As soon as they arrived on Death Mountain, Zelda knew she wasn't cut out for prolonged visits to the area. In spite of the fire protective gear that she wore, the very air that she breathed felt heavy and oppressive from the level of heat rising from the lava and rocks around them.

Link sensed her discomfort. "It's miserable, I know. But you'll get used to it in a few minutes."

"I certainly hope so," she mumbled. "How any Hylian would want to spend any length of time here is beyond me. Even with the mask, I feel like my face could catch fire at any moment."

Link nodded in understanding. "Let's go talk to Bludo and be on our way to the Talus then."

She followed him down the dirt path, thankful for the thick, melt-resistant boots that protected her feet. She was accustomed to the weight thanks to their time walking to Tarrey Town. Caution was still needed, especially crossing the narrow metal bridges over streams of lava.

Link stopped in front of the first building they came to as they descended from the hill they'd been on top of.

An old Goron stood in front of the small shack, looking anything but thrilled at having company. His long white beard was bundled into four large bundles under his chin. "Where did that slacker, Yunobo, run off to this time?" he grumbled.

"Hey, Bludo. You're looking better," Link greeted, raising a hand in greeting.

"Heh. Not feeling so great. Yunobo was supposed to be here this morning so we can mine more painkillers for when I need them next, but he's nowhere to be found. You didn't see him on your way in, did you?" The Goron elder asked gruffly.

"I'm afraid not," Link shook his head. "We're actually here for another reason."

"We? Who's we?" he asked bluntly.

Zelda stepped out from behind her knight. "Bludo, was it? It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance. I'm Princess-"

"Yeah, yeah. Nice to meet you. Listen, if you got nothing better to do, why don't you go looking for that good-for-nothing slacker, Yunobo," the Goron cut her off. "Tell him to get his rocky butt back up here like he's supposed to."

"Well, actually, we're supposed to be taking care of the problem that's preventing tourists from visiting," Link held his ground. "I hear you've got a Talus blocking the road north off the Southern Mine."

"That stupid, burning heap of rock wouldn't be an issue if my cannons could reach," Bludo spat irritably. "Yeah, it's an issue, but not as much as Yunobo playing hooky. Third time this week."

"How about we help with both?" Zelda suggested, doing her best to shake off the frustration at the Goron's rudeness.

"By all means. Don't keep me waiting too long, though," Bludo groused.

Link gestured for Zelda to follow, guiding them down a path that led through the middle of Goron City. "I have a feeling his back was giving him issues. Yunobo's disappearance just heightened his anger."

"Regardless, I felt that I wasn't going to be allowed to speak much more beyond what I did," Zelda shook her head. "Is Yunobo similar?"

Link snorted, chuckling softly. "Not in the slightest, thank the Goddess. He's… an easily intimidated fellow. It tends to get him into trouble, whether he means to be or not."

"Meaning what, exactly?" she asked in confusion.

"Meaning, there's a chance we might find him cowering with Daruk's Protection around him instead of fighting an enemy. He trapped himself in the Abandoned Northern Mine by accident when I first met him," Link explained. "Took my bomb runes in the cannons to blast him free."

"Interesting," was all the princess said, musing over the brief story that was shared.

"Shall we search for him first, or take out the Talus?" the knight left the choice up to her.

"Talus first. I've been preparing myself for it since learning that was the challenge here in this region," Zelda answered immediately.

"Good. This way leads back toward the Southern Mine." Link pointed ahead at a path that disappeared into the rocky chasms of the mountain. "If we were to follow it back to where it originates, we'd come to crossroads that would lead either into Akkala or back towards Zora Domain."

"I vaguely remember that," she said slowly. "I've been on the lower part of the path, between the stable and the natural hot springs, with Daruk." A giggle bubbled up in her throat. "He was afraid of dogs…"

"Daruk? Fearless, strong as an ox Goron Champion?" Link asked incredulously. "When did you learn this?"
"Before Father assigned you to me… back when I was recruiting all of the Champions to aid us, should the need arise," Zelda explained.

"But… why was he afraid of them?" He still had difficulty wrapping his head around the weakness of the Champion.

"He was chased by dogs when he was young. Apparently, he never overcame his fear of them," she giggled again, amused by the memory. "He was so scared that he used that protective barrier around himself when the dog looked his way."

Link chuckled at the mental image her words conjured. "Must have been quite a sight."

"He was most apologetic about his behavior. I think he was rather embarrassed," Zelda mused. She stopped in her tracks, seeing the road they were walking on drop sharply off ahead. "Is that usual? This steep section?"

"Since I've come up this way, yes. I'm sure Bludo will send a team to even it out again once we've taken care of the fiery menace down there."

"I should hope so. Where's the Talus?" she wondered aloud.

Fi made her presence known by speaking. "The Igneo Talus is hiding in the path below. It will reveal itself when approached. It forms limbs from the heated rocks around and will throw them at anything deemed a threat. The sole weakness is the rare ore on its back. Strike with ice arrows for the most damage."

Link nodded. "Your bow skills are going to be crucial here, Zelda. I'll do what I can but I'm counting on you."

Anxiety swelled in her stomach, but that didn't stop her from nodding. "I'll do my best."

"I know you will, love." The affection and trust he had for her was clear in his voice. Link pulled out the glider, and glanced back at the princess and the spirit. "Let's do this!"

Zelda nocked an ice arrow on the light bow as her knight floated down, directly over where the fiery rock monster hid in plain sight. The ground began to shake as it pulled itself up from the ground, attaching red-hot limbs to the sides of its huge form. That didn't matter to the princess, however. All she needed was the weak spot.

The ore appeared on its back, and she wasted no time sending the arrow flying to its target. Her aim was true, and a hiss was heard as the ice worked to cool the lava, leaving a patch of blackened rock in a small area around the ore.

Link, for his part, danced around the giant rock monster and dodged huge chunks of glowing rock, working to keep the ore in clear view of Zelda while she swiftly drew and released the second arrow. Much the same way as the first, it struck the ore, damaging the weak spot and creating a larger cooled section of rock.

"Master. The cooled lava is nearly large enough for you to climb without injury. One more arrow will ensure that," Fi informed the Champion.

Zelda heard her voice as well, already preparing the third arrow. "Then you'll need to hit it with everything you've got. Don't hold back!" she called to Link.

The icy projectile flew with a nearly imperceptible sound, bouncing off the ore with the desired effect.

Link wasted no time in climbing the rock. His hands stung like holding a bowl of stew that was nearly too hot, but he didn't let that stop him. Keeping his balance on the moving boulder wasn't his favorite pastime, but situations like this demanded he adapt swiftly or face painful repercussions. The Master Sword was in his hand within seconds, not a second too soon. The Talus was angry and weakened, and was doing everything it could to throw him off. He grabbed the top of the ore for balance, striking the base over and over with the blade in his right hand.

"Hurry, Link! The ice is wearing off!" Zelda cried, watching in horror as the darkened patch of cooled lava shrank, replaced with glowing rock.

He grunted, launching a spin attack as hard as he could against the weak ore. The sword made contact three, four times before the protrusion snapped off, and the monster toppled forward.

Link leapt backward, landing hard on his left foot. He grimaced as he felt his ankle collapse, causing him to drop to the ground in a heap. His face contorted in pain when he tried to straighten it enough to stand.

"Link? Link! Are you okay?" Zelda's worried voice carried down from where she stood at the top of the steep berm. When he didn't stand, she sat down and carefully slid down the rocky slope to where he sat. "What happened?"

Fi floated closer to the couple. "Master Link has sustained a sprain to his left ankle. He requires assistance to stand and walk."

"No, I don't," Link argued through gritted teeth. "Just give me a hand standing up, would you?"

Zelda shook her head. "It's not safe for me to try and heal you here. If I take off your boots, I risk further injury to your foot from the heat."

"There are hot springs south of the Southern Mine that contain healing properties. It would be advisable for Master Link to soak there," Fi instructed.

"I'll go. Just… help me up," he repeated grumpily. Though he didn't want to admit it, Fi was right about his inability to put weight on the ankle. It was swelling inside his boot, causing more pain.

Zelda braced herself, and strained to help pull him up to his feet. A glance at his pained expression told her all she needed to know. "You're going to lean on me while we walk to the mine." She stopped his protests with a stern look, slipping his left arm around her neck so she could support his weight.. "Please. You're barely touching your toes to the ground. If you think you can hobble the whole way without help, you're overly optimistic."

He tried to give a tsk, letting out a hiss in pain instead. "Okay, you win," he relented, albeit begrudgingly.

Zelda sighed as they began their slow walk down the path. The dirt road sloped downward, looping around the mountain. She was silently grateful that it wasn't steeper, or their breaks to allow them to rest would have been more frequent.

Fi hovered close to Link's right shoulder, occasionally breaking the silence with updates on the stamina for both the Champion and the Princess, mostly to encourage brief periods of rest. Moving at this pace, it took well over an hour for the Southern Mine to come into view.

"I don't care what you say, we're resting here before we head to the hot springs," Zelda stated firmly, forcing herself not to reveal just how exhausted she was.

"It would be beneficial for you to do as the Princess instructs," Fi advised.

"I figured," Link sighed. "Is there at least a cooking pot and fire? I'm rather famished."

"A large cooking pot is located near the center of the clearing. There are presently two Gorons seated near it. They are not using the fire," the spirit informed them.

"Good. You're going to sit, and you're going to instruct me on how to make something for us to eat," Zelda decided, a faint blush covering her cheeks. She hadn't made anything without assistance before, and was torn between excitement at being able to cook for him, and fear of messing it up.

"As you wish, my princess," Link replied. Weariness filled his voice and he gave up trying to hide it.

Fi disappeared as they approached the pair of Gorons. Link grimaced at their booming voices but otherwise didn't react. Gorons were known for having one volume primarily: loud. Yunobo was the one exception he'd found to that rule.

"Well, either we've been spending too much time in the mine, or we've got company!" Dorril, the larger of the two Gorons boomed. "If it ain't Link, the Hylian, come to visit again! How ya been?"

"I've had better days," Link commented wryly, allowing Zelda to ease him down onto a seat adjacent to the Gorons. "Sprained my ankle defeating the Igneo Talus on the road north of here."

Axyl, Dorril's son did nothing to hide his surprise. "Whoa! You faced that lava monster?"

"And he beat it, too," Zelda chimed in. Her light, feminine voice caught both the Gorons off guard.

"You can take your helmets off here, ya know," Dorril reminded them. "It ain't so hot here as it is up in the city."

The princess gratefully took hers off and set it aside, pushing her sweat-soaked hair off her forehead. "Thank you. We appreciate that."

Link followed suit, handing his to Zelda. "Allow me to start the introductions. This is Zelda, Princess of Hyrule."

"No kidding, really? Pleasure to meet ya, highness," Dorril offered a huge handshake to the princess, which she graciously took. "Name's Dorril, this is my son, Axyl. We work here, providing Goron City with all the ore we possibly can."

"A noble task, to be sure," Zelda smiled warmly. "I hope you don't mind if we start fixing some dinner?"

"Not at all! We got some delectable rocks. Ya planning on headin' down the mountain tonight?" Dorril asked.

"No, we're going to the hot springs after this, and we'll call it a night camping there," Link answered.

Zelda glanced at him. "We are?"

"I don't want to walk clear down the mountain tonight, healed or not," Link said simply. "It'll be nearly dark by the time we get to the hot springs."

She nodded slowly in understanding. "We've got the bedrolls in the pack. We'll be fine for the night then."

"Glad you agree. Now, you ready to practice your cooking skills?"

Her cheeks turned pink but she nodded quickly, pulling up their bag of supplies. "I'm ready."

The Gorons kept conversation pleasant while Zelda hastily worked to prepare a meal suitable for the Hylians. The scent of cooking meat and vegetables wafted through the mine, catching the attention of the only other Hylian present. The man sniffed the air in appreciation as he joined the group around the pot. "Been many weeks since I've smelled cooking that good."

Link cracked a small grin. "Not too shabby for a beginner. Care to join us, friend?"

The Hylian smiled broadly. "Long as there's enough to go around. I'm Kima."

"We've met before," Link acknowledged with a nod. "I caught you some lizards."

His eyes widened. "Link! My man! Glad to see you again. Who's the lovely lady fixing up the food?"

"Zelda," she replied simply. "Glad it smells good. Hopefully it'll taste the same."

"I'm sure it will," Link assured her. "You're a quick learner."

Her blush intensified at the compliment. "It's ready. Nothing fancy. Just a simple meat and vegetable stir fry. I think I managed not to burn it."

Portions were handed out to the Hylians present before Zelda allowed herself to sit down and relax.

Axyl sniffed. "It's a fragrant smell, even if it's not as appetizing as our rocks."

Link took his first bite, closing his eyes as he chewed. Zelda watched him anxiously, biting her lip while awaiting his verdict.

"It's delicious."

Zelda's heart pounded and she exhaled softly, allowing herself to sample her own food. The seasonings combination was slightly different than what he typically used, but Link had allowed her to follow her own judgment, and it worked in her favor.

Kima nodded, eating with gusto. "Very good. Nice change from all the spicy food I've made since being in this area."

An agreeable silence fell briefly, broken by the Gorons who began discussing what area of the mine they would be quarrying next. A third Goron ambled over, sitting down nearby, interjecting comments into the conversation now and then. Zelda was glad the conversation didn't involve them, giving her time to eat and steal glances at her knight.

Link had his leg propped up to reduce the swelling. When he wasn't actively trying to stand or walk on it, the pain was minimal, allowing him to focus on the delicious meal. He felt her gaze and smiled softly. It was clear she was worrying over him, though she didn't voice it. The challenge of being high on the mountain where she couldn't heal him immediately was a burden that he didn't envy her having. But if his memory served him correctly, the soothing waters of the hot springs would heal and rejuvenate the body and the soul.

"Well, I won't keep you guys too late. Thanks for the grub," Kima said, patting his stomach. "I appreciate it, and the company."

"If you don't mind the question, what's your profession?" Zelda asked as she cleaned up the pot for the next user.

"Me? Oh, I dabble in this and that. Done some masonry work, home repair, whatever's needed at the time. Business got slow, and I always liked the heat, so I've been up here for a couple months 'til I decide what I want to do again," Kima explained, brushing his brown hair away from his eyes.

"If you find yourself in need of work, head to the castle. With Ganon being defeated, there's no shortage of things to be done to restore it to a habitable state," Zelda offered with a smile.

"Wait. Ganon's been defeated?" Kima asked incredulously. "Since when?"

"It was fairly recent," Link supplied with a smirk. "We'll be heading that way again shortly to take care of eradicating the monsters that still dare to call it home."

The Hylian's brow furrowed. "Wait a second. "What did you say your name was…?"

"Zelda," she replied with a slight giggle.

Kima staggered backwards, falling off his stool in astonishment. "You mean to tell me that I was having dinner with royalty and didn't know it?!"

Link threw back his head laughing. "Surprise!"

The Hylian crawled on his hands and knees over to the princess. "Please forgive me, Your Highness! I had no idea! Had I known…"

"There's nothing to forgive," Zelda chided. "Please, stand up and leave for the evening knowing that I appreciate your compliment on my culinary skills, and should you wish to work in some capacity, there will be a need around the castle."

Kima stood and bowed low from the waist. "It would be my honor to serve you, Princess, in whatever capacity you see fit."

She bowed her head to him in return. "I thank you for that. Link, are you ready to be on our way?"

Link winced as he put his foot back on the ground. "Ready as I'm going to be," he mumbled under his breath. The hot springs couldn't come soon enough.

Kima raised an eyebrow as he watched the princess help up her knight, shouldering the pack with their supplies as well. "You guys need any help?"

"No."

"Yes."

The couple exchanged looks, Zelda's darkening at her knight's sharp response.

"We're heading as far as the hot springs. If you'd care to accompany us, I wouldn't argue over assistance with our pack." The princess spoke before Link had time to argue.

"No disrespect, Princess, but wouldn't it be better if I helped-" Kima began.

"She gave you an option. If you want to help with that, fine, otherwise, you can leave us in peace," Link snapped, uncharacteristically irritable.

Kima's hands went up defensively. "Right. Sorry. I'll, umm, take the pack, Your Highness."

"Thank you, Kima," Zelda said sincerely, passing him the moderately weighted bag.

"Heading to the hot springs to heal up your, uh, foot?" Kima struck up conversation as they slowly made their way out of the clearing for the mine.

"Ankle. Yes," Link replied curtly.

"Link. You can be more polite," Zelda hissed in his ear.

"... I'll try," was his only response.

A slightly awkward silence fell on the group, broken only by a soft bubbling noise to their left.

"Ah, here we are. The natural hot springs," Kima sighed. "You'll probably want the ones that are further away from the road. That'll give you two a bit more privacy."

Zelda blushed at the implication. "Thank you for your assistance. We'll take it from here."

Kima gave a double finger salute off his forehead. "Pleasure to help you, Princess. 'Til we meet again."

Link was notably quiet as the man left, only speaking when he was certain the man was out of earshot. "Take out your bow," he commanded quietly.

"What?" Zelda asked, even as she did as he requested.

Link pushed her away and leaned heavily on a boulder that acted as a border for one of the pools of bubbling water. "There's a couple of Lizalfos that like to hang out around here. I want you to take them out before they decide to ambush us in the night."

Even in the fading light, he could see her eyes widen in fear and understanding. "Ice arrows?"

"Lizalfos that call Death Mountain their home are weak to ice attacks," Fi appeared to inform them, earning a startled flinch from Zelda. "There are currently two Fire-Breathing Lizalfos in the vicinity, as well as a Goron. Master Link has previously defeated 263 Lizalfos."

Link groaned, running his hand over his face. "Don't tell me… it's Yunobo isn't it? Probably cowering behind Daruk's Protection rather than facing the Lizalfos."

"The master is correct in his assumption," Fi responded. "He has taken refuge on the far side of the healing pools."

"Stay here," Zelda commanded Link. "With your ankle causing you pain, you're in no shape to be taking on Lizalfos."

Anger flashed in his blue eyes. "You can't seriously expect me to wait here like an invalid while you kill them. Besides, Yunobo doesn't know you," he argued.

"I never said you were acting like an invalid. I just don't wish for you to cause yourself more injury." Her voice got louder without intending to. "Allow me to do this. I wasn't able to heal you earlier. At least let me take care of this part."

"I never said I wasn't going to let you be the one to kill the Lizalfos," Link snapped. "I don't want to be left here, alone."

Zelda huffed, turning her back to him. "And what good would you do being with me?"

"As long as I'm close enough, I can protect you. Please," his voice dropped to a whisper. "I can't risk losing you. You have the ability to heal me, but I don't have that luxury. And I love you too much to want to live without you."

She stood still, allowing herself a couple of moments to think. "Very well. Let's take care of these monsters." Her eyes went to the sky where stars began to twinkle. "Fi? Are Lizalfos able to see in the dark?"

"They lack the heightened night vision of the Hylian race," the spirit answered. "The Gorons have limited ability to see in low levels of light."

"Link, what does Daruk's Protection look like?" Zelda asked, stepping back over to him to help him stand up again. She fought the urge to react, even as a shiver ran up her spine from his arm around her shoulders, her right arm wrapping around his waist. It didn't matter that they'd just been arguing. If anything, it made the desire to press her lips against his and make up for the disagreement. To reassure him, and herself that in spite of that, she still loved him.

"It's a red, glowing orb that shields all within it," he described, wincing as he put weight on the swollen ankle. "Comes in handy to keep from getting hit by things like fire, Lynel blades…"

Zelda shook her head. "That happened for a reason, and you know it."

"I know."

The hot springs stretched down for a good section of the road, scattering back into the natural crevices and caves of the mountain. The red glow was what caught Zelda's attention, and she pointed with her left hand. "Is that it?"

Link followed her hand with his eyes. "Yes. And… those glowing eyes are the two Lizalfos."

The princess inched them a bit closer. Night had fully fallen, and it was difficult to make out the shapes of the monsters. Their one saving grace was the glow emanating from the shaking Goron who huddled against a cliff wall.

Link eased himself onto a smaller rock, stretching his leg out in front of him. "Go, set him free," he encouraged, rubbing at the boot in a vain attempt to reduce the swelling.

Zelda slid an ice arrow onto the bow, and drew it back, releasing the projectile as she exhaled. The Lizalfos barely had time to make a sound before it was reduced to dust in an instant. The second whirled, searching wildly for the source of its companion's demise.

Link breathed a silent prayer of thanks that Fi had been correct about the monster being unable to see in the dark. His eyes locked onto the huddled, shivering mess of a Goron. Some things never changed.

The soft sound of the bowstring releasing was the final sound that the second Lizalfos heard before evaporating as well. Yunobo peeked from behind his hands, noticing the glowing eyes were gone. He quivered as he straightened, the protective shield around him slowly dropping. "Are they gone?" he asked fearfully.

"Yeah, good to see you again, too," Link called with a bit of a smirk.

Zelda shot him a look, shaking her head as the Goron ran over to the couple.

"It's you, goro! And… oh. Princess," Yunobo breathed, dropping to his knees with an impact that shook the ground beneath them. "Thank you for saving me! And sorry you had to see me like that."

"What were you doing clear out here?" Link inquired. "Bludo was looking for you."

"He was? Oh, shoot! I was supposed to be helping him today… I thought I'd relax in the nice, hot water before he started using me in the cannons. Then the Lizalfos snuck up on me, and I've been here ever since," Yunobo finished lamely. "He's probably really mad that I didn't get any more of those painkillers for him today."

"I think it's a little late to be searching for them this evening," Zelda gently prompted. "Maybe you should go home and get some rest?"

"What about you guys? What are you doing here again, Link?" Yunobo asked. "Congrats on freeing the princess, by the way."

"Thanks. We took care of your Talus problem on the road up to the city. You should be all clear if you want to head up there now," Link explained.

"I'll do that, goro. I'll see you in the city tomorrow, yes?" Yunobo called, already running north up the path.

Link just waved, shaking his head as he watched him go. "Kid needs to learn how to fight for himself. He just cowers when trouble comes his way, instead of facing it."

"Not everyone is a fighter," Zelda pointed out. "Daruk was because he was forced to be. Not because he relished the chance to battle. I would daresay that all of the Champions, yourself included, did so from loyalty and duty, rather than desire to fight."

"Perhaps. C'mon, let's head back to our things. I'm ready for this boot to come off, and for a soak in that hot, steaming water." Link gratefully accepted her help to hobble back to the secluded cavern they'd selected.

The water naturally pooled both shallowly and deeply within the cave, but the floor itself was wide and dry, allowing plenty of space to spread out their bedrolls a short distance from each other. Zelda dug through their bag and located the garments appropriate for the water. A blush covered her face and ears when she realized they had a slight problem. "Link? Where am I supposed to change into the…"

Link didn't hear her, letting out a sharp, pained cry as he yanked the boot off his foot.

Zelda whirled, catching sight of the normally stoic knight, clutching his black and blue ankle. "Why didn't you tell me you were going to try and do that?" she scolded. "I could have helped."

"How? You said yourself, you couldn't heal through the boot," he bit out.

"...I would have come up with something," she protested weakly. "Here, I've got the water-"

"Don't need them. I'm going in with just my underwear," he cut her off. "Those will be for when I'm planning on swimming."

She nodded, tucking the garment back in their bag. She withdrew two towels and laid them close to the edge, watching Link remove his heavy fireproof tunic and pants out of the corner of her eye. There was no denying it anymore; there was nobody else in Hyrule that could affect her the way that he did.

He inched his way over to the pool, heaving a sigh as he slid himself down into the water. His eyes closed, letting the healing effect of the bubbling water take over.

Zelda watched for a minute, swallowing hard as she gathered his clothes and put them beside his bedroll. She hesitated only a moment before swiftly removing her own boots, tunic and pants, leaving them on her own bed. Her arms wrapped tightly around her thin stomach and she crossed to the water, quickly stepping in and submerging herself up to her shoulders.

"You're not wearing the bathing outfit I got for you?" Link questioned, his eyes having opened at her quick footsteps.

"N-no. There's nowhere to change," she whispered meekly. "I followed your lead."

"Do you have another… the top undergarment," he fumbled for the word.

"Another brassiere? Yes. Only one, however." Her eyes had adjusted to the dark, and she saw him gesturing for her to move towards him.

"We'll have Rhondson make you another, maybe several," he promised. "She's skilled, and far more pleasant to interact with than Claree."

She slid closer, sitting on the narrow rock ledge beside him. As long as she didn't think about how close they were, or how badly she wanted to kiss him, she'd be okay. Hot springs were soothing. Relaxing. Romantic.

Link was faring no better. His ankle had ceased to hurt as badly, the warm bubbling water easing all the sore muscles in his body, save for one. Carnal instincts begged him to give in to temptation. It'd almost be too easy. The cavern dimly lit by the moon and stars. He could hear Zelda's breathing hitch as she slid closer. Desire was strong in her as well, innocent though she may be. How they both were. The longing to take her and make her his was intensifying the more he allowed his thoughts to linger. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath, then pulled himself out of the water, swiftly turning away from her.

"Link? I-is something wrong?" Zelda asked softly.

He took several deep breaths to calm himself before he answered. "Zelda… I... " the words died in his throat. Now was as good a time as any, and it was a much-needed distraction. "Zelda, there's something I need to know."