Chapter 34

The Call of the Past

A cloud of dust swirled in scattered light as Link sat down. Finally. His feet hurt and he was famished.

Staring into the fire he'd built, he lowered his gear. The night sounds of the forest were just beginning to reach him. He removed both gauntlets and placed a hand on his chest. He winced. The pain was coming back.

An unpleasant sensation had made a home in his chest. It had appeared during the morning flight to the surface. It didn't seem to be getting any better. In fact, it seemed to be getting worse.

He shut his eyes. What was the right word to describe this pain? Biting? Gnawing? Perhaps stabbing. All he knew was that he was tired of hiding it.

With a sigh he lowered both hands. Against his will his eyes found Midna sitting on the opposite side of the fire. Guilt crept up, making his face hot. For the amount of time he'd studied this girl today he could have drawn a full-body portrait of her, complete with the exact way that her belt hugged her waist and the outsides of her eyes curved dramatically upward.

Relentless scraping could be heard as she used flint to sharpen one of her arrowheads. She seemed fixated.

As the pink in Link's ears subsided, he watched her. He wasn't sure what to think about her, or the way this trip was going so far. He had expected her to be—he wasn't sure—more talkative, perhaps. Not chatty, as she wasn't the type to talk idly. But more willing to converse.

Midna's words always had purpose. And because their conversation over the past nine hours hadn't gone past, 'Wow, that hill we climbed was almost vertical', and, 'Fi must think we're mountain goats', Link could only assume that Midna simply had nothing worthwhile to say. Either that or she was just distracted. Judging by her tendency to gaze into the distance every chance she got, he figured that some outside source was to blame. Somehow the idea gave him little comfort.

Midna's irises looked as red as the crackling flames as she concentrated, her lips parted.

Breathing in, Link opened his mouth to speak, but waited. Rolling aside the pesky need to know why her hair looked so different today, he reviewed the day's events in his head—

Walking through the woods; climbing rock faces; dirt; greenery; the scent of vegetation, both live and dead; humidity; the feel of Midna's hand as he assisted her over obstacles; avoiding a harsh sun, swatting mosquitos and stepping in bokoblin feces coupled with a lack of complaints from Midna; the unnoticeable buzz of the forest and a silence that could only be heard in the most remote of locations—the sort of silence that accompanied solitary travelers.

Concealing his grin with a hand, Link tapped his cheek, watching her touch the sharpened stone to her tongue. Did all archers do that?

The way she looked at Link suggested she'd seen the smile in his eyes. "Something funny?"

Link dropped his hand. Saying nothing, he shrugged.

"Your tongue is tougher than you think," Midna said, sliding the arrow into the quiver at her feet.

"Oh?" Link asked. If Midna wanted to talk about tongues, he was all ears.

"Yeah. Ever notice how the inside of your mouth can withstand heat better than, say, your lips?"

Not a bad conversation. Besides that, it was the most he'd heard her say since they'd left the Sealed Grounds. "Um, I guess."

"If pricking my tongue with the tip really hurts then I know it's sharp enough."

"Is your tongue really that strong?" Link asked. He immediately wondered why he'd allowed himself to ask.

Midna grinned. "What do you think?"

"Um…" To say yes would imply something dirty. To say no might offend her. To say, 'I don't know' would just make him look like an idiot. "…Maybe?"

Midna giggled. "Well, considering you've been in my mouth before, what's your assessment?"

Link's throat tightened. She had to say it. "It seems fine to me."

Midna rested her elbows on her knees and leaned forward. "Would you like to assess it again?"

How was this going downhill so fast? "Again?" Link asked.

Midna stood, walked around the fire and sat an inch from him. He tilted away. "Yes, again," she said. He looked at her with uncertainty. "No point in shillyshallying. I know you do. I do too."

"I figured," Link said, turning to the fire.

"You know what they say: honesty is worth more than all the gold rupees in the world," Midna said. Link nodded. "We're in the woods, there's not another person for miles and miles…" Link looked into her eyes. "The perfect opportunity, right?"

Link rubbed the back of his neck. "Only if I wanted to take the opportunity," he said. Midna grinned some more. "I can tell you're not entirely okay with it, either."

"At least I know I'm talking to the same old Link," Midna said. "If you'd said yes and jumped on me I would've been a little worried." They grinned at each other. "Extremely turned on, but a little bit worried." They shared a soft laugh. Link finally started to relax.

"So what was Pipit talking to you about before you asked me to come with you?" Midna asked.

Just like that, Link was nervous again. "He just said he wanted to stay. And help out at the Grounds."

"Is that all?" Midna asked.

"Why?"

"Because you seemed surprised about something."

"Surprised?"

"Yes," Midna said. "'Girls can do that too?'"

She heard that? "Oh, well, he was giving me…advice."

"I could tell," Midna said, giggling.

Link's eyes crept around. "Do you know what he was talking about?"

"Judging by his hand movements and animated demonstration, yes."

Link clicked his teeth together a few times. "Is it true?"

Midna's grin returned in the most curious way. "Well, like I said at the spring, you show me yours, and I'll show you mine." Her thin eyebrow bounced slightly. "When the time is right, of course."

Link's mind blanked for a moment. "Yeah…"

They both stared at the fire. Silence was starting to take over again. As uncomfortable as the discussion had become, it was the last thing Link wanted.

There was so much that he wanted to say to Midna; so much that he didn't know where to begin. Honesty was worth more than all the money in the world, all right, but that didn't mean that honesty didn't have its rightful place.

Link took a breath. Certain subjects were wearing him down. To get them off of his chest would be such a relief. Perhaps it was time for a little honesty right now. After they ate something.

Link knew Midna wasn't going to ask for what he had in his bag. They had already delved into the issue during their short lunch—Henya had given Link enough food for two days, as she had done for Pipit. No one had planned on Midna coming, nor had they thought to have her take what Henya had given Pipit. Now, after a long, physically demanding hike, two people were stuck dividing what was meant for one person. Midna was reluctant to take what he had earlier, and she would be no different now.

Link reached into his largest bag. "Here," he said, holding out a bundle of food wrapped in parchment.

"No, thanks," she answered.

"Mid," Link said with a tight jaw, "please take it."

"I'm not hungry."

He turned to her with a look of irritated disbelief. "You're lying."

"No," she said. "I'm actually not hungry—for what you're trying to force on me."

"I'm not forcing anything on you," Link said, dropping the package in his lap. "We've been walking all day. We're both hungry. Both of us. So take it."

"A little pushy, are we?" Midna asked.

"No… I just want you to eat first. Then I'll have what you don't want."

"And what if I'm not in the mood for Henya's dried fowl and pumpkin gingerbread?"

Link gave her a tired glance. "Don't forget the nuts and raisins."

"Oh, I didn't," Midna said.

"So are you gonna take it?"

"No," Midna said.

"Why not?"

"Like I told you earlier, this is your food. I can fend for myself."

Link scoffed through his nose. "And how are you gonna do that?"

"I've got my arrows. I can go hunting."

"Hunting? Are you kidding?"

"What do you think?" Midna asked, smiling again.

Looking away, Link grunted in frustration. "Are you always this hard to deal with?"

"No," Midna said, running a finger under her hat. Link watched. "I'm normally much harder."

Link ran his hands through his hair until Midna's grin became impossible to avoid. It was frisky. He soon realized that she wasn't being serious. "Mid?"

"Yeah?"

"What sort of a knight would I be if you didn't eat before me?" Midna shrugged. "We've been hiking all day, you're not going hunting, so what do I need to do to get you to eat this?"

"I'm only eating it if we share it," Midna said. "You take a bite, then I'll take a bite."

"I want you to eat first."

"That's my final offer," Midna said, looking into the fire.

With his eyes on her, Link undid the parchment, picked up a piece of meat and popped it in his mouth.

"That's a small bite," Midna said.

"It's still a bite."

"Hm," Midna said as she tore a piece of bread. As they both stared at each other and chewed, Link took the smallest raisin his fingers could find.

"You think I don't know what you're doing?" Midna asked. Link simply smiled and placed the food in her hands. She shook her head and continued eating.

"You're tough to figure out," Link said, holding himself back from eating any more. Midna's expression turned inquisitive. "Maybe it's because you're secretive." Her chewing slowed. "You've been listless. What's bothering you?"

"It's good to know that pots still call kettles black," Midna said.

"What do you mean?"

"I've been wondering the same about you. You're in pain, am I right?"

Link looked at his hands. "A little."

"What is it?" Midna asked, trying some of the fowl.

"My chest," Link said quietly.

"Do you know what it is?" He shook his head. "Don't tell me you're gonna have a heart attack in the woods. As much as I like the idea of trying my CPR skills on you, I'm afraid you're too heavy for me to carry back."

"Very funny," Link said. "I'll be fine. What I want to know is what's in these trees that interests you so much."

"Maybe I'm thinking of becoming a lumberjack," Midna answered.

"I'm serious, Mid. What's on your mind?"

Making short work of the rest of the bread, Midna looked at him coyly. "What's on my mind?"

"Yeah," Link said with a nod.

Midna scooted closer. "Do you really wanna know what's on my mind?"

"Uh…" Link tugged on his collar. "Yes."

"Good," Midna said pertly. "Because what I'm thinking is that I'm really thirsty." She looked down. "Do you mind if I have some of your water?"

Link smiled. "No, go ahead." To his surprise, Midna's hand promptly found its way into his bag. He held his breath as he felt her searching, brushing against his back and hip. Their eyes remained on one another.

"This bag sure is bigger than it looks," she noted. "How do you fit so much stuff in here?"

Link let out his breath. "Must be magic."

"Is that so?" She poked around a bit, taking her time. "There's a sword shard—no, three sword shards." Her petite nose wrinkled with subtle enjoyment. "Your sailcloth, flint, bag of rupees, the boomerang you said you'd show me but never did." She gave a little scowl. "Not one, but two glass bottles."

"Take whatever you want," Link said, attempting to keep a straight face.

"Oh, you can count on it," Midna said. Her face slowly turned serious. "What's this?"

Link leaned back. "What's what?"

"This," Midna replied, withdrawing her hand and holding up a small object.

With tapered eyes, Link inspected the item. Small, thin and square, it was wrapped tightly in parchment.

Plucking it from her palm, Link eyed it closely. With budding curiosity, he peeled the paper back one fold at a time.

Slowly, the square shape of the wrapping gave way to a circular object. It was pale in color and had a prominent rim. Touching a wary pinky to it, Link noticed its greasiness.

Taking the slick article between his thumb and index finger, he proceeded to study it in the last of the sunlight. He heard Midna laugh. After taking a moment to give her a suspicious look, he continued his search.

Then it dawned on him. This flat object was larger than it appeared. It was rolled up. Upon closer inspection he deduced what it was made of—treated linen.

It all came together: a round, flat item made of chemical-soaked, greasy linen which was meant to be unrolled. It hit Link in the stomach that he was looking at what was known as a protective sheath—a condom.

Not just any condom, but one from his own bag, that Midna had just found.

With arm still up, Link turned his now flabbergasted face to her. She was smiling like Pipit had after he'd rewritten and memorized the full ten-page Knight's Code in pig Latin.

Link felt an incredible heat spread across his face. Midna had figured out the condom mystery before he had, meaning he looked like a dunce. It didn't help that as his face got warmer, her grin got larger.

"What were you planning on doing in these woods?" she asked. Link swallowed. "Better yet, who were you planning on doing?"

"Nothing—no one in particular," Link stammered. Clearing his throat, he concealed the condom in his lap. "You don't think I brought this…?"

"Planning on seducing me out in the rough country?"

With his jawline twitching in aggravation, Link dropped his eyes and huffed. "Pipit…" he murmured.

"He's just trying to help in his own way," Midna said with a softer tone. Link took a fleeting look at her. "I saw him slip it in your bag."

"He needs to mind his own business," Link whispered to himself.

"Maybe you need to loosen up," Midna said, resting her head in her hand.

"Loosen up?" Link asked. "What if I was somewhere important or in the middle of a fight and go to take something out of my bag and pull out a condom instead?"

"I think you're overreacting," Midna said, toying with the tip of her knight's cap.

"Just wait 'til it happens," Link said, looking up.

"I will," Midna said. "I'm also waiting for you to stop being angry with Pipit for no reason." She answered Link's incredulity with a firm nod. "He may get on your nerves, but anyone would be grateful to have as good of a friend as him." Link looked down and said nothing. Midna tilted her head to coax his eyes up. "He would do anything for you. He would die for you. Do you realize that?"

Trapped by her words for a few moments, Link didn't move. Finally freeing his gaze, he nodded.

"Well at least we agree on that," Midna said.

"I think if you had a friend like him for this many years you'd be annoyed a lot too," Link added.

"I think if I had a friend like him for that many years, I'd be thanking Hylia—daily."

"Sure."

"I mean it. I've never had a really close friend like that."

"Consider yourself lucky," Link said, pulling his water out and handing it to her. He reclaimed the food in exchange. Taking a long sip, Midna shook her head. "Sometimes being friends with Pipit is like banging your funny bone over and over again." Link took a generous bite from the scraps that were left. "On purpose."

"Shame on you," Midna said.

Link just sighed and finished the crumbs. He looked glumly down.

"What?" Midna asked.

"I'm still hungry," Link said.

"You should have eaten more before I did," Midna said.

"I wanted you to eat what you wanted."

"I don't think I realized how much I ate," Midna said. "I haven't been this famished in a long time. We've been walking and climbing all day."

"As long as you're full, I'm happy," Link said.

"Actually, I'm still hungry too." Midna half-shrugged.

"You're kidding," Link said. "We're out of food."

"Why do you think I was trying not to eat it?" Midna asked with a head-bob.

Link's condom-filled hand lifted and dropped in exasperation. "Fi?"

"Yes, Master?" Fi answered.

"What time is it?"

"It is eight minutes after seven o'clock, Master."

"Well, we've got some time before the sun totally sets," Link said to Midna. "Fi, how much ground did we cover today?"

"Twenty-point-one miles, Master."

"And what time did we leave today?"

"Two minutes after ten o'clock this morning."

Link pondered for several seconds. "That's almost two-and-a-quarter miles-per-hour." He nodded approvingly. "Not bad considering all those inclines."

"You did well, Master. You are now ten-point-four miles away from your destination."

"That doesn't sound so bad," Link said. "Are there any easy food sources nearby?"

"There is a patch of strawberries fifty yards west," Fi replied.

Link and Midna looked at each other. He could tell that she was thinking the same thing. "What're strawberries?"

"Woodland strawberry is an herbaceous, everbearing plant that grows in sunny areas throughout the Faron Woods. It is low-growing with a fibrous root system and a crown from which arise basil leaves. The leaves are compound, with three leaflets. Its binomial name is Fragaria vesca—"

"Okay, Fi, thanks," Link said, stuffing the condom in his bag. "I guess all we need to know is if they're safe to eat."

"And if they taste good," Midna said.

"At this point I don't care," Link said.

"Strawberries are safe for humans to eat," Fi added.

"Of course they would be," Midna said. "Don't you trust your guide, Link?"

"Just thought I'd make sure," Link mumbled. "So west is…that way?" He pointed to his left.

"Yes, Master."

"What are we waiting for, then?" Midna asked, grinning over her shoulder. "It's only going to get darker. We better hurry up. The woods can get pretty wild at night."

As Link felt Midna's fingers slip inside of his, he quickly nodded.

Without a moment to spare the two walked a short distance, trudging through trees and bushes and leaving the warmth and security of the fire behind.

Hooting and chirping harmonized with the crunching of leaves as they walked. The air was thick and the scent of life was abundant. This place was more alive than any Link had visited in a while.

Taking the lead in a spot where they had to walk single-file, Link looked up, expecting a squirrel to ambush his head. He turned to see Midna's smile. In the receding sunlight, it seemed almost as eager as his.

Lo and behold, about fifty yards away a small grove opened up before them. As Midna stepped beside Link, they gaped.

"Wow," Link said, admiring the sprawling bushes. They were haphazard but surprisingly inviting. His fidgety fingers reminded him that Midna's hand was still very much in his. Or maybe it was the other way around. "This is it, right, Fi? We didn't stumble across 'the meadow of poisonous berries' by accident, right?"

"It has to be," Midna said. "Look how beautiful it is." She started to walk ahead.

"This is it, Master," Fi said.

"Come on, brave knight," Midna called from several paces away. She carefully lowered herself in the grass beside a particularly berry-laden bush.

As a whole, the sight was quite appetizing. Link joined her without hesitation. He was instantly surrounded by the intense aroma of strawberries and the perfume of its small white flowers. Link looked at Midna. She smelled like that already.

"Look at all this fruit," she said.

"Yeah."

"Too bad all we're gonna do is sit and look at it."

"Why?"

Midna scrunched her shoulders and grinned. "Apparently there's a rule that I have to eat first. But what if I don't want to?"

Link turned his attention to a rather large, bright red strawberry hanging in front of his face. His dry throat made it look even more delicious. "I never said—"

"Who is in their third year of knighthood? And who is only in his first?" Midna claimed a wry smile from him. "If anyone gets to make the rules around here, it's me."

"Is that so?" Link asked.

"It is," Midna said. "You eat first."

"So if I don't eat first then nobody gets to have any?"

"Right."

"Unless I can get you to have one first," Link said.

"Good luck," Midna said with a confident laugh.

"Or maybe one of us will just cave."

"Maybe," Midna said.

"Aren't you curious what it tastes like?" Link asked.

Midna tapped a finger on her knee. "Sure."

"Seems like you would want to be the first to try it," Link said. Midna pursed her lips. "I would assume."

"Yeah?" she asked.

Link nodded. "I think you're afraid."

Midna's mouth dropped open. "Afraid?"

"Yup." Link carefully picked the largest berry within arm's reach. For a moment they both studied it.

Midna leaned in. "I think you're the one who's afraid." Link lifted his eyes. "You're supposed to be the Goddess's chosen one, right? Where's your courage, Mister Hero?"

Link sat up a little taller. "Nice try."

"I mean it."

"Mm-hm."

"If Pipit were here, he'd do it."

Link sat up a bit more. "That's because he doesn't care about anyone or anything else half the time!" He glanced to the side, caught unawares by how much his voice echoed through the trees. "I just wanted to make sure you ate enough before. That's all."

"Well, I appreciate your concern," Midna said, still smirking. "But I don't appreciate being made to do something."

"Even if it's for your own good?" Link asked, observing the glint in her eye.

"For my own good?"

"Yes, your own good."

Giving him a sidelong look, Midna reached up and picked her own strawberry. "You sure look thirsty," she said, dangling the fruit by its stem. "I wonder if this is as juicy as it looks." Crushing the berry, she sent dark red juice squirting in every direction.

Jumping back, Link ogled the rich stream as it dripped from her fingers. He wasn't expecting that any more than he was expecting his mouth to start watering.

He looked at the front of his tunic. "You almost got that all over me," he said. "And you."

"Oh. Sorry." Dropping the squished fruit, Midna stared him dead in the eye and brought her finger to her mouth. Link froze as she licked it clean. He bit his tongue when she moved on to her thumb. When she groaned approvingly, he thought his heart might stop.

"What's it like?" he asked.

"One of the best things I've ever tasted," Midna answered.

"No way," Link said.

"Want to try it?" Midna offered him her ring finger. "This one's still covered in juice."

Tempted by the idea, Link pulled back. "Hey, doesn't that count as eating it?"

"No. It's just a little juice."

"Oh, I see," Link said. "So that means I can have some."

"Of course," Midna said, grabbing another berry. "Here." She held it up. "Open."

Link gawked at her. "Huh?"

"I'm gonna help you," she said. "Open."

Link looked at the plump berry and then at her. "I don't trust you."

"I'm shocked," she said in a tone that Link couldn't pinpoint. "Open."

Link sighed. The fruit did look delicious. And all that juice that had just gushed out… "Don't squirt it up my nose." He cautiously opened his mouth.

"I wouldn't dream of it," Midna said, waiting. "Now hold still."

Link stuck his tongue out. Midna giggled. "Come on," he tried to say.

Biting her lip, she gingerly squeezed the soft flesh. As soon as a few sweet drops hit Link's tongue, she dropped the fruit in his mouth. He quickly spit it out as Midna partook of a hearty chuckle.

"Hey!" Link cried, wiping his mouth and looking unmistakably amused. He laughed with her. "I've never not wanted to stop myself from eating something so much before. That was cruel."

"What'd you just say?" Midna asked, wiping her eyes and laughing harder.

"I said it's your turn," Link said, grabbing a small berry from its stem and lunging for her. With a little shriek she fell back, burying her mouth under her hands. He followed, catching one of her legs between his own.

Armed and ready, he stopped in place . His determination withered. Midna's hat had fallen off, leaving her head bare.

Instead of thick, loose hair, two taut braids trailed down either side of her head. "Mid, your hair."

She slowly lowered her hands. "What about it?"

"It's different," Link said. "It's pretty like that."

"What happened to stuffing that strawberry down my throat?"

Link shook his head. "I'd rather feel your hair."

"You what?" Midna asked.

"No, I mean…" Link started to say. "I noticed your hair looked different, and I enjoyed combing it last night…"

"I enjoyed it too," Midna said, her grin lessening.

Link found that his words were trying to stick to the roof of his mouth. "If you let me brush your hair I won't make you eat this."

"How gentlemanly of you," Midna said. "Why the fascination with my hair? It's just braided."

"I just like it," Link said, dropping the berry and going for the first braid.

He felt her movements cease as he tugged on the thin ribbon securing the braid at the nape of her neck. Moonlight glistened along her earring as her hair was freed. Feeling the sharp rise and fall of her chest, he looked into her eyes. She rolled her head further to the side.

She looked pleased, but Link wasn't sure. "Sorry you're lying in the dirt," he said.

Midna slowly blinked. "It's fine," she breathed.

That was most definitely the sigh of a happy woman, but still. "Here," Link said, pulling her up by her arm. Kneeling beside her, he pulled pieces of grass from her half-undone hair.

She giggled quietly. "Silly thing. I was enjoying that position." She looked the other way. "Would you be so kind as to take the other one out?"

Link searched for any indication that she was displeased, but found none. "My pleasure," he said, undoing her second braid. When she made a little sound, he grinned.

Tugging as carefully as he could, Link unwove the last of the shiny strands. The soft waves that were left behind were a nice look for her.

"You don't need to stop, you know," Midna said. "I have a brush back with all of our stuff." She gave her head a little shake, sending her curls bouncing.

"You do?" Link asked, happy to have finally been asked.

"And it has your name on it," Midna said.

With his goal in sight and his interest in food rapidly diminishing, he moved from bush to bush, gathering as many berries as the bottom of his tunic could hold. He looked across the way and saw Midna doing the same. She glanced up from her collecting and gave him a look that made him wonder what she was thinking about. She wasn't smiling, she wasn't frowning, but she seemed… He couldn't be certain. But she seemed to be asking him to come near, so after his makeshift bag was filled to capacity, he complied.

"I'd never lose you in a crowd with that hair," Link said, riveted by its luster.

Midna didn't say anything. Instead she turned away, directed a sultry smile toward him, and headed for the camp. With a spring in his step, he followed.

By the light of the fire the pair laid out their fruit, building a pile on the empty parchment on the ground. Kneeling together, their gazes joined.

Midna's expression told Link that she knew what he wanted. Holding the strawberries to keep them from falling in the dirt, he watched her open the bag that had sat happily on her hip all day. When she came at him with the hairbrush, he almost forgot about the berries.

"I'm sure you'd like to do the honors," Midna said, leaning against the fallen tree.

Leaving the fruit safely at her feet, Link happily took his place behind her. Sitting above her, he claimed the brush and promptly ran the soft bristles straight down the back of her head.

In an instant Link saw Midna's tension leave her. Her shoulders dropped and her rigid posture loosened. Her back pressed against his legs until she nudged her way between his knees. Happy to be in the same position as last night, Link scooped her hair in his hand, laid the brush on top and pulled down.

"That feels amazing," Midna whispered.

Link was glad she couldn't see his silly grin. "Why does this feel so good for you?"

"It just does. It gives me goose bumps." Folding her sleeve up, she showed him her forearm.

"So it does," Link said, making sure to keep up the good work.

For several minutes he took enjoyment from the feel of her body and the sound of her pleasured sighs. He smiled, grateful to be of service to her. Admiring his work, he rubbed one of the glistening waves between his fingers. The way she shifted between his legs practically made him jump.

"Don't stop doing that," Midna said, tilting her head and exhaling.

Wouldn't dream of it… With considerable fervency Link buried his fingers in her hair and combed through it. He wished he could see her face. He leaned to the side, hoping to steal a glance. In the flickering orange light he recognized her expression. It echoed back the time they had shared in the garden the night they met, when a passion he had never expected or even fathomed had risen up inside of him. Next he saw himself in his dorm room, prepared to go to the surface to search for his best friend; even then he was seized by the same fiery hunger.

The memories made Link's face red once more. As his movements continued, he decided that honesty's rightful place was here and now. "I'm sorry about what happened at the party," he said.

Midna turned slightly. "With Pipit?"

"No. You and I. Outside."

Midna turned back to the fire. "Why are you apologizing?"

Link cleared his throat. "Because it wasn't honorable."

"We were drunk. And besides, it takes two to make something like that happen."

"I…guess," Link said.

The two sat in silence for a time. Midna's hair got smoother and smoother.

"But we weren't drunk the second time, so…" she said with a shrug.

"Yeah, I know."

The silence was heavier this time, as was Midna's breathing.

"I thought of a new rule," she said.

"What's that?"

"Neither of us can eat these strawberries unless they're being fed."

Link had to chuckle at that. "Fed?"

"Yes." Midna eased away from the brush and turned her grin toward him. "I'll go first." She picked out a bite-sized berry.

"Why don't I go first?"

"Because you are hungrier than I am," Midna said softly, rising to her knees.

Link didn't move. "Okay."

"Open," Midna said, eying his mouth.

Blinking, Link diligently watched her hand, finding it a challenge to pry his lips apart.

"Don't trust me?" she asked.

"Of course I do," he answered, proving her wrong.

"What a good boy," she said, her own mouth opening in concentration. Link's eyes left her hand and planted themselves on her face. When the rough texture of the fruit touched his tongue, he closed his mouth.

After rolling it around for a few seconds, he caught it between his teeth and bit down. The explosion of juice and flavor floored him, and it showed all over his face.

"Good?" Midna asked, pleased.

Chewing, Link nodded. "Wow."

"My turn," Midna said, handing him a berry of comparable size. Separating the fruit from the green stem, he held it up. He suddenly felt awkward about putting something in her mouth. As soon as she closed her eyes and opened up, however, he swept his cares aside. He delicately returned the favor, abruptly swallowing what was in his own mouth when his fingers brushed her lips. Smiling, Midna took her first substantial taste.

"Good, right?" Link asked.

"Very," Midna said. "Want another?"

"Sure." This time, hesitancy was nowhere to be found as Link ate another berry. Relishing the sensation of food in his stomach, he sighed.

"I'm ready when you are," Midna said.

Link blindly grabbed a berry from the pile. As soon as he saw it he paused. "This one's pretty big."

"Trying to say my mouth can't handle big things?" Midna asked.

"Oh…no," Link replied.

"I'll just eat it in two bites, silly," Midna said.

"It might be messy."

"That's okay." Midna inched forward.

"All right," Link said, giving her the fruit. As expected, her first bite resulted in red juice dripping down. "Told you." Midna just grinned. Tapping the fingers of his free hand, Link realized that he'd never wanted to lick someone's chin so much before. He inserted the remainder of the berry in her mouth.

Wiping her face, Midna selected an even larger berry.

"I'm gonna get juice all over me," Link said.

"We'll see," Midna said, offering the fruit. Link found it amusing how enthusiastic she was. Not wanting to disappoint, he allowed her to feed him. With most of the berry filling his mouth he bit down, gasping as juice trickled to the ground. Midna put the fruit down.

Before Link's hand made it up to regulate the embarrassing mess, Midna took hold of it. He stopped attempting to chew his mouthful and stared.

"Let me help," she said, coming forward. Link froze as her face came to his. When he felt her lick his chin, he shivered. It felt so warm.

It's like she read my mind, he thought. He sat still, unsure of what to do. He swallowed everything in his mouth in one huge gulp.

When she was satisfied, Midna pulled back. "Much better."

Link took a deep breath. "Thanks…"

She got back up on her knees, holding the half-eaten berry between them. "Here." She bit off a piece, drawing Link's eyes to her juice-covered lips. "Now it's not so big." Leaving almost no space between them, she placed the remainder of the fruit in his slightly gaping mouth. They each watched the other intently.

"So whose turn is it?" he asked.

"Not sure. We can go together." She claimed the biggest strawberry in the stack.

Link's eyes widened. "Whoa."

"It's a bit daunting but we can help each other, right?" Sinking her teeth into the berry, she brought it to his mouth.

With eyes broadening further, Link looked at the monstrous berry.

"Mm!" Midna enticed, rocking her head.

Slowly, Link took the fruit in his mouth, allowing her to take a bite and leave the fruit behind. Link's eyebrow came up as he observed, his mouth chockfull. It was a relief when she bit into it again to hold it. Quickly biting, chewing and swallowing, he repeated what he'd done the first time. Midna smiled, obviously enjoying herself.

When the fruit was in her mouth again, Link noticed that it was getting harder to find a proper place to bite. When his mouth was empty, he selected his spot carefully. As Midna drew back with her mouth full, he finally admitted to himself how much he was delighting in the game.

In the process of retrieving the remnant of strawberry, Midna's lips touched his.

With another bite gone, he knew there was no point in hanging on to what was left. But he couldn't bring himself to eat it, as delicious as it was.

Soon, the two were sharing an expectant look. He waited, trying to stop salivating.

At last, Midna saved him, leaning forward and salvaging the meager bit of fruit, but not without sending more juice cascading. With both of their chins wet and sticky, Link wondered if she'd done it on purpose.

But His attention quickly turned to how their mouths were still together. He felt her grin against his own before her tongue came out again. He shut his eyes, absorbed in the feeling of what was happening.

Their noses pressed together and their breath mixed. As soon as Midna ceased what she was doing Link did the same for her, insisting in his head that it was only polite. He laid his eyes on the fire blazing behind her.

When a little groan left her, he pulled away. Her face said, 'You're not going to do a better job than me'. Her mouth covered his again, making him gasp. Thinking she might want to freshen up the inside of his mouth, he opened up. Her tongue slipped in. Her dark-rimmed eyelids came up in surprise.

Unsure if he'd gone too far but even more unsure as to whether he cared or not, Link took her bottom lip in his mouth. A startled exhale tickled his face.

With a laugh Midna pushed him back by his chest and tore forward for something that distinctly resembled a kiss. It stopped him in his tracks.

Not wanting to be outdone, he shoved back, leaving his seat to join her on the ground. She fell back on her hands, but instantly bounced back and nibbled on his lip.

With his heartbeat beginning to pick up speed, he let her do what she wanted.

Soon, hands were coming up, heads were cradled and shoulders were gripped as the battle for lip dominance continued. When Link buried himself in Midna's mouth, she groaned.

They melted to the forest floor, breathing heavily and locked ardently at the mouth. She tugged on the green wool around his torso. He sank his fingers into her silky hair, squeezing and stroking it. When she invited him between her legs, he quickly acted on it.

Midna's hands made their way from Link's neck to his chest to his back, and finally to the bottom of his tunic. When she lifted it up, his entire world slowed down. He thought about saying, 'Wait', but she didn't grab him. Instead she wrapped an arm around his lower back.

The urge to simply liquesce against her was becoming overwhelming. The pressure that he had come to know a bit too well in relation to her was building. His lungs were tightening along with his pants.

Her body was so warm and soft. It begged to be caressed, but he kept his hands at shoulder-level.

The kiss deepened. He held her hair, focusing as hard as he could on the feeling of being in her mouth again. Before today it had been a while. When he looked at her, she seemed to be doing the same.

Midna slowly broke their connection and curled her fingers around the back of his neck. He felt a pull, knowing what she was planning. While he was deciding if he should let her, she went ahead and did it anyway, sucking his sensitive earlobe into her mouth, leaving him gaping.

As his chest fell to hers there was no hiding his excitement. Panting and squirming on top of her, it took all of his strength not to moan straight into her ear. When her hand slid down to his hips to persuade them to move, he couldn't curb it.

Unable to hold back his growing need, he thrust against her, rapidly becoming annoyed by the chafing of his clothes. Letting go of his ear, Midna rejoined him for another kiss, arching her back and moaning in response.

The sounds were starting to drive him crazy. He laced his fingers into Midna's and slammed her hands to the ground. She cried out, sending his pounding heart aloft. Determined to catch her evasive tongue, he leaned all of his weight onto her hands and pursued. She clutched him between her knees.

Then, a rustling sound flew at them from the trees. Link immediately bolted up and Midna's head shot to the side. Neither said anything.

Listening raptly, he heard the characteristic skittering and chittering of bokoblins. How many there were, he couldn't tell. It took two seconds for him to leap up, reach for the scabbard by his violin case and draw his sword.

With chest heaving he gripped the hilt in both hands, scanning the dark woods.

Midna readied her bow and nocked an arrow. "I can't tell how far they are," she said.

"I can't either," Link said.

They waited. Just as the crunching and scuttling seemed to recede, it would get louder. Angry at himself, Link stared crossly.

The wait carried on.

Clamor gradually became a hint of sound. Soon it disappeared as if carried away on a breeze. Lowering his sword, Link sighed, looking up at the stars and shaking his head.

Midna lowered her weapon. "I guess they're gone."

Link squatted beside his scabbard and sheathed his sword. He stayed there.

Midna crept up. "What's the matter?"

"I could've gotten us killed," Link murmured.

"What?" Midna asked. "You?" Link sat on the tree and looked at his hands. "Because of what just happened? You're not the only one who—"

"I'm sorry," Link said. "After I just apologized for the first two times it happened too." He rubbed his forehead.

Midna sat next to him. "Don't be ridiculous. I'd be lying if I said I didn't want that to happen. It isn't your fault."

"We're in the woods. This place is dangerous." Link reached for his case. "Maybe we should both know better." He unzipped it.

Midna looked at the shiny instrument inside. "I guess I was enraptured by your charm," she said.

Link opened a small compartment underneath the violin. He removed two rolled-up blankets. "Guess I can say the same." He handed one to Midna.

With tapering eyes, she took it. "Mm." She watched him take his sword and lay his blanket next to the fire. He settled down. Midna circled around to the other side of the fire and did the same, making sure her bow was close-by. "Guess we should sleep. It's been quite a day." She curled up on the blanket.

"Yeah," Link said, getting comfortable. He looked at her, feeling bad.

"I'm wide awake," she said. "But exhausted."

"Me too."

"You probably don't want to go to sleep until I do," Midna said. Link grinned. "Hm. Good luck with that."

Taking a breath, Link let his eyes close. "Let me know when you're asleep so I can go to sleep."

Midna laughed. "Uh-huh."

The heat was making him incredibly cozy, but Link forced his eyes open anyway.

"Let's see who dozes off first," Midna challenged.

"You're on," Link said, yawning. His eyes shut again.

"Mm-hm," Midna said.

After three minutes of stillness, Midna supposed Link was sound asleep. "Link?" He didn't move. "Link?" She chuckled to herself. "Typical man, falling asleep so fast." She placed her head on her arm. Smiling, she watched him sleep for a while.

….

The soothing sounds of the forest worked their magic, luring her tired eyes closed. Her mind was still racing, however. She knew it would be a while before she finally succumbed to sleep.

"Sky child?"

Midna's eyes opened.

"Sky child?"

Her head came up. Was her imagination playing tricks on her?

"Sky child…"

She hastily sat up. "Link?" she whispered. "Link?" She went to shake him.

"Sky child?"

She fell back on her heels. The voice was louder now. She looked behind her. "Link?" she called.

"Oh, I'm sorry," the voice said. Midna put a hand over her heart and held her breath. "I meant sky demoness."

She gasped. Her eyes dropped. She suddenly knew who was speaking.

"Come," the voice urged. She looked at Link. "Leave him."

Pondering for a moment, she looked around. She took her quiver in one hand and her bow in the other.

"Bring it if you prefer, but it won't do any good."

Midna's breathing picked up, matching her heartbeat. She stood up.

"Come," the voice said, its suave tone permeating the darkness. "We have much to discuss."

Turning her gaze several times from the trees to her sleeping companion, she buckled her quiver across her chest, brought her bow to her side and stepped away from the fire.

"Good girl."

Into the depths Midna walked, mindful of twigs and leaves so as not to disturb Link. The wind started whistling through the branches. It forced a shiver from her.

"This way, sky demoness. This way."