servant's neck rattled out as he stooped into a deep bow, and the small skulls that hung on his leather cord clattered out in hollow chimes.
"How long will it take to pass, with an army of this size?"
"A month and a half, master. If the winds favor us."
A crooked smile stretched across the master's face. "They will do more than that." The cloaked figure lifted his iron clad hand, spreading open his fingers. With his other hand, he produced a jagged stone blade from the folds of his cloak, and drew the sharp edge against his palm. A thin trail of black smoke seeped from the wound, when he began to chant.
"Derin-vin eksten. Versiya molindier achk Hyliavin-vatin."
The black smoke billowed in his hand, beginning to swirl into a gentle pillar, tapering off to the sky. A deep crimson red pulsated from its center, growing in strength and luminosity. Without warning the pillar of smoke shot into the sky, piercing the white clouds above, corrupting them, and turning them into a similar color of black. The crimson light scattered about in streams of electric energy. A great gale blew in from the east, tearing sails and flags in the wind. Soon a great fog settled upon the sea, and engulfed the harbored fleet, blocking all vision.
"The storm will do my bidding. It will carry us the shores of my enemy."
"Our enemy, my master. Our blades and minds are yours."
The masters penetrating eyes shone beneath his hood. "And never forget that." He stood over his servant, placing a chilling hand on his shoulder. His long fingers dug into his skin, drawing out all warmth. "No go awake Them" His servant bowed, and stooped away to fulfil his masters bidding.
That night, the screams of death echoed across the waters, as countless souls were thrown into the waves below, cracking their heads and bodies on the sharp rocks of the harbor.
"I used to read about the Great Plateau in my history lessons. It was once the birthplace of our kingdom. But that was eons ago. For over tens of thousands of years, the earth below was pushed and jutted upwards, separating it from the rest of the land, eventually being abandoned by most common folk. Only dedicated monks and scholars remained, to care for the Temple." Zelda gazed upon the majestic stone walls that surrounded the isolated plateau, as their horses sauntered forward. Link remained silent, but gawked at the sheer height and size of the land mass. On the northeast wall, small wooden ramps zigzagged up to the top, only a few men could be seen standing guard at the top. Due to its immense size, the reformed Hylain kingdom found it difficult to scale, and even more difficult to begin repairs on the collapsed entrance that once led to an expansive stair system that reached the top.
"Up there, on the plateau, is where the Shrine of Resurrection lies. It was where my father first awoke well over forty years ago. It's a shame none of the ancient Sheikah technology works anymore. What wonderful things we could do if we knew how to create such machinery." For most of their trip so far, Link never said anything unless she asked him a direct question. At times, she felt like she was talking to herself more than anything, but when she looked over her shoulder, she saw Link intently listening to her every word. His silence was no new revelation for her, however she noticed how significantly more at ease he was out in the wild. His shoulders were finally relaxed, and he would often close his eyes, drawing in the fresh air, with a slight grin on his lips. Whenever a squirrel or other forest animal would dart across their path, he would track it with keen eyes, examining its every movement, noting their behaviors. On his saddle bags hung a short hunting bow, and a small quiver, as well as a rolled up sleeping mat. Zelda had mentioned to him about bringing his own tent, but he politely declined, insisting that it was not necessary for him. It was mid-day when they passed the Great Plateau. "Perhaps we can stop for a visit on our way back. I would love to see the Temple of Time."
"Of course, my lady." Link smiled politely. Before they had left earlier that morning, the Queen instructed her daughter that they should first travel to the Spring of Courage, then on their way back, they would loop back around, and pass through the Dueling Peaks. From there she would gather reports from Fort Hateno, and any other outpost they would pass, then visit Kakariko Village. Her mother explained that now that she was growing older, it was time she started taking a more active role in the running of the kingdom. And so, her first set of tasks were to first ensure that Fort Hateno was operating as intended, with Link serving as her advisor on militaristic operation, and then after that, visit the Sheikah tribe in Kakariko to speak on terms of diplomacy. The Queen did not allot a specific timeframe that this was supposed to happen, understanding that travel can be unpredictable, but she estimated it would take no more than four days of travel. Zelda suggested that since they would be in the Necluda Region, that she and Link should also climb Mount Lanayru, to visit the Spring of Wisdom. However, her mother advised against it, saying that they should first see how traveling for a week would feel, then they could return at a later time, once they were more comfortable and familiar with traveling. She trusted her mother's wisdom, and agreed, with only slight reluctance.
Zelda returned her eyes ahead, taking in the scenery. After a prolonged silence, Zelda thought that she might try striking another conversation with him, and see if she could take advantage of his state of ease. "Do you like it out here? Out in the wild?"
Link pulled his gaze from a nearby grove, before responding: "Yes, my lady."
She grinned. "I can tell. You're so much more at peace out here." She waited for a beat, before continuing. "Not much of a city dweller, are you?" she asked with smile.
"I don't mind the city, my lady…"
"But?" she added.
"But what, my lady?" he said with stern eyes.
She gave him a perplexed look. "Nothing. I just thought there would be more to it." I know there is more.
"I apologize, my lady."
"Apologize for what?" she pressed in.
His jaw tightened, and he grew uncomfortable. "…I don't know, my lady," he replied curtly.
Zelda pulled on her reins, stopping her horse. "Link. You are allowed to speak your mind. I won't judge you. Who is out here to tell you that you can't have a simple conversation with your Princess?" He averted his eyes from her, trying to think of an excuse, which only irritated her more. "Do I have to demand a response from you every time I ask a question!?" Her tone grew harsh, becoming frustrated with his stubbornness. Link stared down at his saddle, like a child would after being disciplined. Why won't he talk to me? Really talk to me? Whenshe saw that her brashness had upset him, she felt guilty. She sighed deeply before continuing. "I'm sorry. I don't mean to upset you." She could not help but feel like a failure, like it was somehow her fault. Why can't I help him? I'm only making things worse. When Link finally looked at her she continued. "Listen, were in this together. Were a team now, and teammates have to learn to communicate. It's our job. Okay?"
The tension in his shoulders released a little, and his expression grew calm again. "Yes, my lady."
"Good." She spurred her horse forward again, thinking about how she would try to continue. They rode forward in silence yet again, as she strategized how she would convince him to speak his mind. Her thoughts were cut short when Link unexpectedly spoke up.
"I don't dislike the city. I just dislike the way people stare at me when I pass by, with you, my lady."
Finally! She peered over her shoulder, asking: "What do you mean?"
"It puts me on edge. I can't help but feel like they are judging me. The way the villagers stare. The way the lords and ladies stared skeptically at me during your party, the way Lord Aron scoffed at my very presence."
"But they don't know you. They don't know how dedicated you are to serve your kingdom. They don't know that despite your age, you are one of the most skilled knights in the land. Besides, people will always stare, no matter what." For the first time since they started their journey, Link rode side by side with her, he did not linger back, shadowing her steps. Zelda grinned at him, glad that he was finally by her side. "Pay them no mind. It doesn't matter what they think, it only matters what you think."
Link's ears perked up at her last statement. "Thank you, my lady."
"And regarding Lord Aron, just ignore his uptightness. It's common for young lords and ladies to be snobbish." Link did not respond, but the corner of his mouth curled up in a concealed grin. What does that mean, I wonder? They passed through a small guard's outpost east of the plateau, which was surrounded by ruins, as most it was still being slowly rebuilt. A young captain oversaw the outpost, who offered them a place to rest for the day, but they kindly declined, intent on making it to Faron Woods by the evening. They did however briefly stop to eat. They followed the winding path until they came across an expansive bridge, that spanned over Lake Hylia. The bright sunlight danced on the waves and ripples.
"My lady. We should probably speed up a little if we want to make it to the spring before it gets to dark."
"Very well." With an energetic kick, she sent Hansel into an easy gallop, his hooves clopped on the stone bridge. It was a little faster than she originally intended, but the wind in her hair felt nice, and freeing, so she maintained her pace. Link quickly caught up, slowing his horse next to her. He handled his horse so naturally, as it was second nature to him. They must have trained him well on horseback. He and Zeno seem to get along quite nicely. They reached the center of the bridge, passing by a large Goron trader, who watched them bewilderedly as they sped past. Zelda glanced at Link, his dark cloak flapped in the wind. They made eye contact, and Zelda grinned, spurring Hansel into an all-out sprint. She laughed as Link grew smaller in the distance, then she looked ahead, planning to win the impromptu race. Without warning, however, Link sped past at a blistering speed, with a boyish grin on his face. He raced ahead only a few yards, before pulling back on his reins, falling back to her side. They exited the other end of the bridge, slowing down to a trot. She could see the border of Faron Forest, watching as the tall trees sway in the breeze. It certainly doesn't look like an evil forest.
"It will be difficult for the horses to proceed through the forest, but with any luck the road will be a little clearer than last time." It was not long after that they entered to outskirts of the forest. As Link had mentioned, the vegetation almost entirely overtook the road, but he used a short blade to clear a path for the horses. They proceeded on foot towing the horses behind them.
"Is this the path you took last time?" She asked as he swung through the tall brush.
"Yes. We will soon be at the Floria River bridge, and from there we will head north into Damel Forest." They trekked on until they came upon the bridge that Link spoke of. "Allow me to take the horses across first. I don't trust this bridge." Zelda readily agreed, trusting his judgment. Noting that of the two of them, he had the far superior knowledge of wilderness survival; this was his element, his domain. He quickly led the horses across, tying their reins to a branch, all while keeping a close eye on the Princess. He walked back over the bridge, and escorted her across, leading her away from the holes and weak spots in the rickety bridge. They crossed without any issue and continued on their way. Zelda stared in awe at the ginormous decaying stone dragon sculptures that littered the forest. As they followed the winding path ahead, she ran her hands over the tall stone pillars and walls, as if trying to unlock the mysteries of the ancient people who built the monolithic structures.
"Is this why you were studying the Faron people in the Library?" she asked in a gleeful voice, soaking in every detail.
"Yes, my lady." Link kept a steady pace, allowing her to examine the ruins as they walked.
"Mother wanted to do the same as a young woman. But she never had a chance to learn more about them, she was always too busy. And then the monsters overtook this place." Although, it seems that there is not a trace of them left. Just as she remarked it to herself they turned a corner, and spotted what seemed to be a decaying outpost. "Is that one of the monster's camps?"
"Was, my lady." he replied plainly. As they approached, Zelda caught wind of a bad smell. It was not long after that she found the source of the smell. There were numerous skeletons scattered across the camp, many with broken skulls or shattered rib cages. They ranged from sizes that were no taller than the average Hylian, to towering ones, with great long horns. While nearly all the flesh was gone, there were still some bodies that had remaining scraps of tendons and muscles that clung to the bone. Heavy vegetation had begun to grow around the decomposing corpses.
"You did all this!?" she gaped.
"Well. I only did half the work, my lady." Zelda turned to ask him for more detail, but his back was already turned away, as he walked on. Link was no longer following the Princess, rather she was stuck to his side, following his every step, as they pulled their horses along. The proceeded down the winding path, eventually coming upon a small riverbend that cut through the land. It was lined with great stone ruins. They passed over a Lizalfos skeleton, as well as a Bokoblin's bones further downstream. "This is the one that gave me this scar," he said with a chuckle, tapping the scar that crossed his brow and went to his cheekbone.
"Looks like he paid for it, dearly," she remarked, examining its caved in ribcage, indicating a blade had been driven through its chest. "Where did you find a weapon to fight them?"
"I picked it up off another Bokoblin I fought my first night here, my lady."
Zelda was glad that he was now speaking to her more readily. As they walked along the river, she saw many arrows scattered on the riverbank, some sticking out of the dirt, and others were sitting broken on the ground. How in the world did you survive all this? It looks like a warzone. The river eventually ran into a wide-open valley, encircled by great stone walls. At the norther end of the colosseum stood the gigantic stone dragon carving, with its jaw wide open, and claws at its side.
"Link! There it is!" She ran over the small bridge that lead to the center of the open field, Link shouted at her to wait, but she did not stop, until halting dead in her tracks when she nearly stumbled over the largest set of bones she had ever seen. Two great horns arched out from its skull, bearing a full set of terrifyingly sharp teeth. Its great four legs were splayed out awkwardly, falling to pieces, and its upper body was in shambles. She couldn't help but shriek, which sent Link chasing after her, letting go of the horses. "I'm sorry. It just startled me. I'm fine." She collected herself before asking: "You killed this!?" still in disbelief. He shrugged his shoulders with a grin.
"He almost died doing it too." Zelda spun around, shocked by the unfamiliar voice that called out behind her in a thick foreign accent. What stood before her was unlike anything she had ever seen before. It bore the resemblance of a Hylian woman, but its skin was akin to tree bark, holding in an ethereal green glow within. Its limbs were like that of a tree as well, but only in parts. The ethereal light that seemed to form her center was the basis of her shapely body, and thin branches wrapped around each arm and leg, giving her form more substance. Her eyes were a deep cyan color, that seemed to fluctuate in depth and hue. Zelda stood behind Link, mouth open, entirely lost for words.
"MiarndÍl, I am glad to see you again." Link offered a kind bow.
"And I am overjoyed to welcome you back into my forest, young savior. And I see you have brought company." MiarndÍl gestured to Zelda, who now absentmindedly grasped the back of Link's tunic.
"MiarndÍl, this is Princess Zelda. I have brought her here so that she might pray at the Spring of Courage."
MiarndÍl smiled brightly. "It appears this young one is indeed in need of some courage. Come, my lady, everything is safe."
Zelda cautiously stepped out from behind Link, and nervously curtsied. "Pleased to meet you," she finally said, timidly. "Who… Who are you?"
"I am MiarndÍl. In your tongue, it means Caretaker. I am happy to respond to both, whichever you choose." She took a long step towards Zelda, examining her from head to toe. "I must say, young savior, she is just as beautiful as you described her, if not more." Link grunted, wordlessly protesting the Caretaker's oversharing of information, the tips of his ears burning.
"Caretaker… I've heard mention of that name before…" Mother talked about her before. But it was so long ago. Her mind was running at a mile a minute, eventually snapping at Link. "Link why didn't you tell me you met the Caretaker of Faron before!?"
Link cleared his throat. "Well… I did. I believe you thought it was a joke, my lady."
"There's a big difference between saying you met a magical tree-lady, and meeting the Caretaker of Faron!" She did not know if she wanted to slap Link or laugh, it was perhaps a combination of the two.
"I figured it would be easier just to show you, my lady. I didn't think anyone would believe me." Link looked slightly embarrassed, breaking eye contact with her, and began to fidget.
Zelda turned her attention away from her Appointed Knight, and to MiarndÍl. "I'm sorry. It's just a lot of information to process. I have so many questions!" She did not know what to think, the situation was so odd.
"Then give your mind time to process it. In the meantime, please come with me, you two must be weary of travel. I have a place you may rest." MiarndÍl led them to the western bank of the colosseum, treading around a deep pool. With a wave of her hand, the large stone door that guarded her hidden spring grumbled open. "I will see you inside," she said with a grin, before dissipating into a cloud of petals.
"Link!" She pointed a dainty finger where the Caretaker disappeared.
"I know, my lady." He gestured for her to enter the dark tunnel, kindly assuring her it was safe. Zelda glanced back to the dragon sculpture, where the Spring of Courage laid. "We will come back for it later, my lady. I promise." Sunlight poured into the deep staircase, providing just enough light to see. "My lady. I must get the horses, you may go on ahead. Unless you want to wait for me, if it puts you at ease."
"I'll be right here." Although she would not admit it, the idea of going on alone terrified her. Not having Link at her side was a discomforting thought. Link kindly nodded, and ran back to the river, and collected the horses. They had not roamed far, being well trained animals. Link brought them to the entrance, and tied their reins to a small tree that hung low.
"They'll be safe out here, my lady. I'll come to remove their saddles later." Link took his place by her side, and the delved into the depths below together. Zelda gawked at the luminescent blue glow of the cavern ceiling. The crystal-clear waters of the spring gently rippled in the distance, sending faint shimmering blue light across the room. MiarndÍl stood at the center of the spring, practically walking on the water.
"Welcome to my spring, Princess." She bade them to enter further. "This water is clean, and good to drink, if you are thirsty. Please, sit on the soft earth and rest a bit." Link waited for his Princess to sit first, as she tucked her legs to the side, resting on her hand. He sat down to the back-left side of her, laying his arms out on his bent knees.
"MiarndÍl," Zelda began, struggling with the pronunciation. "If I may ask, why are you here now? We know very little of your kind, mostly only through folklore and myths, and very few historical texts. Where have you been? Why resurface now?"
"I was locked away for many centuries, until Link freed me of my bonds." Zelda glanced at Link, who maintained an expressionless face.
"How? Why were you locked away?" Question after question poured into her head, as she tried her best to form a logical list of things to ask.
MiarndÍl smiled, before kneeling in the clear water, sitting in a similar pose to Zelda. "Well over 10,000 years ago, the great reincarnating evil that haunted this land returned in full force to wreak havoc and pain on all of Hyrule. My foolish people believed that they could keep me safe by sealing me away in this spring, hoping to wait out the storm. They set sail over the Great Sea in search of a safe home, promising that they would return. But even after your people's champions sealed the beast, my people never returned. And so here I wasted away for 10,000 years, not even able to protect this ancient forest." MiarndÍl tilted her head at Link, saying: "That is until Link came, and broke away the stone that imprisoned me, despite his grave wounds."
"Grave wounds?" Zelda asked with furrowed eyebrows, empathetically looking at her Appointed Knight. As usual, he shied away from her eyes.
"They weren't that bad," he insisted adamantly, disdained by the attention.
MiarndÍl chuckled, knowing the truth. "His fight with the Lynel was nothing short of exemplary. But slaying such a beast with nothing more than a crude blade, a flimsy bow, and a broken shield proved to be a perilous task. He would have surely died."
"What!?" Zelda gawked at her companion, as he tried to hide his face with his hand by scratching his brow. "Why did you never tell me any of this!?" She already knew the answer, but she wanted to hear it in his own words, even if she had to pull his tongue out.
MiarndÍl laughed graciously. "I believe you understand his stubborn inclinations towards stoicism just as well as I do, Princess. Let the poor boy be." Link shot a grateful glance at the Caretaker.
"How did he survive!?" Zelda asked urgently.
"After he killed the Lynel, and freed me, I healed him as he passed into unconsciousness. Admittedly, it was not my best performance. Had I been fully recovered from my long imprisonment, I could have fully healed his wounds, removing all traces of scarring, but my waning strength could not allow it. You should see the large scar on his stomach, it's nothing compared to the scratch on his brow."
"Are there any other fatal wounds I should know about!? Any other information you want to hide from me!?" She raised her voice, it was riddled with frustration.
"No, my lady," he responded timidly.
"Well, he did have a broken leg, a large cut on his calf, a concussion, and countless bruises. I believe he also had a dislocated shoulder, but no other fatal injuries," MiarndÍl reported humorously.
Link shot up, declaring: "I need to tend to the horses," before pacing off to the cavern entrance, leaping up the stairs in counts of two steps. Zelda watched him, as he bolted away, confused by his sudden outburst. She shouted at him to wait, but he either did not hear, or chose to ignore her. Zelda stood to chase after him but MiarndÍl stopped her.
"Leave him be, for now. Give him a little time."
Zelda stomped back to her spot on the soil, simmering in frustration, and sat down. "I don't understand that boy! I work and work to get him to open up, then just when I think we're making progress, he just shuts down, and either hides away, or conceals his face." She wrapped her arms around her legs, resting her chin on her knees. "I have to practically yell at him to get him to comply." She could feel her eyes growing wet, distraught with failure and longing. MiarndÍl gracefully strode forward, sitting closer to the distressed princess. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't be getting worked up over this. It's not right for my position."
"There is nothing to apologize for, Princess. I see now your struggles are alike."
Zelda looked up at the Caretaker. "What do you mean?"
"Link. He bears a troubled mind. War rages on in his head, as he fights himself at every turn, torn between duty, and desire. I have seen and felt what plagues his mind. I believe it is akin to a similar struggle you face."
"Seen and felt? How?" Zelda pulled her chin from her knees, furrowing her eyebrows.
"When I was healing him, I could see into his mind. Unlike the restorative power I possess and have complete control over, I have seemingly no control over my ability to peer into the minds of mankind. It happens regardless."
She's seen inside his mind? Maybe she can help me get him back. "How is that possible? Can you see into my head now?"
"No. I can only see inside someone if I am in direct contact with them."
"What did you see in his mind exactly?" she asked urgently, intently waiting for any information.
"That is not my place to tell. I would not want to betray his trust."
"Did he make you promise not to tell anyone!?" That would be something he would do, she scoffed.
"No. Although I have no doubt he would have before he left last time, if he had known he would be bringing you back here. I-,"
Zelda cut her off. "Please. Can you tell me anything? I need to know."
MiarndÍl ignored her plea, and instead asked: "You do care for him, don't you?" Her sudden question shocked Zelda, and she was hesitant to answer. She scolded her folly in so quickly trusting this mysterious being, realizing how she let her guard down, allowing her emotions to pour out. 'Never show your cards to quick, my dear. You can never truly know what someone might try to use against you.' It was advice that came from her mother when Zelda was much younger.
"I have to spend a lot of time alone with him. All I want is to be able with talk with him freely, at least when we are out in the wild." It was only a portion of truth, but her outburst had already betrayed her underlying emotion, and MiarndÍl could see it plain as day.
"As you say, Princess," she replied skeptically. MiarndÍl examined Zelda with an attentive eye, before speaking again. "I must admit, you are not quite as capable of stoicism as your travel companion. Had I not seen his mind, I doubt I could have gleaned very much information from him. But you on the other hand. You wear your heart on your shoulder, even as you try to hide it now." Zelda remained silent, holding back her words, fighting to hide all display of emotion.
Is this what he feels like all the time? Suppressing his emotion, holding back words… tears? A rush of true sympathy crashed through her body. How miserable he must be… I thought I understood his pain, but I was completely blind. Even now, I imagine I can't fully grasp the weight her carries. She cursed herself for being frustrated with him, angry at her own failure and unfeeling. She continued fight back frustrated tears that stubbornly welled in her eyes.
"I thought that maybe once he was appointed to be my knight, he would allow himself to open up… But he only fluctuates between offering only a shadow of his true emotion, to closing off every sense of humanity." She gave up on trying to guard her words, seeing now that MiarndÍl could so easily deduce the truth. "I've never stopped caring for him. Loving him. But now he has driven a wedge between us, and only a mutual duty and responsibility holds it all together. He won't even speak to me about his father."
"His father?"
She doesn't know? Of course not. How could she? She began carefully, not sure how MiarndÍl would respond. "His father… He died. Only a little more than a month ago, right before he left here."
"I… see." MiarndÍl voice fell off. "I felt how much he loved his father. Goddess help the poor soul. I could not even tell, he seemed completely normal." Her voice was full of emotion. Even though she had never met Link's father, just feeling Link's love for him in proximity brought her a wave of sympathy and sadness over his loss.
"Like you said. He much better at stoicism than me. I sometimes wonder if he's even human." Zelda sighed with heavy eyes. "I mean, he returned to work at the castle the day after his father's funeral, as if he hadn't felt a drop of emotion."
"There is tremendous courage in his heart. I can say that at least."
I suppose it would be fitting. He is the spirit of courage personified, only waiting to be awakened. "Yes. But at what cost? He has no family, and only a few friends that I know of, some of which are too far away. He must be so lonely… How can someone with such a gentle and kind heart be forced to suffer like this alone?" Zelda and the Caretaker sat in silence, under the pale blue light of the cavern. Zelda had many more questions she wanted ask, but feared she would not have the strength to hear the answers.
"He has you, doesn't he? To keep him company, to be a friend."
"I don't even know if we can be considered friends anymore." She wrapped her arms tighter around her legs, trying to comfort herself. "Not with the way he demands formality between us, like we are simply business associates. I could understand if it was in public, but even in the privacy of the wild he speaks like someone is watching and judging his every word."
"No one judges him harder than himself, he is ever teetering into self-contempt. It is a vicious cycle, Princess. I urge you to continue your efforts of opening his heart." MiarndÍl offered an encouraging smile.
"I won't give up. I just wish I knew how to best help him. I just wish I could have him back. The real him." She rubbed her forehead in the crook of her arm, returning her chin to rest on her knees.
"I will speak with him for you. As much as dislikes it, I know his heart. I cannot promise I can share all that I find, as I imagine he will make me swear not to, knowing him. But I will try nonetheless."
Zelda smiled bittersweetly. "Thank you MiarndÍl. If you can even ease his soul, I would be most grateful." MiarndÍl's decree brought some peace to her aching heart, and she allowed to conversation to close. After a thoughtful pause she changed the topic, returning to the original purpose of their mission. "MiarndÍl, I wanted to see if we could have your blessing, and allow us to visit the Spring of Courage. I wish to pray there, to aid my training."
"Of course, Princess. Although, I would suggest you wait until the morning. It will be dark out very soon. I will prepare a place for you and Link to sleep, as well as gather food." MiarndÍl stood gracefully, beginning to glide over to another section of the cavern.
"Thank you MiarndÍl. Your hospitality is greatly appreciated."
"You're welcome, Princess." With her last words MiarndÍl disappeared around the corner.
I guess I should go check on Link. And apologize for how I patronized him, if he will even accept my apology. She proceeded to the stairs, blinking listlessly at the dark tunnel. She held her hands out as she climbed the stairs, eventually hitting the stone doorway at the top. As she felt around for a handle or some device that would open the door, it unexpectedly slid open, sending a cascade of gravel from the ceiling. She emerged, standing under the darkening sky. Link was nearby, having removed the saddles and bags from the horses, and sat on a toppled pillar, examining something on a small leather cord in his hand.
"Link," she said softly as she approached him.
"My lady, how may I help you?" He jumped down from his perch, clasping his fingers shut, hiding the object in his hands.
"Link. I wanted to apologize." She stepped closer to him, looking up into his eyes.
"Apologize for what, my lady? You have done nothing wrong, I should be the one apologizing." His voice sounded so sincere that she wondered if he had really convinced himself that she was blameless for his discomfort.
"No Link, please. I know how unfair it is for you, how so much is expected of you. How you should talk, how you should act. I should not have yelled at you, or grown angry."
"My lady, please, there is no need. I am sorry that I withheld information that you deemed important, I made a poor judgement, I see that now. I only meant to serve my role faithfully."
His dedication was heartwarming. Even after her outburst earlier, he stalwartly remained loyal to her. What have I done to receive such dedication? "And you do such a fine job of it, Link. I could never be justly angry. Shall we put it behind us?"
Link bowed his head. "As you wish, my lady."
"Good." Zelda began to walk back to the cavern entrance, saying over her shoulder: "Come. MiarndÍl said she is preparing food, and a place to sleep."
"Yes, my lady," he said, following closely behind her.
When they sat down to a simple meal of fruits and vegetables, Zelda had to coerce Link to sit and eat with them. He tried to argue it would be rude for him to interrupt the Princess's meal, insisting that he would be more than happy to enjoy his meal outside. To which MiarndÍl said: 'You are in my domain now. And here it is customary that all eat together. It would be ruder to decline, young savior.' Zelda was not sure if MiarndÍl was telling the truth, but she did not care, it worked in bringing Link in to eat with them, reluctant as he was. Zelda asked several questions regarding MiarndÍl's origin, and story, listening intently as she recalled events from ages past. She found that much of what MiarndÍl spoke of was cut off, or unrelated to the kingdom of Hyrule during that time, as the Faronish people were a secluded race. After their meager supper, Zelda yawned, yearning for rest. MiarndÍl led her Hylian guests to a separate section of the cavern, presenting them to a large, singular, thatched bed. Link squirmed in awkward discomfort.
"MiarndÍl, is there a second bed somewhere?" he asked with reddened ears.
"No. Why do you, young savior?"
Link stepped closer to MiarndÍl, blocking Zelda's view of them, as he whispered: "It is not customary for Hylians to share a bed. Not unless they're…"
"I see. Forgive me, I am not accustom to the Hylian's ways. I can prepare another place for you."
"Do not concern yourself. I have a sleeping roll I can use." Link left in a hurry, embarrassed by his uncontrollable redness. Zelda tried to hide an amused grin, admittedly also a little flustered by the idea of them sleeping in the same bed, noting her own rising redness. When he returned, his hood was pulled over his head, and he set about unraveling his sleeping roll just around the corner of the cavern, so that Zelda had privacy. He also brought her sleeping roll, so that she could have a blanket and something to rest her head on. She thanked him, and dismissed him. She laid down in her makeshift bed, finding it hard to get comfortable. It certainly wasn't her comfy castle mattress, and her blanket was itchy. She tossed and turned, wondering how Link spent a month sleeping in probably much worse conditions.
I doubt I could ever do that. Survive out here on my own. It takes a special kind of person to do that, and he is nothing short of special. She sat in bed for the better part of an hour, never fully falling asleep, as the day's events ran through her mind. The cavern was completely silent, and the luminous stoned above her grew dim. The only noise she could hear was her own breathing, and Link occasionally stirring in his bed around the corner. However, just as her eyes began to shut, she heard a faint rustle, and a quiet whisper. It was MiarndÍl's soft voice, beckoning Link to stand. Their whispers grew fainter as they walked further away. Zelda tried to press her curiosity away, desiring to get some much need rest, but she could not bring herself to stay. As quietly as she could, she sat up in her bed, stealthily rolling to the side, and followed the wall of the cavern, until she peered around the corner to hear what they were saying, hiding behind the sharp rocks.
MiarndÍl spoke first, although she missed the first half of her question. "… told me about your father… what happened?" Link's shoulders sank, and his head drooped.
"A sickness of the lung took him. He was dead long before I arrived. Had I known, I would have brought him here… If only I had known. I could have saved him. But I was too late. Two days too late." She heard his wavering voice fail, as he fought back the shudders of tears. MiarndÍl held out a long slender hand, as if gesturing to him. He nodded despondently, and she reached out and cupped his cheek. They stood in utter silence. Zelda could see MiarndÍl gaze up at the ceiling, her eyes shifting in every differing hues and saturations of cyan, lost in Link's mind. After a brief moment, she withdrew her hand.
"You poor child. There is now way you could have known. How can you blame yourself?"
"Because I should have been there for him," his voice was shattered and downcast. "If only I could have been there just two days earlier, I could have brought him back here. But instead I was stuck in the forest all because of some damned superficial trial." She saw a tear run down his cheek. It was the first time she had ever seen him cry, and she desperately wished she never had. Watching him pull himself apart was like a dagger in her heart, bringing up tears of her own.
"Link. These are things of the past. It is always easy to look back in hindsight and try to argue how you would have done it differently. But in the end, there is nothing we can do. You are the unwilling victim of loss, but it is the struggle all mortal things face." MiarndÍl stepped forward and wrapped her arms around him, like a mother comforting her brokenhearted child. "In every vision I saw of your father, I felt how strong, and how kind he was. It is rare to see such compassion in the world, and we should not toil away his legacy by regretting the unchangeable fate of this world. Come now, and shed a tear of mourning for him, for you shall find comfort. And when you are done, take up courage in his name."
Link sniffled. "Have honesty, kindness, and courage. That is what he always said to me. Sometimes I can't help but feel like I fail to live up to those expectations every day."
"Do you believe that he would say the same?"
Link paused thoughtfully, searching his mind. "No…"
"Then that is all that matters. How could a father not beam with pride for such a valiant son?"
"Valiant?" he scoffed.
"Yes. Even your Princess praises your kind heart." MiarndÍl finally let go of him, stepping back a half pace.
Link sighed deeply. "I wish she didn't. It makes it so much more difficult. But I am grateful nonetheless."
MiarndÍl tilted her head, finally saying: "Come. Your swollen eyes need rest. I will see you in the morning."
"Thank you, Caretaker."
Zelda rushed back to her bed, hoping she would not be seen. She settled back in and curled up under her blanket. Silent tears rolled down her cheeks, as her heart throbbed. How does he keep his tears bottled up? Her heart ached, replaying the imagery in her head, the single tear rolling down his face. 'I wish she didn't. It makes it so much more difficult.' She could not think of an explanation for his wording, or meaning. What is difficult? Hiding your emotion? She could not decide on an answer. In a small way, she was envious of MiarndÍl, watching her so easily embrace and comfort Link. Her heart cried out, desiring to be the comfort that he clung to, holding him in her arms, gently swaying him. But no. I am banished to the outskirts of unfeeling, and withdrawn affection. She promised herself that she would never give up, but that did not make her heart ache any less. I guess there's nothing I can really do at this point but hope and pray. She tried to form a pragmatic plan for their tasks that would come in the morning, but before long her heavy, swollen eyes closed, and she passed into a restless sleep.