Author's note: Hello you beautiful people. I'm back from the dead, after a week of not posting. I simply had to many important school and work related things on my plate to really write very much... Also... The new DLC came out... So I kinda stayed up all night playing that. And let me tell you, it was worth it, dammit. 10/10 would lose all memory of it, just so that I could experience it again.
Anyways, hope you enjoy this long awaited chapter.
Also, as always, than you for the reviews.
Chapter thirty-seven, Back to Square One
"Surely there's something to be done," Zelda finally whispered despondently after a long, painful silence.
"This trip was the breaking point of that last hope, although I had little hope for that even before," Link answered, massaging his closed eyelids. "If MiarindÍl cannot… Then no one can."
"I…" Zelda trailed off with a loud sniffle.
"I'm sorry," Link droned, every inch of his heart surging with aching pain that made his stomach churn. "I prayed beyond prayers that I would never have to reveal this to you, but… But I couldn't let this false sense of a future live on. You deserve better than that. You deserve to move on, just as I must move on."
"Move on!?" she demanded, tears threatening to roll down her flush cheeks. "How can I just move on!?" She stammered for words, but Link cut her off.
"I don't know. But you have to. Somehow. This is bigger than us now. We have to lay these things to rest, and focus on the trial ahead."
"No," she cried. "I don't care. You're still here, alive, and with me. I don't care if we can never have children. I'm not losing you again!"
"Zelda, please," he begged as he wrapped his fingers around her hands. "Your bloodline has to continue. Without it, our kingdom will never have an heir, and the future generations will be doomed when the Evil returns. This isn't a choice. It never was."
"We will find a way," she retorted, blinking away the wetness in her eyes resolutely. "I will bear another's child if I must! Goddess, it pains me to think of that, but if it means I can still be with you, then I will do it. I swear I will!"
"Zelda, don't be naïve!" Link chastised. "The dishonor is unspeakable. You know that would never work. And what kind of life is that for a child? To know that they are the result of an illegitimate consummation. That their father is some stranger that took on their mother not because of love, but because her husband is sterile. And the kingdom, goddess the kingdom. They would never accept me. They would despise your child because of me. No one would never be at peace." With a sour frown, Link let go of her hands and sulked under the pale moonlight. "I will fall on my own sword before I let that happen. Hyrule needs a Queen and a King, unified. Not a Queen and a goddess forsaken eunuch. The Royal Bloodline, the bloodline of the goddess, must live on for the sake of the world. I have no say, or right."
"Who said the people would know?" Zelda returned pointedly. "Not a word would ever part from our lips! And the people can very well damn deal with you being king. I love you, and that's all that matters. They will move on."
"It's too late for that," Link replied sternly. "The Royal Guards already know of my mutilation. They have already spread their whispers to every open ear they find. Half-man is what they call me now under their spiteful breaths. But that doesn't matter anymore. I have a responsibility to uphold. A duty to fulfill. And once that is done I will leave if necessary."
"Leave and go where!?" she demanded.
"Away. Anywhere. Somewhere were I'm not a hindrance or a burden to you." To the afterlife, if I must.
"No, I… I won't let you leave!"
"I'm sorry Princess. That is one order I will disobey if I must. It's better that way."
"Link, please! You can't leave me. How can you want this!?" Zelda asked indignantly. Link bit his tongue before it betrayed him, and coerced himself to respond without raising his voice.
"Do you think I want this?" he asked sharply. "Do you think I want to leave you? That my heart doesn't ache doing this?" Zelda's eyes burned with sadness at these words. "Goddess, if everything were up to me, in a perfect world, nothing would separate me from you, but we don't live in a perfect world, and nothing is up to me." Link exhaled with a shuddering sigh. "I am a weapon, and a weapon alone. Once my purpose has been fulfilled, if I can fulfill it, the world will have no use of me. A sword without an enemy is nothing more than a useless hunk of metal. I'm no not a fool, Zelda. I know how this all ends, and there is no reward other than resolution of completing my duty. I have made my peace with that, and so must you."
Zelda hopelessly stammered for words, but Link held up a silencing hand before she could speak.
"Zelda, none of this means that I don't care for you. It is because I care for you that I have to do what is best for you and our people. I pray that we can stay friends, truly… But I understand if you too will despise me."
Link's heart shattered when he stared into her welling eyes, lip trembling. Suddenly, with a whimpering expression, she threw her arms around his neck so tightly that it was almost hard to breath. "Link," she said. "I will never despise you. Never! Please don't do this… Please don't lose hope. Great magic created this world and every soul in it. Surely there is something that can restore you, truly."
"Zelda. Let go of this."
"What would you say if you were restored?" she asked, ignoring his command. "Would you let go of these lies?"
Her questions stung like venom. What would he do? He knew what he was supposed to do as a knight. His answer should not change, but now, the way she held him, the way she desperately clung to him like he was the last lifeline in her existence, caused his steadfastness to waver.
No, he tried to convince himself. I've already decided that. Or at least he thought he had decided it. Unfortunately,he felt his resoluteness slipping away by the second. Could he really not muster the courage to deny his selfishness? Regardless of the turmoil his mind was in, he answered with what he knew he was supposed to say.
"No," he replied timidly, peeling her arms off of his neck. "I… I could never. Hyrule needs a strong leader, who the people respect."
"You will earn their respect! I know you will," she declared. Link only shook his head sternly in response. "Then be my consort," she continued. "I will lead the kingdom as the sole monarch. The people will be cross for a time, maybe, but with time they will forget, and move on with their lives."
"Zelda, there's no point in entertaining these ridiculous hypotheticals. None of this changes anything. My answer has to be no."
"Your 'answer has to be no?'" she echoed almost with a scoff. "Link, do you even believe the words coming out of your own mouth?"
"It's the truth," Link tried to argue, but already he was feeling conviction being swept from underneath him. "There's nothing that can be done about it. All that matters now is that we focus on saving our kingdom, and securing its future. We can't afford for this to get in our way of duty."
With one last teary-eyed breath, Zelda retreated to her spot on the soft grass, and sat, hopelessly resting her forehead in her hands, and stared at the ground while she sniffled and wiped her cheeks. Link restrained his instinctive muscles to touch her, and wrap his arms around her caringly, but every second that passed made his soul ache more with pain, unbearably so. Her tears slowly faded away with time as they waited in silence, the cool midnight breeze brushing against their skin and hair, providing them with a moment of respite from the strong emotions in play. Guilt tore at every facet of Link's heart. All of this was his fault. If only he had never climbed up her study tower, and started this whole mess all those years ago.
"Goddess," Zelda finally sighed, still wiping her eyes and nose. "Why must you be the most stubborn man in existence?" It was a strange remark, Link thought. Her tone did not make it sound like an insult, but much rather a matter-of-fact statement. Then again, he could not find it in himself to disagree. He always was stubborn. Link sat down opposite of her, massaging his eyelids, and rubbing his face with long, pensive breaths. They sat in silence for a while longer, both submerged in deep thought, until at last, Link built up the courage to break the silence.
"I'm sorry," he whispered, but she did not look up at him. A surge of hurt coursed through his mind. He was beginning to worry that perhaps she did not mean what she said about never despising him. In all honesty, he thought that surely there was no other alternative. After everything he had done, all the pain he had caused her, how could she have nothing but contempt for him now? "It's okay to hate me," he said earnestly. "I understand, truly. I cannot fault you for that."
"How can you still say that?" she asked dumbfoundedly. "I meant what I said, Link. I will never despise you… Even when I'm unbelievably frustrated with you, I will never hate you. All I've ever wanted was you."
"How can you still want me!?" Link asked, being his turn to sound dumbfounded. "After everything I did. After everything that I've lost. My great Shame. Why in the world do you still want me? I have nothing of worth to offer."
"Because I love you! Why would I ever let this affliction stand between us?" Link prepared to voice his opposition, but she continued. "My mind won't be changed. I will find a way for us, one way or another."
"So, I'm a prisoner to you now!? Is my heart and mind a slave?" Link dared to snap, immediately regretting every single word the moment he spat it out. Given the aghast expression on her face, the damage was already done before he could even stammer out an apology.
"So, you don't want me then?" she asked almost in a whisper, her voice tinged with hurt. He eyes began to wet again as she bottled herself up, guilt riddling her expression.
"That's not what I meant," Link stammered. "I meant what I said earlier too. I'm only doing this because I love you. I have to do what is right, and fix what I broke. I cannot give myself to you. It would only spell ruin for you and our people.
She remained thoughtfully silent, her emerald eyes distraught and full of longing.
"Zelda," he began softly. "I can never apologize enough for the hurt I've caused you. I truly wish I could provide everything you, and our kingdom need, but I simply don't possess the ability or knowledge to do so. But I want you to know that no matter what, I will try to make everything right with every power I have in me. I know you will disagree, but it is for the better."
A moment of dreadful silence passed, and Link hoped ―well, hated to hope― that maybe she was finally coming around. However, her eyes grew defiant, and determined once again.
"Link, I understand where you are coming from, but unlike you, I have not lost hope. The goddesses may have been turned against us, but I know that if we can free them, and set right the wrongs of this war, including the horrors that have befallen you." She reached out to him with her delicate and soothing hand, and lightly rested on his arm. "I will not lose faith. The goddesses reward faithful servants."
For a fleeting moment, Link was lost in her piercing eyes, finding unexplainable peace locked deep within them. The pain in his heart began to dissolve when he realized a plain, yet remarkable truth; she loved him unequivocally. Unconditionally. Even though he was unworthy of her love in every sense of the imagination, she loved him, and did not give up. Even now, as the majority of the Hylians loathed his existence, and after all the pain she came to suffer at his expense, she loved him. Even though he could never uphold his duties of fatherhood, she still wanted him.
What did he ever do to deserve her love? How could she still love him? These questions sent him reeling back into his downwards spiral of self-contempt.
Surely it was because she still had hope that he could be healed. However, Link could not find it in his heart to fall prey to such naivety. Hope was a dangerous idea, and he knew it. What had hope ever done for him, except disappoint him, and cause him suffering and sorrow? What was the point of hoping to be healed of his mutilation, when that same hope it could so easily be shattered like fragile glass? Surely it would only hurt more if he allowed himself to fall into the dangerous routine of finding hope.
Still, every ounce of will power within him pathetically crumbled under her gaze. And by the looks of it, nothing would change her mind about it now. He tried not to dwell on how that prospect secretly made his heart swell with incomprehensible adoration. Through all the years of his relatively short life, he had never met someone so rooted in their beliefs. Her good standing went beyond what the word 'admirable,' could describe.
If only he could reward her unwavering dedication.
Sadly, he could not. Even if he tried. There was one truth above all; she needed someone better than he. Someone who could father children, and co-run a kingdom. Someone who was not a selfish, idiotic fool like himself. At this rate, he was confident even Lord Aron would make a finer suitor than most, as much as it hurt to admit. True, he and the over confident noble had their grievances, but from his more recent experiences, and the way Zelda described he had changed for the better the day before, it seemed that reality had shaped him into a respectable man.
Not a perfect one, but Lord Aron was almost infallible compared to himself.
And even if Zelda was right, and he could be miraculously restored, he was still woefully stretching outside the bounds of his status. He was a knight, a Scorned Knight, doomed to be unwanted. The crotchety old lady at the Royal Guards funeral days prior had said it best.
"You should not be here," she said to him. "Cursed is your blood I say."
The message was clear and received; everyone, except the Royal Family and his friends, did not want him there. He knew he could never even earn enough rapport among the soldiers to even be promoted as an officer, much less a king or consort. That idea truly sounded like the most asinine thing he could think of. No, even if he could be restored, his stance could not change. No matter how much he wanted to. However, he could not find a way to convince Zelda of this truth. Against all reason, she defied the consequences of his inadequacies, and chose to remain obstinate to her decision.
It was beginning to seem like he would have to sneak away once his role was fulfilled.
Perhaps that was the coward's way out, Link thought. For a man who was supposed to be the personification of courage, he realized he sure did spend a lot of time shirking from the consequences of his actions. Still, if she was not going to listen to reason, then that was the only option he had. Unless he fell in battle, of course. Which was undeniably likely.
However, for the time being, it seemed he would have to accept the situation at face value.
"Hope is a dangerous thing, Princess," he finally said plainly, with a long even sigh. "But I see no amount of reasoning will change your mind now. However, my mind will not be changed either."
"I accept that as a challenge then," Zelda deadpanned, having regained, and mastered her regal composure.
"So we're right back where we started?" Link replied dryly. "You constantly trying to get me to abandon all logical sense of propriety, and me failing miserably at staying in line?"
"Well, I think we've made progress actually," Zelda declared, an inkling of amusement seeping into her tone. "You finally openly said you love me, so there's that! I've been waiting to hear that for years." Now it was Link's turn to stammer for something to say.
"I honestly don't know why you've waited this long for me in the first place," he stated. "Truly, Zelda, I wish you would listen to reason."
"Faith," she started sagely, "is not always reasonable, Link. In fact, it can seem like the most unreasonable thing. That is why faith is greatly rewarded. Do you think the Heroes and Descendants of old listened to reason alone? Do you think their first intuitions led them into the heat of danger? No, it was hope and faith that drove them to achieve the unimaginable."
It was a compelling argument. Perhaps more than he wanted to accredit.
Having nothing more to say, Link propped his back against the nearby fallen pillar, where his bedroll was unfurled, and leaned his head back to gaze up at the stars, lost in his musings. This was one of those times he found his heart and mind torn between two schools of thought. What in the world would he do now? The truth was out, and yet nothing had changed between them.
Frustrated, Link decided to simply let the time flow past while he distracted his mind. Without looking, he picked his harp back up and began to pluck it thoughtfully, but with no particular song in mind. He listened carefully to each resonating note, and closed his eyes to attune his focus on the melody his fingers created in a simple dance.
"What song is that?" Zelda quietly asked, coming out of her own withdrawn musing.
"No song in particular. Just fiddling around," he aired.
"It sounds nice," she commented with a small smile. "You have a real ear for music."
"I had always wanted to learn how to play an instrument, but they're rather expensive you know. I'm glad I was given the honor of being taught, and then given this fine harp."
"I would endeavor to hear it more often," she replied. "Would you play my lullaby again?"
Now that was a request he could gladly comply with. After a quick stretch of his fingers, Link began to play the timeless song of the Royal Family while Zelda came to sit beside him, and closed her eyes. Her breathing grew softer and calmer as time went on, and her head began to dip occasionally.
Seeing her practically fall asleep sitting up made Link realize his own tiredness. The moon was high in the sky by now anyways, and by Link's estimation it must have been well past midnight at that point. He decided to play the lullaby one last time before biding the Princess to return to bed and sleep, but before he made it through the last verse, he himself started dipping into unconsciousness. He did not even have to time to realize it before he drifted into an uncharacteristically deep sleep.
"The restoration of the Sword is what you seek, is it not?" and unfamiliar voice beckoned to him in his dreamlike state. "Long did I watch over that sacred blade, and absorbed its ancient knowledge… Seek me out, young hero, and listen to what I have to say… Time is of the essence, the whole earth trembles before what is to come, and there is still much traveling you must do. Come to me with haste. The Void grows wider with every moment. Ganondorf will make his move very soon." The voice vanished, and Link's eyes snapped wide open. He was surprised to find MiarindÍl bent over to him, her hand just withdrawn from his cheek.
"It will be dawn soon, young savior. I have never felt the Great Deku Tree's presence so urgent. You must do as he says, and go to him." Link blinked a dew times, dispelling the haze in them.
"What of Drodvaltol? We still need to see what is in his mind." MiarindÍl straightened and stepped back as if a memory pained her.
"I will show you. Although, I am afraid I learned very little, gazing into his mind. Mostly that they have suffered great pains. But for now, let the Princess sleep until dawn, and then I will relay these things to you both." MiarindÍl made a slight gesture with her hand, and pointed to the left of Link before vanishing into nothingness. He nearly jolted when he turned his head and realized Zelda was wrapped up in a blanket, with her back curled up against his side, and her head resting on his shoulder.
Skies above, woman, Link cursed.
However, he remained completely still, so that he would not wake her. She was exhausted the day before, and she needed her rest, so Link disregarded his discomfort, or more accurately his discomfort with comfort he found with her so intimately close to him. Looking at her face, he studied the smoothness of her skin, and her soft lips that tormented him only slightly less than before his capture. She seemed so much older looking than he remembered. Then again, she was much older now. In fact, due to the separations in time he went through, she was older than he was from his perspective. He had been gone only a few months, while in her time, he was gone for nearly eight. His birthday had already passed in this current time, but his body was a few months younger than eighteen. Not that it really mattered all that much, but it was an interesting thought.
Eighteen, he thought.
Eighteen was very young by almost all standards, and yet he had been through so much that he felt much older than that. Link looked back down at the Princess and studied her tranquil face a while longer. She would be eighteen soon as well, he realized. In that moment he decided that he wanted to give her a gift for her birthday, to say thank you for everything she had ever done for him. The question now was what exactly. It needed to be something simple, but meaningful ―but not to meaningful― and something that he could actually give.
That was a pretty slim selection, in his opinion.
Coming to the end of that thought, Link returned to the voice MiarindÍl had revealed him. The Great Deku Tree. No one, save the members of the Royal Family, and the Chosen Heroes seemed capable, or allowed into that mysterious forest where the Deku Tree was rooted, although, he had heard and read about the ancient tree that kept a close vigil on the Master Sword during its times of rest. The tingle of childish excitement welled inside Link. These were the types of stories and legends he grew up on, and he had always dreamed of going on great adventures as a boy.
He thought more on the voice he had heard in his sleep. It was a gentle one, but very deep, and as MiarindÍl put it; urgent. For a being so old, he was certain a calm demeanor would be engrained in its very roots, but that was not the case. The foreboding voice of the Deku Tree rather abruptly disturbed his peaceful sleep. And now that he thought about it, he really was sleeping peacefully. The whole reason he had chosen to sleep outside in the first place was to avoid disturbing the others from his night terrors, but not a single one came to him, and now Zelda was curled up against him, sleeping as peacefully as sweet child.
He wondered if her magic had something to do with it.
On second thought, it was better to not think about that. If the only way he would sleep easy at night was to have the Princess so provocatively close to him, then he would rather gag himself with an old sock to muffle his screaming. Under no circumstance could he dare to ever sleep with her again. This was the only instance that he would allow it to pass, since it was not out of his own volition. She had been the one to curl up to him after all. Still, he would not allow that mistake a second time. Not that he could ever, and would never do anything to would jeopardize her honor, but appearances needed to be upheld. Hopefully she would not come upon the conclusion that her magic could prevent his night terrors, because given her current insistence, it was not outside the realm of possibilities that she would try to sleep beside him like this again.
He felt embarrassed to even think of that.
Link yawned, and rubbed his eyes. He was still tired, and the sun probably would not rise for an hour or two more, so he carefully tried to make himself comfortable, very gently resting the Princess down onto her side as he scooted forward to sleep. She stirred a little, and her eyes fluttered. It seemed despite his best effort, he had disturbed her much needed sleep, so he sat absolutely still. He saw one eye crack open a little, but she seemed still unaware, much like when an individual that was caught between waking and sleeping. After a moment, her eye closed, and Link slunk further down onto the ground, so that he could rest his head on his bedroll. He shifted until he was comfortable, then closed his eyes and cleared his mind.
A warm body inched over to him.
Zelda had moved down next to him, the crook of her neck coming to rest near his shoulder. Link opened a passive eye and looked at her to find that her eyes were still closed, and appeared unconscious. However, he had the sneaking suspicion she was not asleep, but he was not going to try to find out and risk waking her if she really was asleep.
The red flags of propriety waved wildly in his head. If anyone saw them, his already less than desirable standing with the rest of Hyrule would break completely, and he could very well be put on trial for misconduct. That prospect steeled him enough to move away nearly a foot, and turn the other way.
"I can't stay warm." Zelda suddenly mumbled, eyes remained closed. "Get back over here," she yawned with a tinge of amusement. Link stumbled awkwardly on his response.
"What would people think if they saw this?" he whispered. "I'd rather keep my head, thank you."
"Ah," she yawned again eyes still closed. "No one is here. Don't worry about it."
"'Don't worry about it,'" he echoed, unconvinced. "Why not return to the spring? Its warmer in there. Or I could make a fire for you."
"Mmm, too much work," she replied sluggishly in a most un-lady like fashion, still half asleep. "No one is here to see, and I trust you. Now get over here before I freeze." Link sighed irritated, but acquiesced.
"Fine," he said begrudgingly. "But only this one time. And absolutely no one is allowed to know." Her left eye creaked open, and her brow raised, but she agreed, and beckoned with a slight gesture. Link inched back, only to have her met him halfway as she drew her self against him. Everything in his mind told him to stop, but before he could even protest, her head was buried in the hollow of his shoulder, and the blanket that was wrapped around her was thrown over him as well. It made his heart race, but he did not really know why. There was nothing sexual about it, but it still felt like he was committing a terrible sin.
He would have been in big trouble if he would have been in his full capacity.
He scolded every image that popped into his head with indignance. Even as a eunuch, apparently, he had a despicable lack of mental discipline, which was strange given that he had no inclination to follow through with such things. It was a mystery that made it nearly impossible to fall asleep, as uncomfortable as he was.
Just this once, he sternly reminded himself. Never again. Sleep eventually took him.
"Wake up," Zelda's soft voice said. A warm finger pressed his nose, and he opened his eyes to see something of otherworldly beauty. Under the morning sun, Zelda's radiant glow had him awestruck, and her smile was contagious. How he wished he could wake up to that deific vision every morning. "MiarindÍl prepared our food already," she continued, unaware at his utter enthrallment. "We need to get back on the road as soon as possible, she says." Link sat up and rubbed his eyes, and blinked heavily as he gazed up to the sky, remastering his mind.
"Yes. She told me as much this morning. I have been summoned by the Great Deku Tree."
"She told me that too," Zelda replied. "I have only met the Deku Tree once, when my father took me. It was quite the experience."
"What is he like?" Link asked as he began to stand, shaking away the stiffness in his limbs.
"Well. He's actually a lot like MiarindÍl, only… Older, I suppose. He can be rather mysterious."
"Really? From what I heard, he sounded very urgent and straight forward," Link said forebodingly. "I think even he is antsy about what is to come."
"Well, I guess we need to hurry then. His knowledge is ancient, and could be crucial to restoring the Master Sword."
"Indeed," Link replied. "Although, I'm not so sure we will be taking this adventure together," Link replied carefully. Zelda tilted her head perplexedly.
"Why is that?" she asked with a concerned expression.
"Well, you are crucial in the Front's defense against the goddesses. If they choose to strike while you are far away with me, then I worry you wouldn't be able to make it back in time to do anything about it." Zelda pondered his response with a brooding gaze, clearly very hesitant of his notion.
"Link, I'm not sure… I loathe to separate from you again. Not after what happened last time." He had to admit that he was touched by her concern. In all honesty, now that he thought about it more, he loathed the idea himself. However, there was an undeniable logic in his words.
"I know," he answered kindly. "I'm nervous about it too. But, I will be safer this time. With my darkling expelled from my body, they won't be able to track me down, unless they do it the good old fashion way, and I'm pretty good at covering my tracks." Link paused, and contemplated a strange feeling that was developing in his head. He thought on it a little longer, before voicing it. "Besides, I have this odd feeling that I must do this on my own… I can't explain it really, but I sense that the Deku Tree has something planned."
"Perhaps it is a trial?" Zelda suggested, her interest peaked by his mysterious proposal. "My father spoke of trials he underwent to further awaken the true power of the Master Sword. Maybe this is something of the same sort."
Link mused over her suggestion, deciding that it sounded quite reasonable.
"Perhaps," he conceded as they began to walk back to the cavern spring, still yawning and rubbing away the grogginess of sleep. Apparently, he was more tired than he thought the night before.
"You didn't have any night terrors last night," Zelda observed, a small grin on her lips. "I'm beginning to think my powers can do much more than I am aware of." Link chose not to grace her observation with an answer, worried what she might say regarding their sleeping situation earlier, and nodded plainly but politely. "I had many dreams last night, though," she continued with her analytical tone she so often dove into. "They rooted the inklings of mysterious powers I have yet to discover. In fact, I might even have a grasp on something that would put me a little more at ease with leaving you."
"What sort of thing?" Link asked, genuinely interested.
"I'm not really sure, to be honestly," she answered. "I just, have this feeling. Like an idea that has yet to take full form. I supposed it's a lot like your feeling about going to the Deku Tree alone… Maybe this isn't a coincidence?"
"Well it certainly is strange," Link added. "We can talk about it more before we leave."
"Indeed. I need a little more time to think on it. I'm running more on instinct at this point. This is uncharted territory for me, including the magic I used last night to restore your voice."
Link nodded again before heading into the dark staircase that led to the cavern spring below. Zelda followed closely behind, occasionally putting a hand on his back for guidance in the dark. Link was happy to oblige, and led her with a steady guide. It felt strange, now that he thought about it. The night before, when he reveled the truth to her, he was certain things would grow strained, or horribly awkward between them. Or that she would even be angry with him for not telling her sooner, but in fact, quite the opposite seemed to be true.
Zelda did not treat him negatively. She actually seemed to treat him with even more familiarity and understanding than before. Their conversation beforehand was so casual, and when she placed her hand on his back, he did not grow anxious or feel unnecessarily out of place. It felt oddly… Right? Not to mention the fact that he actually allowed himself to sleep next to the Princess.
Maybe his sense of propriety was failing. Surely before, when he was more disciplined, he would have never complied. Maybe it was the sleepiness that made his usually steadfast determination waver, and given in to her request. Why did he allow her to have such a strong hold on his will power?
Link's head was reeling with confusion, yet at the same time he felt at peace knowing that the Princess did not change one bit after learning what would, or should have estranged any two people in their predicament. Perhaps there was still hope for a lasting friendship. Although, he was quick to remind himself that she had not given up on the idea of his full restoration. That would forever be a glaring issue, but for the time being, Link felt at ease with just leaving the problem alone. For now, that was another problem for another day. At that current moment, they had a legendary sword to restore, and a kingdom to save.
"Morning good," Drod's booming voice echoed across the cavern once they emerged from the stairway. He was sitting on a nearby rock, happily enjoying his breakfast.
"Good morning," Zelda corrected with a kind tone that Link had never heard from any of his teachers when he was training to become a knight. "And, good morning," she continued. Drod nodded, mentally noting the correction.
"I will try to teach him to speak fluently in your language," MiarindÍl said as she materialized before them. "I think that you will find he will learn it faster than you expect. Sharing a mental bond with a student exchanges much more information and understanding than traditional routes."
"He's staying here?" Link asked, a bit surprised. Zelda seemed equally surprised.
"Well yes, of course. He won't be much use to you locked up in a cell. Leave him here with me, and I can shape him up into something your people would call an ambassador. Drodvaltol is very intelligent, and I believe that he will play a key role in establishing peace between our people."
"You think we can establish peace between us?" Link asked. "I know Drodvaltol seems different from his more violent kin, but they have sided with Ganondorf."
"Not of their own volition," MiarindÍl replied coolly. "Allow me to show you what I have seen in his mind. And then you will eat, and be on your way. Time is of the essence." Link and Zelda glanced at each other anxiously before consenting. MiarindÍl extended both her hands, and cupped the skin of their cheeks.
Link was immediately aware of MiarindÍl's presence in his mind, however he was surprised to find something else there. Something expansive. Although he could not physically see it, something in his mind told him it was of a bright golden light. And then it occurred to him that his mind's eye was observing Zelda's consciousness. For the second time that day, Link was awestruck by the princess he swore to serve. It was unlike anything he had seen ―or felt, more accurately― before. A golden tendril stretched past the void that separated them, and he felt it touch his own consciousness, sending shivers down his back. There was unbelievable power, and knowledge contained within her.
Was Zelda even Hylian?
Well, she was the descendant of the goddess Hylia in mortal form, after all. It only made sense that she would carry an otherworldly presence, but this was on a new level for him. It must have been the great power MiarindÍl described within her the night before. Although, it seemed Zelda was not fully aware of that power she possessed.
"You're quite the mysterious presence as well, you know," Zelda's voice echoed in his head as soft as a whisper, as if to answer his musings. Link physically jumped with the sudden intrusion.
"You can feel what I'm thinking!?"
"Well when you project it like that, I can," she replied slyly, seemingly amused. Although he was unsure of exactly how, he tried closing off the 'projection' she spoke of. Link rather preferred having the privacy of his own mind. If his tongue betrayed him so often, goddess knew how much his open mind would.
"Relax," Zelda said easily and reassuringly. "I won't pry." Although her voice stopped, Link continued to feel her mind within his, and he sensed something in her head as if it were his own thought. 'As much as I would like to,' he felt her say. It seemed she realized that he had 'heard' her, as her presence immediately backed off a little and flared with embarrassment. Apparently, she did not mean to project that part.
"Are you ready?" MiarindÍl suddenly addressed them, drawing both of their attentions. They both answered that they were. "Very well. I will relay to you what I have seen." A bright light flooded Link's mind, and before him flashed snippets of many memories.
There was peaceful shoreline, under the warm and inviting sun. The breeze carrying a salty air that ran through the memory bearer's long dark hair. The feeling of tranquility and was intoxicating. However, something happened, although what 'it' was never presented itself.
There was only darkness now. It swallowed the world whole. The ocean breeze grew foul with the stench of death. And then there was pain and the fleeting images of a congregation of hooded beings. Around each of their necks hung an amulet of a darkened stone. Whatever the amulets were, they signified something dreadfully important.
And then all vision ceased, even though the memory's bearer could still feel the world around him.
The overwhelming feeling of anger corrupted his heart. And not just any anger. Raging and vile hatred. The type of fury that drove sane men to murder, and taste the blood of their enemies like rabid animals. And murder, the bearer did. Women, children, men. Any who were deemed unworthy to work, or could bear no more children were slaughtered without hesitation. Never did the bearer see their faces, but he could sense them. Blindness had taken him, and yet his footing never faltered, nor did his blade miss its mark.
Many more did the bearer kill. Among them were Rito, Gerudo, Zora, Goron, and Hylian, but he had never witnessed such beings before, nor did he know how he knew their names. The clatter of steel, the splintering of shields. All of it rang in his ears as he surged forward like a wild berserker, desiring to bathe in the pointy-eared monsters' blood.
However, a force plowed into his core, and the light returned. His eyes opened, and around him were countless dead. Most were his own kin, many of which he knew personally, and others were men of courageous and mysterious complexions. The weight of his crimes cut him to the core and he dropped to his knees, wailing and weeping. So much pain, but it was not physical. His heart, soul, and mind burned with torment.
He had given up, and before long, he was being dragged away by the men-in-metal clothes. One stood out from the rest, however. One bearing a sword of shining steel, and purple hilt. That One fought unlike the others. Something powerful was in that One's soul. That One was stronger than the rest, and the way he flew through his opponents was proof to this.
Soon a blond-haired pointy-eared man came for him, and spoke to him. He knew this man. He had seen him. He was the One who fought like a true warrior. Perhaps that One could free him from the monster that enslaved him. He would help that One if he could.
The memories faded away, and MiarindÍl withdrew her presence, breaking the bond between all three of them. The weight of sorrow weighed down on Link and Zelda's hearts as they mulled over what they had seen. A long silence fell between them.
"So Ganondorf is in control of their minds," Zelda declared ominously. "That would explain why they are madmen, while Drodvaltol is a gentle soul, being free from his grasp."
"And those amulets are the source of their corruption," Link added. "That's why Drodvaltol and many others were freed when I broke one of the specters amulets during our first encounter."
"It would appear so," MiarindÍl replied before taking a much more resolute stance. "It is because of this, that I beseech that you do all that is in your power to free me people from Ganondorf's curse without shedding unnecessary blood."
"Of course we will," Zelda said determinedly. "We will do everything we can… However, I cannot promise that blood will not be spilled. As much as I earnestly wish that were not the case, we cannot afford to let an inch of ground fall to Ganondorf."
"I understand," MiarindÍl sighed melancholily. "I cannot fault you for things outside of your control. I will forever be in your kingdom's debt, Princess. Anything I can do to help, I will."
"I may have an idea actually," Link cut in. "Would you permit our wounded soldiers to be brought here for healing?" MiarindÍl pondered his request for a moment, and then her intelligent cyan eyes danced between him and the Princess.
"Yes, young savior. See to it that your wounded are brought to the borders of this forest. I will come to their aid, and save those I can. However, even my powers have a limit. I request that only those in the direst need are sent. I cannot afford to waste precious energy on healing broken arms and bruises."
"Of course, MiarindÍl," Zelda replied, shooting Link a quick enamored smile for his thoughtfulness. "I will personally see to that. Only those who need it the most. On both sides of this war. If we can free your people, I will ensure they are given safe passage to Faron." In a rare instance, MiarindÍl's lips stretched into a beaming smile, and her intense glowing eyes shone brighter.
"Thank you, Princess. Their safety means everything to me."
"I understand," Zelda replied sagely. "Now, I think its about time we get a move on."
And with that, they shared one last quick meal together before packing up their few possessions and prepared to set out while the coolness of the morning was still on their side. Now that they knew they could truly trust Drod, they removed his restraints, and shook hands encouragingly, and perhaps apologetically, but he seemed to bear no ill will towards them. If he was going to become the Faronish ambassador, then the Princess wanted to be the first to extend the olive branch, as a sign of peaceful relations. As usual, MiarindÍl accompanied the Princess and her knight to the edge of the forest, as did Drodvaltol, and bid them a long and meaningful farewell before opening a passage through the wall of thorns. Link glanced back at MiarindÍl one last time as the thorns closed back together, and smiled bittersweetly.
"Princess Regent, where is the prisoner?" one of the knight escorts asked as he quickly stood from his fire-side seat, and bowed.
"He is staying here, under the Care Taker's watch. But we must make haste, gentlemen," she said commandingly. "We will ride together to Proxim Bridge, on to Fort Hateno, but that is where Master Link will split from us, and travel to speak personally with the Great Deku Tree."
"Speak to the Great Deku Tree?" he asked, equal parts surprised and unconvinced.
"Apparently its very important," Link answered, trying his best to contain the smug smile that wanted to stretch across his mouth. The shocked expression on the knights face only made that urge greater.
"You can speak now!?" the knight asked with a mixture of curiosity and poorly hidden distaste. Link chose to merely shrug his shoulders, and turned away to tend to his horse, but underneath, he was quite pleased with his antics. The whole while they were saddling their horses, Link could hear them whispering amongst themselves as if they had seen a feat of witchcraft before their very eyes. Link and the Princess shared an amused glance with one another before mounting up and prepared to set out at a gallop.
Given their quick pace, they reached Proxim Bridge within an hour, and halted at the order of the Princess. The knights set out in a vigil formation, facing outwards as Zelda dismounted. Link did the same, and awaited to hear what she had to say.
"Allow me to see your necklace for a moment," she said kindly, holding out her open palm.
"What for?" Link asked as he complied.
"I think I figured out how I will do this."
"Do what?" Link asked, but she hushed him as her full attention fell upon the carved necklace in her hand with the intensity of a bird of prey. Her palm began to glow with golden light as she cupped the necklace in both hands, and she closed her eyes as she focused in on completing her spell. Link stood in silence as he watched the spectacle of brilliant golden light, which in his opinion made her beauty radiate even more. Before long, a soft ringing noise fell upon his ears, until at last the light faded, and Zelda opened her eyes.
"There," she beamed as she took his hand and placed the necklace in it. "I have formed a protective barrier that is anchored on that necklace. As long as you wear it, the specters will have a hard time harming you." She closed his fingers around the necklace, but did not let go of his hand. Her emerald eyes darted back up, and locked with his own. "Now, it won't last forever," she said almost in a whisper. "But it should give you enough protection to have a fighting chance if they happen to attack you." Zelda paused meaningfully, but Link had nothing to say. He then noticed how close she was to him, which made his heart beat nervously, but after a few quick glances, he saw that none of the knights were watching. That only put him at ease a little.
"You better be careful out there, okay," she whispered. "I don't know what I would do if I lost you again."
"Probably the same thing you did for seven months, my lady," Link replied kindly. "Survive. Grow stronger. Lead a city. You'd be fine without me."
"Well, despite what you think," she said cheekily, "I felt like I was in over my head, and I was quite miserable. Please don't make me do that again."
"I promise I will try not to get captured," he deadpanned. "Trust me, it was not fun for me last time either." Zelda cringed, and furrowed her eyebrows apologetically, but he reassured her with a polite smile.
"Come back here as soon as you can," Zelda continued.
"And you make sure you have guards with you at all times," Link whispered so the guards would not here him issuing a command to the Princess. "For the love of the goddess, please stay safe, Princess. Send knights out to clear the roads before you think about moving. And stay a good ways away from the front ̶ "
"Yes yes. I know. Don't worry about me. I have an army and my powers to protect me."
"A lot that did last time, my lady" Link rebutted. Zelda sighed seriously before responding.
"Don't worry. I will take extra precautions, for your sake."
"Don't do it for my sake, my lady," he replied. "Do it for everyone's sake. None of us live if you die." It was perhaps a bit more morbid of a statement than he intended, but given the expression on her face, his point was readily made. Zelda gazed at him silently for a little longer before glancing around them, to check each far-off guard.
"Take care, Link." Before he realized it, she tippy-toed up and kissed him on his cheek before returning to her horse and set out. If she were timid about what she had just done, she did not show it one bit. Link on the other hand, was red in the face. He was completely floored by her breach of conduct, and yet deep inside he yearned for her to do it again.
Link put considerable thought into the kiss he dreamt about the day before; the one he was worried was real. He was horrified to think that she really had kissed him, if she was so bold to do what she just did. Especially with guards nearby, that could so easily turn their heads and see. Luckily, none of them seemed to notice.
However, all that he could think about now was how desperately he wanted her to kiss him again.
No amount of pointed pep-talks, and self-arguing could deny the fact that every fiber of his being wanted to be with her. Every aspect of her dug deep into his heart, and held on with an unbreakable grip, and there was nothing he could do about it. And for a man in his particular situation, that was by far the worst desire that could befall him. He knew he loved her before, but now, it was uncontainable.
He was in worse trouble than he thought. The forthcoming pain of self-denial would kill him indefinitely. One way or another.
After a long and pensive breath, Link mounted his horse, and drew his hood over his head, donning his mask. Zelda and her entourage were already well across the Proxim Bridge, but Link watched a little longer before finally turning north.
Well. Let's get this over with then.