A/N: Hey everyone, back at it with a quick update! Cue the sighs, and displeased grunts, followed by the occasional, "Just get on with it already!"
Enjoy the chapter.
Zelda's mind was put at ease this time around since she seen Link reading by the fire when she woke.
"Sleep well?" he asked, not looking away from his page.
How did he know I was up?
"I feel much better, yes."
She headed down the stairs to join him.
Peeking over his shoulder she asked, "What are you reading?"
"Just some stuff about the desert. In the areas that are uncharted."
"Oh? What have you learned?"
"Just the usual stuff that I'm sure you heard of before. How there's a point of no return, there's nothing past a certain point, etc."
"Doesn't sound like you even need to read the book then."
"Just from my own travels, I feel that this book isn't quite accurate."
"How so?"
"Well, I don't believe that there's nothing after a certain point. There must be something, and I've gone to that point of no return. It's just an endless sandstorm with ridiculous wind speeds."
"Why would you go out there?" her voice lowered in concern.
"I was... curious."
"And? What is it worth it?"
"I think there's a way to navigate through it, but I don't know how exactly, or how long it would take to get out of the sandstorm. For all I know, it could span for thousands of kilometres."
"How long were you out there?"
"A week."
Her heart fluttered.
"A week? It's been said that even the toughest armour isn't able to withstand the ferocity of the storm, yet, you survived for a week? How?"
"Well, I didn't have any fancy armour. I just wore my hood, and usual outfit."
"Then you should've been torn to shreds! That's impossible!"
"There is a way to shield yourself from the storm. It only lasts for about an hour before you need to recover, but it's better than nothing. It helped me find catacombs leading to... somewhere. I'm not sure."
The news both excited and terrified Zelda.
It's excited to discover something totally new and unknown to our world, but venturing into the unknown is also terrifying. Our ancestors were one thing, but this is on an entirely different level.
"That area has been uncharted for a reason. Even the Gerudo dare not venture out that far."
He shrugged his shoulders, "Curiosity got the better of me I guess."
Zelda knew the feeling all too well. How many times did she get sidetracked to go dig up something, or translate ancient text, or attempt to activate runes, or... well you get the idea.
Maybe some of her rubbed off subconsciously on him. She liked to think so. She only wished that she could've been there with him.
"So... what do you want to do today?" she asked.
"We could visit, Purah."
"Isn't Kakariko kind of far from here?"
"She lives on top of the hill. Takes only ten minutes to walk there."
"Oh! Sure, let's do that!"
There were some things that she might as well talk to her about anyways since she was here.
Like the fact that she's been charging Link for her help!
She gritted her teeth, and clenched her fist.
Grr! I can't believe that she'd con him like that!
"Hey."
"What?!" she snapped.
"You zoned out there. What's got you so riled up?"
"Sorry, Link. Thinking of Purah made me remember just how... colourful she is."
That's a good term to use, right?
"You'll be even more surprised when you see her."
"Ha, if only."
When it came to Purah, nothing could surprise her. If she were to make a comparison, she was like a child in an adult's body. It just didn't make any sense.
"I'll make us something to eat if you want to get ready for the day."
Zelda nodded in assent, giving him a quick hug around the neck before heading towards the bath.
000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000
As they were walking up the hill to Purah's, Zelda's thoughts wandered back to yesterday.
Not even a day ago I thought I might've lost him forever. Now, we're walking side by side together once again. It's the same feeling I had when I did lose him...
"Link..." she gasped. "Y-Your body..."
It was covered in burns and cuts caused from the Guardians, as well as some self-inflicted damage from pushing the sword and himself to the limit.
Zelda wanted to vomit at the state he was in.
"I'm glad... you're... okay," he said between laboured breaths.
"We have to get you out of here. You're in no shape to fight anymore."
He's alive, that's all that matters right now. Bless the Goddess that he's alive.
Once again, he tried to stand before her, but fell face first in the mud.
"Let me help," she said before grabbing his left arm, and wrapping it around her neck to support him.
They began walking back to the Fort.
"You shouldn't have come out here."
"Hush..." she cooed, trying to hold in her tears. "Let's just get you someplace safe first."
Zelda was trying desperately to will them to the Fort, her heart couldn't take seeing him like this any longer.
If I can just get him to-
Suddenly, the two felt the Earth shake.
A shiver ran down Zelda's spine, "W-What was that?"
Looking over towards the base of Dueling Peaks, Link could see a legion of Stalker Guardians closing the distance on them, and fast!
"Run..." he muttered.
"What?"
"Run!"
Zelda's eyes grew wide with fear as she watched the next wave of Guardians storm the swamp.
"I'm n-not leaving you-"
"You won't have to. I'll make sure you get there safely. Now go!"
Link clutched the sword, calling upon it's power once more.
"Link!" she cried out. "If you activate the sword any more you'll-"
He shook his head, "Zelda... go..."
There was no time to argue, and so, the two began running back towards the Fort.
If we don't get spotted, he won't have to overdo it. If we don't get-
One of the Guardians had already locked onto them. Getting into a defensive stance, he parried the beam back at the Guardian before it could hit Zelda.
He clutched his left arm in pain after the Guardian was destroyed.
"Are you alright?!"
"I'll be fine... We must move quickly."
Unfortunately, the two barely managed to make any progress before they were spotted by another Guardian, then another, and another. Link took care of all three within seconds. However, when he returned to Zelda fresh cuts exploded across his body at once, spraying blood everywhere.
He fell face first into the mud once again.
"Link!"
The pain was past the point of unbearable, but he still staggered to his feet, "K-Keep... going..."
Just a little more, Link! Please hang in there!
But, they barely made any progress before being spotted again. Link jumped at the Guardian, but while in mid-air the sword began to rust and decay.
He had overused the true splendour of the blade.
The sacred light flickered a few times before disappearing completely, his movements slowed, his remaining strength left him.
The Guardian locked on, everything seemed to be going in slow motion as the blow came. The beam hit Link square in the chest, sending him soaring backwards. Zelda could only watch in mortification, screaming in terror as Link bounced off one of the Guardian husks before making a sickening thud onto the ground.
She rushed to his side, tears now streaming down her cheeks.
"Link! Link! Goddesses... answer me!"
When she managed to roll him over, she cried out at the horrific sight before her. His body was almost unrecognizable with all the lacerations and burns he received.
He twitched his fingers and shuddered awake. When he opened his eyes, he noticed Zelda hovering over him.
Link tried to tell her to run, to save herself, but the words wouldn't come out. Or maybe the constant ringing of his ears was drowning out his voice. He couldn't tell.
Clutching the Master Sword, he got up on one knee trying to collect himself. Unfortunately, the severity of his wounds caused him to collapse.
That wasn't going to stop him from willing his body upright again, this time using the sword to maintain his balance.
Zelda couldn't bear to watch anymore.
"Link, save yourself! Go!" she pleaded from behind him. "I'll be fine! Don't worry about me! Run!"
He staggered to his feet, and in that instant the same Guardian that gravely wounded Link found them.
"No..." muttered Zelda.
As the Guardian came closer and closer, Zelda's heart beat faster and faster. Link was no longer able to fight, yet he was willing to act as a shield and sacrifice himself to buy her time to save herself.
She thought back to all the memories they shared together. When they first met, when he saved her from the Yiga clan, when she kissed him for the first time, when she admitted her feelings to him, when he promised to love her after this was over... Zelda wanted to be with him forever. She wanted to continue making more memories with him as they grew old together. She loved him more than anything else in this world, and even that was about to be taken away from her.
I don't want to lose him! Please don't take him away from me, too!
The Guardian locked onto, Link.
"NO!"
Zelda put herself in front of him at the last moment. She wasn't going to watch the one she loved most die for her. She raised her hand instinctively, praying for the Guardian not to fire.
Suddenly, the unthinkable happened. Her entire body began to glow, and a bright golden light began to emanate from the palm of her hand. The Triforce appeared on her hand soon after, and the entire swamp became engulfed by the golden light. The Malice that was inside all of the Guardians was eradicated, and subsequently, they ceased to function.
She could only stare at her hand blankly, "Was... Was that...? The power..."
That's when she realized that her prayer was finally answered.
It's finally awakened... It's awake! That means I can save Li-
A sudden splash into the mud broke her from her thoughts. When she turned over to see what caused said noise, any hope she might've had left her.
"No, no... Link! Get up!" Zelda knelt beside him, holding him in her arms.
He coughed up blood as he forced his eyes open.
"You're going to be just fine..." she tried to reassure him.
Stay with me, Link! Help will arrive.
It was only seconds later when Zelda witnessed the life leave Link's eyes.
No, no! You can't die! Wake up, Link! I've finally unlocked the sealing power. We can stop Ganon!
Link continued to lie lifeless in her arms. She clutched him closer as she prayed to someone, anyone who would answer.
Please wake up... don't leave me out here all alone... I need you... Please... Open your eyes...
"You got that look again."
"Sorry, what did you say?"
"You're remembering something about the past. Something that isn't too fond a memory."
Zelda didn't say anything, she never was good at hiding anything from him, due to his level of perceptiveness being on a level of its own.
"It can be hard not to think about the past. I'm guilty of it as well."
She stared awkwardly at the ground, not knowing how to respond.
"The past is a part of who we are, and always will be. But, it shouldn't be something that controls our lives. Worrying about what could've been, or whatever the case will never get anyone anywhere. They'll always be second guessing themselves, and live in constant fear."
"Fear?"
"Fear that the past will repeat itself. In some cases, that's not a bad thing. There are good memories in our lives that we want to relive, but when it comes to the bad ones... It can control you to the point where you're subconsciously closing yourself off, and putting this barrier around you to ensure that nothing bad happens."
"That doesn't sound like a bad thing. Creating a barrier to protect yourself from the bad things this world has."
"That's not a way to live though. You'll never be happy if you don't take risks, if you don't jump at the opportunities passing you by. Creating a barrier is good for protecting yourself from bad experiences sure, but you need to realize that it's a double edged sword. You're also not allowing the good experiences to happen either, because you're scared of the 'what ifs'. What if something turns bad, because of exhibit A, exhibit B, all the way down to Z even. You eventually create scenarios that are completely unrealistic, and because you fear of the worst happening you convince yourself that, that reason; regardless of how unprovable it is, is valid."
"Okay, but what if something bad does happen? What if something wasn't what I thought it was, or history did repeat itself?"
He smiled, "You move on."
She frowned, "Just like that? You just move on?"
"How else can you grow as a person? Remaining stagnant is the worst thing we can do. Our lives are short enough as it is, we don't have time to remain idle. We must always be pushing ourselves forward, even if the path becomes treacherous for a time."
"How do you know if it's even worth it? What if I end up regretting it later on?"
"There isn't any point in regrets."
"Why? It's not easy to not think about the 'what ifs'."
"Because at one point, that was exactly what you wanted. Yeah, it didn't turn out as you expected, but you still gained something out of it."
"What is there to be gained from bad experiences?"
"Just that, experience. We learn best through failure. If everything went right all the time, we would never evolve as a species, we would never be forced to overcome any hurdles."
"But we could advance so much if we never experienced years of failure, and knew from the start what worked and what didn't."
"We would never evolve as a species if we never learned from failure. Learning from failure is the only way you grow as a person, and evolve your skill set. If everyone knew everything, and didn't have to work for it. I wouldn't want to live in that world."
"You don't mean..."
"I do."
"Link!" she said agasp, "That isn't something to say lightly."
"I'm serious. There wouldn't be any diversity, there wouldn't be any colour in this world. Everyone and everything would be the same. No two people would be different. Relationships would be meaningless, life would have no value, discovery would be non-existent. We would all be mindless beings walking down the same path. I would never want anyone to live like that."
The more Link said, the more Zelda began to see things from his perspective.
"That's why I fought so hard to save this world last time, and was reminded of that when I got a second chance. No two paths are the same, everyone's life has meaning, every little thing you do has an impact in some capacity, the choices we make define who we are, and we learn from those decisions and evolve as we go. While those failures and hardships may sting, and make you feel down. Just know that was lies at the end of the road is what makes it always worthwhile."
"Link..."
"If you truly believe that what you're struggling for is worth it. Then, it doesn't matter how arduous the journey may be. That's what makes this life so beautiful, anything can happen in the next moment, and you, and you alone can change your path in that instant. All it takes is a little courage to make that change."
There were so many examples in her life where Link's words reigned true. She had been living in constant fear of losing him for so long, that she didn't realize that she was actually pushing him away.
Was she justified to have that fear? Absolutely. She almost lost the one thing she loved and cared for most, and it was through a miracle that she got him back. Did that mean she should let the fear stop her from being truly happy? Was it a valid excuse to stop moving forward? No.
This path that Zelda has walked on has been treacherous indeed, but what lied at the end goal for her was what always kept her going. When she lost sight of that, she almost let that fear lead her astray, but thanks to Link, she was heading in the right direction once again.
Taking a deep breath, Zelda reached out and linked her arm with his.
She smiled up at him when he raised an eyebrow.
"I'm just seizing an opportunity."
Side by side, they made their way to Purah's Observatory...
000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000
"Like I said, prepare yourself."
"Link, there's nothing-"
When he opened the door, Zelda wasn't prepared.
"Purah?" she called to the small child in disbelief.
"Linky! Good to see you again, I think... Anyways, who have you got- Ohhhh it's the princess!"
"It's good to-"
She was cut off by Purah pulling Link down to whisper in his ear, "You actually managed to save her? This isn't some kind of trick right? You know I hate surprises."
She looked up and squinted at Zelda suspiciously.
Link, just gave her a reassuring nod.
"Give me a click, snap!"
Zelda instinctively struck the awkward pose and shouted, "Click, Snap!"
"It really is you! Can never be too sure nowadays. A lot of people like to self-proclaim themselves as descendants of the royal family."
What just happened?
She had just struck that dumb pose like she knew what she was doing. Zelda remembered Purah saying her signature "Click, Snap!" soon after they uncovered the Sheikah Slate. She said it so often, that she even started doing a pose for it. After a while, even Zelda got herself roped into doing it when she'd go on excursions with Purah.
"What happened to you? Why are you... small?"
"An anti-aging experiment gone wrong, or right... depending on how you look at it. Now, I'm like this. Enough about that, you must tell me about what it was like to confine yourself for the last 100 years."
"Where are you going, Link?" asked Zelda when she seen Link heading for the door.
"I'll just be outside to give you two some privacy," he replied.
"Well, Princess. There's a lot to discuss, might as well get comfortable."
And so, the two talked, and talked, and talked. Hours went by. Zelda had explained what it was like to be in a stasis for 100 years, and Purah shared what she was doing as well in her research efforts.
"I'm surprised that your powers lasted for long. Have you tried using them since the final battle?"
"Just the once."
"I've never heard of anyone being able to successfully use their powers for such an extended period. Usually, it's more of a one and done thing."
"I'm not too-"
"In any event, you should be glad to be alive. Link sure took his time, but he managed to pull you out of there somehow."
"But at what cost? He's not the same person he was back then. He barely remembers anything about himself."
"We knew that was a likely outcome when we put him under. If we waited for the soul of the hero to be reborn, who knows what would've happened in the meantime. It was the right call."
"I just-"
"I miss him too, but he is who he is now. All we can do is help him moving forward. You should consider yourself lucky to even have him back at all. I still have the post-mortem report."
"You're right I know. I just can't help, but-"
"Still doubts herself after all these years," Purah mumbled to herself what she was writing down.
"Did you-"
"Sorry! Bad habit. Just thought I'd jot that one down."
"Are we talking or-"
"Now," Purah cut off Zelda once again, "We must talk about your plans to rebuild the kingdom, and my funding."
"Your what?" she couldn't quite hear the last bit.
"You got a big stash of rupees somewhere right? I blew through all my research funding and business has been tough. So-"
"I heard you've already have been getting considerable funding," her arms were crossed, and her brows were furrowed with discontent.
"It was just one time!"
Zelda stared.
"Maybe twice! Or was it three times? Four? Actually... I can't remember."
"You're supposed to help, Link. Not con money out of him."
"I did help him, just for a small price," she pinched her fingers together to emphasize her point.
"Then you'll be fine without a budget for a while longer. Besides, I don't have any money right now."
"Never thought I'd hear you say that. You blow through rupees faster than I do!"
"Do not!"
What was this, some sort of child's banter?
"Regardless, something needs to be done about the state of the kingdom. Have you even thought that far ahead yet?"
"No... I haven't really given it a considerable amount of thought."
She hadn't given it any thought if she was being honest. Zelda had only concerned herself with, Link.
"Once the other races figure out that the kingdom is free from the Calamity, there will be a power struggle. It'll be up to you to take the reigns as ruler once again."
"You think it'll go that far?"
"I wouldn't wait to find out."
If she learned anything from the 100 years of terror the land went through, she knew that Purah had a point.
"It couldn't hurt to reach out at least."
"The faster that I can get my funds, the better."
"Is that all you care about is your funds?" Zelda rolled her eyes.
Even as a child, she's still the same as ever. 100 years didn't change her that's for sure. Though Purah had a tendency to be unbearable, she had to admit that she was a brilliant mind.
Still... I can't shake this uneasy feeling. The people wouldn't tear the kingdom apart to own rubble, would they? Now more than ever we need everyone contributing to bring Hyrule to at least where it once was. If we begin fighting amongst each other, who knows how things will play out.
The last thing Zelda wanted was for another age of chaos to begin.
Maybe, I'm overthinking it. I can't believe that they would go to such lengths for power. Not after what I've seen.
"I think it's time for us to go. Thank you for your hospitality, Purah."
"So soon? We've only been chatting for six hours."
Six hours?! Don't tell me that Link-
Sure enough when she opened the door, there was Link, sitting along the edge of the staircase.
"You better not have went into my room!" warned Purah.
Link held his hands up innocently before joining the two down below.
"Were you sitting there the entire time?" asked Zelda.
He nodded tersely.
"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to-"
He shook his head as he placed an index finger on her lips to silence them, "It's alright, you two had much to discuss anyways."
"We still have much to discuss! Like when I'll get my funding!"
Laughing awkwardly, "I'll get back to you on that. For now, we need to go. Thank you once again!"
She was practically dragging Link down the road as they were saying their goodbyes. That was enough of Purah for one day.
After they were a ways down the road Link asked, "How did that go?"
"You were right. I should've came prepared. She's 10x worse than what she was back then."
"Everything okay though?"
"She said some really scary stuff, Link. I'm not too sure how to handle what she said."
"What did she say?"
"She was wondering why we haven't touched base with the leaders from the other races yet. She's concerned that once they figure out that they no longer have to worry about the Calamity, then there will be a power struggle for the throne."
He scratched the side of his head, "It's a valid point."
"You don't mean that she's right... right?"
"I've visited all the leaders. Some have come to terms with what has happened, others have merely tolerated it, though frustrated by the feeling of helplessness. One thing between all of them though, is the will to make things different. A lot of people still blame Hylians for even allowing the Calamity to happen, so you can understand their hesitation when a descendant from the ruler who was the one that put them in that position, all of a sudden shows up."
"Do you think that they'll fight each other for control?"
"I think if handled correctly, then no. However, if things were left to fester on their own, I can't make an accurate prediction. Either way, it wouldn't hurt to talk to each of them. They should at least know that you're alive, and that there is still a ruler."
"'Ruler' was never a title that fitted me. I've never been suited to be one."
"I was never suited to become your appointed knight."
"You're the only one who was ever suited, Link. I couldn't have asked for a better appointed knight."
"Same goes for you. You're the only one that they would all listen to. It may be something you're uncomfortable with, but I'll do what I can to ease your burden."
"You don't have to do-"
"You're my friend, Zelda, someone very dear to me. If you're ever in need I will always do what I can."
Her pupils dilated.
He never was very open with his feelings in the past, so to hear him say those words to her... meant the world.
"Y-You know that I..." her voice trembled, "I'd do the same for you!" she blurted out.
He ruffled her hair, "I know, and I appreciate it, Zelda."
Her cheeks turned a light pink as she looked back up at him, "So? What should we do for the rest of the day? We still have some time."
Smirking, he said, "I have an idea."
000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000
"Are we almost there?" asked Zelda for the hundredth time.
"The more you ask, the slower I'll go."
She pouted.
"Alright, we're here."
Moving past him, she gasped when she realized where they were.
"The beach?!"
"Yeah, why not?"
Zelda looked like a kid on Christmas she could barely contain her excitement. She had only ever been to the beach once before, and that was when her mother was still alive.
"You should've told me we were going to the beach. I would've came a little more prepared."
"While you were talking to, Purah, I got some things we would need from the village."
He pulled out some beachwear from his travel pouch.
"These aren't the usual blue you like, but I thought you'd look good in white."
"I'll hurry and change then," she muttered before scampering off behind a rock.
The top of was just a plain white cloth that wrapped around her breasts, while the bottom consisted of a sarong skirt that covered her underwear. The skirt at first glance seemed like a partial see through fabric, but she noticed a few intricate designs along the bottom of it that gave the set some flavour.
"Well?" she did a twirl. "How do I look?"
He did a once over before nodding, "You look good in white."
"Thank you," she mumbled.
Compliments from Link always had a way of making her feel shy and embarrassed.
"What about you? Did you bring anything?"
Taking off his boots, he then rolled up his trousers, before taking off his tunic and undershirt.
"Better?"
From the way her heart rate accelerated exponentially, it was safe to say that Zelda was very much into this look.
"I-It has my stamp of approval," she said while giving him a thumbs up.
"There aren't many people that come to Palmorae Beach. They usually go to Korne or Rimba, because of their proximity to Lurelin Village, but I like this spot."
"I like it too."
After setting up a blanket for them to sit on, Link headed for the water.
"What are you up to?" she asked.
"I'm going to catch us lunch."
"Without a reel or-" Zelda didn't get a chance to finish her sentence before he had caught a one.
With his bare hands?
It took all of 30 seconds before Link returned, gutted, and had the three fish roasting over a fire.
"How did you learn to do that?"
"Do what?"
"You know, catch the fish with your bare hands."
"If I focus hard enough, I can slow down my perception of time. That's what allows me to get the fish before it can make a move. The only thing that took a little time to figure out was the refraction of the water."
"Incredible! You managed to pull off a feat that even seasoned fisherman are unable to perform."
He handed her the cooked Porgy, "I guess, I don't think much of it."
"That's because you're so modest, Link, but I wouldn't have you any other way."
After finishing her meal she decided to go into the water. She went in knee deep before clasping her hands against her chest, looking up into the sky.
So many times I would stand just like this and pray, pray for help, pray for someone to save us, pray for the strength necessary to fulfill my duty. Now I stand here once again in a totally different setting. The water is cold, yet warm at the same time. The sand envelops the bottom of my feet. The breeze smells slightly salty. The sun warms my back. I see my reflection in the water, and the woman I see no longer resembles one of sadness and frustration, but one of happiness and hope.
She is beautiful.
She looked back towards Link, who was staring back at her.
A smile was her only response.
Things are different this time around.
"Join me in the water!"
Link didn't even get a chance to set a foot in the water before Zelda splashed him. She giggled when he shook himself dry like a dog.
"That's a dangerous game you're playing, Zelda."
With her hands on her hips, she stuck her tongue out at him, "Bite me."
Link splashed her back.
She feigned shock, "You actually splashed me!"
"You were asking for it."
A mischievous smile adorned her lips, "Oh, you're going to pay!"
The two then engaged into a playful fight, each trying to soak the other more. While Zelda wasn't taking it very serious, Link on the other hand was doing everything he could to dodge her attacks and drench her to the bone.
"Alright, alright! You got me! I surrender!" she had her hands up in the air.
"Serves you-"
Link had let his guard down for just a second, and that was all Zelda needed to spear him into the water. When they came back to the surface, Link coughed up some water.
"Now we're both wet," she said with her smile now turning devilish.
He took a moment to collect himself, "I didn't think... you had it in you."
"Didn't have what in me, Link?"
This was Link's cue to vacate the area, and return to the safety of the land. He slowly rose from the water, and when he felt the timing was right...
"Where do you think you're going?"
Link froze mid stance, he couldn't tell if it was sweat or sea water trickling down his brow.
"You weren't going to leave me here all alone were you? I was having so much fun," she pouted.
What kind of beast did I awaken?
He knew that he said to not hold regrets earlier, but he was regretting not letting her win.
She then grabbed his wrist, "You're not going anywhere."
What ensued for the next few minutes was an absolute thrashing. Link had never seen Zelda in a more determined state before.
After it was all said and done, Link could only crawl up the shore onto their blanket.
"I think... I understand why... you never went to the... beach."
"Did I overdo it? I thought it was fun."
It stopped being fun when she tried to drown me!
He let out a hoarse laugh, "Lesson learned."
They sat there for a while longer, soaking in the sun, enjoying the sea breeze, and talking like they used to. For Zelda, it was the perfect afternoon.
"Thank you for today," she said sitting next to him. Her hands were interlocked resting under her thighs, and she had her head against her knees so she could look down at the man lying beside her.
"Don't mention it."
"Really, I appreciate spending time with you like this."
"Same here, but it's getting late. We should probably head back."
"Not yet. Let's just watch the sun set for a little while longer. This is something I really want to cherish."
"Okay."
After a few minutes, Link felt something soft take hold of his hand.
"Zeld-"
"Just let me do this, please," she muttered as she gave his hand a slight squeeze, "This is... s-something special to me."
He nodded tersely, which caused Zelda to smile. And the way she looked with the angle of the sun, Link could've swore that the Goddess herself graced him with her presence she was so beautiful.
There were many things that he had forgotten about his past, forgotten about her, but this... this was one moment that he'd never forget...
000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000
"What's so funny?" asked Link when Zelda suddenly chuckled.
They were about to cross the bridge that led to their home.
"I was just thinking about today is all."
It took him a moment to piece it together, but he eventually understood what she meant.
He gave her a slight nod with a reserved smile.
Another hour would pass before both were washed up and ready for bed. Zelda didn't need to worry about asking him to join her this time around, as he was already waiting for her. She crawled over top of him, letting the subtle touches with her hands and thighs between them linger for a moment before eventually shifting beside him.
"What should we do tomorrow?" she asked softly.
"Whatever you want. You're no longer bound to the things that once tied you down."
That wasn't entirely true. Zelda would always be tied down by Link, but that was a personal choice over something out of her control. Regardless, she wanted to see the land she worked so hard to protect prosper, so maybe it was time to check in with the other leaders.
"Let's go see, Impa. I've missed her, and could use her council for our upcoming task."
He made a grunt in affirmation, which caused her to smirk.
"Then it's a plan. Good night, Link."
No reply.
"Good night, Link."
After he didn't respond this time, she looked up to see if he was just ignoring her, but was surprised to find out that he had already fallen asleep!
Her smile only widened.
He looks so cute when he's sleeping...
A/N: Hope you guys enjoyed the chapter. A little change of pace from the constant angst we've been dealing with thus far.
Make sure to leave a like, comment, and share!
See you guys in the next chapter.