AN: Ok, I totally meant to have this posted much sooner, but I kept losing inspiration. Not just for Fortitude, but inspiration in general. So I'm sorry about the longer wait. I completely skipped over these events in the original draft, thinking I could get away with it, but I felt I needed to devote a chapter to them this time. This was fairly difficult to write, and I hope it holds your interest. The next chapter will address all the unsolved business.
As always, thanks so much for the reviews! :]
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Fortitude
Chapter XLIX
"Link!"
"Brother!"
I relinquished my hold on Link, stepping back while the Sages gathered around to express their joy at his recovery—and our victory. Nabooru snatched him first, kissing him square on the mouth and embracing him with a laugh. Ruto grabbed his face and kissed each cheek before Darunia lifted him off the ground in a crushing Goron hug. By the time Impa rescued him for a gentler embrace, Nabooru had remembered one other living soul still watched us from the shadows.
"What should we do with this scum?"
We turned to see Ashton stumble forward, hissing when Nabooru forced him to his knees. She snatched a fistful of his hair, keeping him still with a scimitar held to his throat. He did not bother to struggle but cradled his blackened, maimed hand, which clearly caused him great pain. He looked so pathetic I might have pitied him, but any sympathy I once held for him had long been spent.
"Bind his hands," I growled.
"Use my cloak," Link added. "It's over there."
Impa went to retrieve it and handed it to him untouched. "I'll use my own," she assured him.
Link did not accept the cloak but turned to wrap it around my shoulders. I thanked him softly, watching as Nabooru forced Ashton's hands behind his back. He cried out, clenching his teeth as Impa tightly bound his wrists. Nabooru then grabbed the cloak and tore off another strip, tying it around Ashton's neck to create a sort of leash.
"There," she hissed, giving it a firm tug, "perfect for a dog like you."
"Just finish it already," Ashton growled, fixing me with an icy glare. "Run me through like I did him—or are you afraid?"
I stared him down, narrowing my eyes as I fought to control my rage.
"Killing you would only create more problems," I said coldly. "Your corpse would bear little weight in negotiating a peace treaty."
"Countless suffered at his hands, yet he barely spills a drop of his precious blood," Nabooru seethed, sliding the flat of her blade along Ashton's cheek. "A few more scars shouldn't hurt the negotiations…"
"Control yourself, Nabooru," Impa muttered. "He won't go unscathed."
"Oh, you mean this?" Nabooru prodded his disfigured hand, eliciting another sharp cry. "A small price for his crimes."
"He will never use that hand again," Link said. "Nothing in this world can heal it, not even fairy magic."
"Pathetic," Ashton spat. "Tell me, peasant, would you show such restraint if I had successfully cleansed little Zelda of your—"
Link flicked the Master Sword's blade under his chin, tipping his face up with the point.
"Make another sound," he warned, "and you will lose the other hand."
Ashton held his gaze, his narrowed eyes burning with hatred, but he obediently fell silent. Slowly Link lowered the Sword and stepped back, keeping himself positioned between me and Ashton. Behind him I stared down at my hands, overcome with anger and shame.
Nabooru broke the silence by tearing another strip from Impa's cloak. Bundling the strip in her hand, she gave Ashton's leash another jerk and shoved the cloth into his mouth.
"Just in case he doesn't want the hand," she muttered.
"Ugh, let's leave this horrid place already," Ruto whined. "Impa, do you have the portal stone?"
"Yes, Ruto, don't worry…"
"I'll use the Ocarina," I said quietly, remembering how I had lost consciousness when Ashton used the stone.
"All right," Impa said. "Ruto and Saria can teleport with me first, and I'll return here until we're all back in the Temple of Time—we gathered there before coming here," she told Link and me. "We thought it best to stay together."
"What about him?" Saria asked softly, pointing toward Nassir's corpse.
"Leave him," Impa said. "I'll deal with him later."
We did as Impa suggested, letting Ruto and Saria grasp her arms while she uttered the teleportation spell.
"Telah kharem…"
She then reappeared and took Ashton and Darunia—who grasped Ashton's leash. Link and Nabooru went last, though they waited for me to finish the "Prelude of Light" before Impa repeated the spell.
Once we had all safely returned to the Temple of Time, Link headed straight for the stairs leading past the Altar of Time and into the Master Sword's chamber. I followed him inside, slowing to a stop when the floor rose in long, curved steps circling a small raised platform. A single shaft of light shone upon that platform, illuminating the Master Sword's empty pedestal.
Slowly Link ascended the steps and paused before it, bathed in the soft morning light. With a surge of pride I watched him kiss the Sword's pommel and flip the weapon so its blade pointed toward the floor. Then, grasping the hilt with both hands, he plunged the gleaming Sword back into its pedestal.
Instantly a weight lifted from my shoulders, and I felt myself breathe a slow, heavy sigh. The Seal had been restored, shielding the barrier which kept Ganondorf trapped in the Evil Realm. I no longer felt his aggressive attempts to escape.
Link turned and descended the stairs, smiling as he sensed my relief.
"Feel better?" he asked me.
I gave him a soft, weary smile in return. "Much better."
He drew closer, meaning to wrap his arm around me, but I stopped him with a gentle hand on his chest.
"Link…" I glanced downward, bracing myself before lifting my eyes to his. "I want you to know… if I had any idea of Vasilis' involvement, I would never have gone to the castle. I would never have walked into such danger; I swear to you…"
He listened calmly, and though I had braced myself for his anger, none of it came. I sensed only his tenderness, his inability to hold a grudge against me.
"I know you wouldn't," he said softly.
I shook my head, refusing to accept his forgiveness. Despite his sincerity, I feared his lingering joy and relief affected his judgment. Once the elation had calmed, once he more carefully considered the gravity of my actions, he might not feel so forgiving.
"I know I can't blame him for all of this," I added, feeling another painful lump form in my throat. "None of it would have happened if I—"
"Shh, Zelda," Link placed his hands on my shoulders, massaging them gently. "I know we have a lot to talk about, but let's put that aside for now. You've had a very long night, too long for a conversation like this."
I hesitated, then sighed and gave him a solemn nod, realizing just how exhausted I was. We had survived the night, and a soft, rose tinted sky illuminated the Temple's tall, narrow windows.
The explanations can wait, Link soothed. Right now all I want is to take you home.
I looked up at him, so deeply affected by that last word it sent a tear down my cheek. Home… To think we would soon return to our chambers, sleep in our own bed… It seemed almost impossible, even then.
Link cupped my cheek and rubbed the tear into my skin, trying to erase the streaks of blood he had left there. His expression suggested he had failed to wash them away.
"Come on," he murmured, reaching for my hand and leading me back toward the others.
Once we had stepped outside the Master Sword's chamber, Ruto, Darunia, and Saria each removed their tribe's Spiritual Stone from the Altar. Immediately the doors to the Sword's chamber slid back into place, sealing it in secrecy once more.
"We've decided Saria should return to the Forest with all three Stones," Impa told us. "Ruto and Darunia can collect them later."
"I'll take her," Link volunteered.
I handed him the Ocarina and moved to give Saria a warm embrace.
"Thank you," I whispered, "for protecting us."
She tightened her hold on me, mumbling her own thanks, and I could tell she was exhausted. Internally Saria was as strong and wise as the rest of us, but her spirit still dwelled in the fragile body of a child. Knowing she would be safe in her forest home comforted me.
Once we had pulled apart, she quickly turned and latched on to Link, who played the "Minuet of the Forest" and held her close. The two then vanished with a flash of emerald light.
Link returned moments later, reappearing on the raised platform near the Temple entrance.
"Ruto, are you sure you want to stay here?" he asked. "We would be happy to have you at the castle, but I know you'd be more comfortable in the Water Temple."
The Zora queen shook her head. "Thanks, Link, but I won't return until our Domain is safe again. My people are hoping for some good news back at the Temple, and I would hate to disappoint them."
Link nodded and pocketed the Ocarina. "You shouldn't have to wait long. I'm sure we'll have enough Resistance fighters to clear the River within the next few days. Kakariko too," he added, glancing at Impa and Darunia.
"I don't doubt it," Impa said. "But first let's head to the castle and find a proper cell for our prisoner."
"The sooner, the better," Nabooru growled, jerking Ashton forward by his leash.
Link agreed, taking my hand as he led us toward the Temple's large double doors. A strong gust of cold wind greeted us outside, whipping my hair and cloak about. I glanced at Link, cringing at his torn and blood-stained tunic.
"Link, it's so cold; take this back," I urged him, fingering the pin on my cloak. "You must be freezing…"
"Don't you dare take that off," he scolded. "I'll be fine."
"Link—"
"Here, Link, take mine," Impa said, draping her torn cloak across his shoulders. "Even you aren't immune to the common cold."
Finding no reason to argue, Link mumbled his thanks and pinned the heavy material in place. I smiled, sensing his relief through the bond.
"I miss the desert already," Nabooru muttered, letting Darunia take Ashton's leash while she drew her hood tightly around her head.
"Autumn's only started; how can it be this cold?" Ruto complained, imitating Nabooru. "It's unnatural."
"Yes, it is," I replied. "But the weather should calm when all is well again."
The conversation died as we left the Temple grounds and quickened our pace toward the town square. Darunia, who as a Goron was remarkably resistant to heat or cold, dragged our prisoner along behind us. I knew Ashton also struggled against the cold, but I resisted the urge to glance at him over my shoulder. I could not bring myself to take pleasure in his suffering, but I was determined to ignore him. My indifference would infuriate him more than anything, but I was through with such mind games. I ignored him simply because I longed to be rid of him.
Castletown stood surprisingly empty, though nearly every window glowed with soft, golden light. Everyone seemed aware that something important was happening, and most of the townsfolk had likely risen early to wait for answers.
I spied several riders on horseback monitoring the area, making sure everyone stayed indoors. A few of them rode directly toward us, their spears held ready. Immediately I recognized them as Gerudo.
Nabooru dropped her hood and shouted to them in their native tongue. The rest of us waited while they exchanged a quick word. Then Nabooru turned back toward us while one of the riders took off toward the broken drawbridge.
"She's gone to get us a supplies cart," Nabooru said as she rejoined our group, "to transport us to the castle. It's no royal carriage, but it'll be faster than walking."
"Gorons and carts do not mix," Darunia spoke up. "I will roll ahead and wait for you at the castle." He handed Ashton's leash to Impa and bent forward to curl into a boulder-like shape. Then slowly he rolled off toward the castle, picking up speed once he had cleared the town.
"I've always envied that," Nabooru muttered.
The sound of hoof beats alerted us to the Gerudo's return, and we turned to see her riding toward us with a long cart attached to her horse. Once she had stopped, Impa shoved Ashton forward and ordered him to climb on first. Nabooru followed close behind and turned to help Ruto climb up beside her. Link then hoisted himself onto the back of the cart and reached for my hand to pull me up beside him. He and I settled ourselves as far away from Ashton as possible, turning our backs before the cart jerked into motion.
Link drew me into his arms and wrapped his cloak around us in a protective embrace. I nestled into his warmth and lay my head against his shoulder, resting my tired eyes as he soothingly caressed my arm. A rare calmness settled within me as we neared the edge of Castletown, and within moments the cart's gentle rhythm had lulled me to sleep.
.
I woke not ten minutes later, stirring in Link's arms as he carried me up the castle's grand stairway toward the open double doors. He shushed me, encouraging me to sleep, but I shook myself awake.
"I can walk now," I mumbled, squirming my way out of his arms. I was not so weak I needed to be carried everywhere. Link sighed but lowered me back onto my feet.
I see your pride is undamaged, he teased.
Says the man who nearly refused a cloak, I shot back.
He placed his hand on my back and urged me along, but sensed his amusement through the bond.
We had barely stepped into the throne room when a group of men came rushing toward us, led by none other than Clef himself. Darunia followed close behind.
"Link!" Clef called, clearly stunned to see him. He slowed to a stop as we met halfway through the throne room, nearly gaping at the sight of Ashton. "Gods be praised—you have him!"
"We have him," Link grinned as the two men clasped arms.
"Gods am I glad to see you—both of you," Clef said, giving Link's shoulder a brotherly clap. "I can personally toss the scum in his cell if you like. We've been saving one just for him."
"I'll do it," Impa said, forcing Ashton to walk ahead of her. "You should all catch up."
Clef watched her go a second or two, as though still struggling to believe Ashton was our prisoner. Then he turned to us, his face filled with eagerness.
"What in Hyrule happened? I thought you were…"
"I was," Link replied with a crooked smile.
"But the curse…"
"Nearly took me. But it's gone now, as is the necromancer," Link added, his hand moving to caress my back. "Thanks to Zelda."
"Thanks to Link," I objected, earning a stunned look from Clef. "I had little to do with it."
Little to do with it? Link objected so fiercely through the bond I nearly laughed aloud.
"That couldn't be farther from the truth," he told Clef, giving my shoulder a gentle squeeze. "I'll gladly tell you the whole story another day. What's the situation here?"
"We've reclaimed the castle in Zelda's name, though I'm sure you'll have to make it official somehow, your Majesty."
"Yes," I said softly, studying the faces of the other Resistance fighters before returning to Clef's tired, proud gaze. "But you have cleared the way for me, and I owe you an immense debt of gratitude. I promise every member of the Resistance will be properly recognized."
"We simply did our duty, your Majesty," Clef replied with a smile. "Defending the Hyrule we love means defending you."
Link's own pride flowed through the bond and mingled with my own, though outwardly he only smiled and nodded his agreement.
"And I will commend you for it," I assured him. "I pray there were no casualties… have you received any reports?"
"We have many wounded, but so far I've gotten no reports of any deaths. The guards here were quite overrun by the Strike, especially with Gorons leading the way. The Gerudo army stationed outside Castletown protected us from Vandelian reinforcements."
"What of Ashton's prisoners?" Link asked him. "Have you found Siena?"
"Yes," Clef breathed, a bright smile warming his rugged face. "My Siena was among the innocent "traitors" Ashton had locked in the dungeons. She is ill and very weak, but she should pull through."
"Thank the gods," I whispered.
"I have healers looking after her in one of the guest chambers," Clef assured us. "I would be with her now, but we've been searching the grounds for Zelda and Ashton. Our largest problem is now solved, thanks to you."
"Thank you, Clef," Link said. "I never meant for you to lead this Strike alone, but I never doubted you for a minute. You've done an incredible job taking command, and you deserve a long rest—not to mention time with Siena."
Relief softened Clef's features. "You sure you don't need me?" he asked. "I can't imagine what you've been through, and to just walk away…"
"Would be perfectly appropriate at this point," Link replied. "Go on Clef! What would Siena think if she learned I ordered you to return to your wife?"
The larger man gave a hearty laugh of his own and clasped Link's shoulder.
"I'd never hear the end of it," he chuckled, his infectious joy bringing a smile to my own face. "Thank you… I'll be on the second floor if you need me."
Then, needing no more persuasion, he turned and nearly ran out of the throne room, slowing down only to avoid running into other people.
"Well, the necromancer is dead and Ashton's our prisoner," Ruto spoke up, moving to grasp Link's arm. "That's enough for one night; don't you think?"
"No," Link murmured. "I can't rest until I know the staff has been destroyed."
He turned to me then, and I knew his question before he spoke it.
"I don't know where it is," I told him. "Vasilis knocked me unconscious and sent me to the dungeons before I could hide the staff. He must have done something with it."
Link stared at me, and I sensed his flare of rage through the bond.
"He laid a hand on you?" he stammered.
"He pretended to be my ally, then attacked me when my back was turned."
"That bastard," Link hissed. "He failed to mention those details to me."
He then turned to the three men who had accompanied Clef. They remained standing by, waiting for Link's orders.
"You there, where are the Council members?" he asked the closest young man.
"Those not suspected of treason have been released from their imprisonment and returned to their quarters, Sir."
"Good. Is Durithan among the accused?"
"Yes, Sir."
"Take me to him."
The young Resistance fighter led our group out of the throne room and down into the dungeons. There we found Theodus talking to Impa in the supplies room.
"General, your Majesty," The older man moved to shake our hands, flashing a warm smile in the torchlight. "It's so good to see you. Impa has told me what you accomplished this night—I thank the Sisters for your recovery."
"Thank you, my friend," Link said, returning his smile. "It's good to see you too."
"What brings you to the dungeons? I assure you everything is under control. Impa already locked Ashton in his cell. Are you here to see him?"
"No, we've actually come to see Durithan."
"Ah," Theodus nodded, his expression sobering. "I'll take you to him."
Another guard moved to open the heavy metal door which led into the actual dungeon, and Theodus led us inside. We passed through the first corridor of cells, ignoring the prisoners as they came forward to shout their insults. Link's annoyance drifted through the bond, and he placed a protective arm around my shoulders while the guards ordered the prisoners into submission.
Eventually we rounded a corner and entered a quieter area of the dungeon. There Theodus paused before a smaller cell containing only one man. The prisoner rose to his feet and came forward to grip the cell bars. The mere sight of him roused my anger.
"You're alive," he stammered, clearly stunned to see us. "The necromancer, is he…?"
"Dead," I cut him off. "Now tell us what you did with the staff."
"Yes, Vasilis," Link added, "tell us what you did after you attacked your queen and made her a prisoner."
Vasilis did not miss the venom in his tone.
"Please, I had no choice," he weakly defended. "I couldn't let the guards know I had helped her—"
"Don't you play innocent!" I shouted, gripping the bars with such fury that Vasilis staggered back into his cell. "I know exactly what you've done. You betrayed me and conspired against my husband. I've only begun to understand the depth of your treason, but if you think your past service will amount to a pardon, you think again!"
I felt Link's hand on my shoulder, easing me back away from the bars. He tried to soothe my anger, but I could not forget the cold indifference Vasilis had shown back when I had been the prisoner. For two years I had given him the benefit of the doubt, telling myself his prejudiced views would fade once he recognized Link's true worth. Yet all that time he had ignored Link's accomplishments, seeking only to be rid of him. I realized Ashton had more aggressively sought to kill Link, but his intentions had always been clear. Vasilis had presented himself as an ally—a critical ally, but one still loyal to me as sovereign Queen. Yet beneath his esteemed position lay a bigoted, manipulative man willing to cross even the boldest line to achieve his own twisted justice. I could not forgive such deception.
Link stepped forward, and his coldness toward Vasilis helped quell my rage.
"Where is the staff?" he demanded.
The minister held his gaze, wearing an expression I had never seen on his face before. It was a look of uncertainty, perhaps even guilt. Then he lowered his eyes and gave a dejected sigh.
"The staff never left Ashton's chambers," he said quietly. "I hid it in the fireplace."
"Let's go," Link said, placing his hand on my back and ushering me back toward the exit.
Forget him, he soothed as we hurried out of the dungeons. We'll deal with him later.
The Sages followed as we headed directly for the grand stairway, making our way up toward the northern tower. We walked with purpose, aware of the castle staff's watchful eyes, though our exhaustion kept us at an easier pace. Link urged me to go rest in our chambers, but I was determined to witness the destruction of the staff, to see the final piece of our nightmares reduced to ash.
Finally we arrived at my father's old chambers, which Ashton had so irreverently taken for his personal use. The double doors stood unguarded, so Link threw them open and moved straight for the fireplace. The flames from earlier had withered into weakly glowing embers, but the morning light illuminated the room enough to see. Link reached inside the massive chimney and felt around before he slowly withdrew his arm. In his hand he grasped the deceptively plain wooden staff.
"Is it the real thing?" Nabooru asked.
"Yes," he murmured, holding it before him with both hands.
I sensed the staff's aura affecting him, sending an unnatural chill through his body while the harsh, disembodied whispers filled his thoughts. Outwardly, however, he appeared unfazed.
"Impa," he said, meeting her crimson gaze, "if this staff is cursed like the last one…"
"I'll be right here to dispel it," she assured him.
He nodded. "Thank you. The rest of you wait out in the hall. There's no point in putting us all at risk—especially you, Zelda."
His eyes met mine, and I felt his emotions suddenly cease as he formed a mental block for my protection. I nodded humbly, finding no desire to refuse him.
"Please be careful," I murmured.
"Don't worry," he assured me. "This will only take a minute."
I knew destroying the staff should be an easy task after everything Link had accomplished that night, but I could not forget what destroying the first one had done to him. Reluctantly I followed the others out of the room, intending to watch through the doorway—until Impa moved to close the doors. The others sighed and expressed their disappointment, but I knelt down to watch through the keyhole.
Impa and Link stood with their backs to me, though Impa had positioned herself just a few steps behind Link. He still grasped the staff in both hands, hesitating a moment before he removed one hand and turned the staff vertically before him. The Triforce of Courage began to glow on his hand, shining brighter and brighter until the light slowly crept over his hand and along the length of the staff.
"What's happening?" Ruto whispered behind me.
I waved her away, too mesmerized by the scene to describe it.
The Triforce's power flowed into the staff, forming small streams of light which splintered the dark wood. These slender golden cracks forked and spread until the Triforce's light had engulfed the entire staff.
Then it crumpled in Link's hand, piling onto the floor in small fragments and tiny particles of dust.
Before I could breathe a sigh of relief, a dark cloud suddenly rose from the pieces and struck Link in the chest. He staggered back with a short gasp, and Impa rushed to catch him as he lost consciousness.
"Link!"
I flung the door open and ran to him, dropping to my knees beside Impa. The others followed close behind.
"Is he all right?" I stammered, reaching for his hand, which. "Impa, he's ice cold…"
The Sheikah laid her hand across his forehead, her eyes closed in deep concentration. For several moments we watched as she fought to dispel the staff's darkness. Link lay still as death, his breaths slow and shallow.
Finally Impa opened her eyes and drew a deep breath.
"It's all right," she assured me, meeting my anxious gaze with a gentle smile. "He'll be fine."
She had barely finished her sentence when Link murmured softly, furrowing his brow before he opened his eyes.
"Link," I breathed, kissing his hand as Impa helped him sit up. "Link, you scared me to death…"
"I'm sorry," he murmured, giving me an apologetic look. "I meant to trap it, but I couldn't summon a barrier in time."
"With all the magic you've cast tonight, I'm amazed you're still conscious," Impa said as Darunia helped them to their feet.
"I'm sure I wouldn't be, if Zelda hadn't lent me the Triforce of Wisdom."
We all paused a moment, gazing upon the remains of the staff in silence.
"It's really gone," I murmured. "The last piece of this nightmare."
"Not quite," Link said quietly. "We still have a political mess to sort out."
"That's more of a headache than a nightmare," I assured him.
"Well, that headache can wait," Impa said, arching a brow at the two of us. "With your permission, I'd like to resume my position as Council Dignitary while you two get some much needed rest."
I sensed Link's objection before the words left his mouth.
"Impa, I can't just—"
"You can, and you will," she silenced him. "You've accomplished more than enough for one night, and you're no good to anyone without sleep. Take Zelda and go to your chambers. I'll make sure everything is in order."
Link turned to me, meaning to insist I go on alone, but he paused when I gave him a subtle, pleading look. My longing drifted through the bond, and his expression softened as he breathed a quiet sigh.
"All right," he murmured, touching my cheek. "But don't let me sleep too long."
He arched a brow at Impa, who stared back, unfazed.
"I will wake you when you are needed."
Link gave another sigh and glanced at the others. "Right. Well I… suppose I'll see you all later then. Thank you… for everything."
We exchanged our goodnights, despite the morning light which filled the room, and Link and I headed off toward the east wing of the castle. Our hands naturally found each other, entwining as we walked the dim, empty corridors in silence. I suddenly felt as though I'd strayed into a dream, unable to believe our bedroom lay only a short distance away. Before long we reached the ornate doors which led into our chambers, and Link reached for the golden knob to usher me inside.
The room appeared unchanged since I last saw it. The large, comfortable sofa and matching armchairs still sat before the grand fireplace—which the maids had thoughtfully lit for us. My harp still stood in the nearby corner, and the bookshelves appeared untouched. The maids had kept it all clean and tidy in our absence. They had also closed the curtains and lit the lamps, shutting out the daylight so we could rest. The soft glow of lamplight, along with the crackling fireplace, created a cozy, welcoming ambiance.
Link closed the doors behind him, locking them as his eyes wandered the room. I sensed him drinking it all in, brimming with affection for every inch of its familiarity. I stood and watched him a moment, letting him absorb the reality of our return before I drew his attention.
Welcome home, I told him softly.
He looked at me, his eyes glistening in the firelight as he returned my warm smile. Then he reached for me, and a sudden surge of emotion caressed me through the bond.
"Come here," he whispered.
I went to him, burying my face into his shoulder as he wrapped me in a wonderfully close embrace. In that brief, perfect moment I forgot my troubles and savored the quiet joy of truly being home again.
I was so certain I would never return, Link told me, resting his head against mine. And I wouldn't have, if not for you…
I opened my eyes as a sharp wave of guilt abruptly killed the tranquility. Link's inquisitive concern flowed into me, but I pulled away, my eyes fixed on the familiar rug beneath our feet.
"What is it?" he asked, his hands moving to my shoulders.
"Don't," I whispered, stepped out of his reach. "I don't deserve it."
His mild aggravation rippled through the bond. Zelda...
"I betrayed you," I reminded him, forcing my eyes to his. "I betrayed your trust."
"Zelda—"
"Link, I tricked you and ran off with our child, straight into harm's way! I nearly destroyed everything!"
"If you hadn't stopped me I would have destroyed everything," he countered. "You told me I wasn't thinking clearly, and Farore knows I wasn't. I was so desperate and broken I believed sacrificing myself would somehow fix everything. I didn't stand a chance against Nassir, not without you. I had no right to abandon you like that."
"And I had no right to run off with Shayne!"
"You were trying to protect our people," Link said wearily, "as you've been trained to do your whole life. I can't blame you for that."
"You would if I had lost him!"
There. There it was. That horrid reality we had so narrowly escaped. It haunted me, weighed unbearably on my soul. Only Link could free me from that burden, but I feared the truth would break me.
"Yes, I would blame you!" Link's jarring admission rang through the silence. "I would blame your recklessness, your stubbornness, your shortsightedness—I would be furious with you!"
I pressed my hands to my mouth and turned away, shaking with muffled sobs. Fear and regret tore into me with such force I could not read him, and I could not bear to look at him.
Only when I felt his fingers gently lower my hands did I open my eyes, startled to find tenderness in his calm gaze.
"Then, in time, I would forgive you," he said softly. "And I would help you forgive yourself. Just as you would do for me—as you have done for me."
I shook my head, unable to form coherent thoughts as I trembled beneath his grasp. Only my sobs escaped as hushed, broken whimpers.
"Zelda, you have fought so hard for me," he whispered, his voice strained with emotion. "Tonight especially, but I mean since this whole disaster started… You never lost faith in me, even when I had given up, even when I had lost myself… Your love kept me alive—how could I throw that away? Losing Shayne would grieve me the rest of my life, but I could never, ever abandon you."
His fierce sincerity shattered what little remained of my composure. I felt myself crumple before him, a mess of relief, gratitude, and shame.
Oh, Zelda. His gentle voice echoed through my mind, and I sensed his need to console me—which did nothing to quiet my tears. Still I let him wrap his arm around me, moving my feet as he guided me into the bathroom. The lamps had been lit in that room as well, and I noticed two sets of night clothes set out for us.
Link sat me down on the edge of the bathtub and quickly moved to the shower. Numbly I wiped the tears from my face, watching as he turned the knobs and tested the water with his fingers. Once satisfied, he shook the droplets from his hand and returned his attention to me.
"Come on," he murmured, unpinning my cloak and casting it aside. "The sooner we're clean, the sooner we can sleep. Farore knows we need it."
Unwilling to resist him in any way, I helped him remove my clothes and stepped into the shower, drawing a sharp breath when the hot water touched my cold skin. I adjusted quickly, however, and found myself reveling in the water's soothing warmth. Link joined me moments later, soaking my hair before he poured soap and bath oils over my head. I closed my eyes as he worked the suds into my scalp, losing myself in his comforting touch and the calming scent of lavender.
I had forgotten how wonderful a hot shower could be, but washing away the blood, sweat, and grime we had accumulated through the night provided more than cleanliness. The heat seeped deep into me, warming my innermost core and reviving my spirit.
Slowly I turned to meet Link's gentle gaze, noticing a lingering spot of blood at the corner of his mouth. Tenderly I wiped it away, moving my hand to cup his cheek. He leaned into my touch and kissed my palm, eliciting a near painful flare of desire. I drew closer, standing on tiptoe and angling my head to softly kiss his lips. He responded sweetly, cradling the back of my neck as we lost ourselves in deeper, more ardent affections.
With every touch, every caress, I felt my burdens lift from my soul. Link's pleasure flowed through the bond, comforting me than anything, and I ached to be closer, to be one with him again. Fatigue tempered that desire, however, so instead we stood beneath the running water, holding each other in a drowsy haze of bliss.
By the time we shut off the water flow and stepped into the piercingly cold air, my exhaustion had already slowed my mind and body. I struggled to stay upright while Link dressed and helped me dry off. Then quickly he braided my damp hair, slipped a nightgown over my head, and carried me off to bed.
Gently I sank onto a plane of softness, listening in my half-awake state as Link settled in beside me. He paused then, and I felt the gentle touch of his hand against my cheek. My own hand tingled as something warm and powerful flowed through the bond, and I realized Link had returned the Triforce of Wisdom. Losing that power left him so exhausted he barely managed to pull the covers up before he collapsed beside me. The bond weakened as he immediately drifted off, but I reached for his hand, wrapping my fingers around his before I joined him in a deep and peaceful slumber.
