A/N: Here lies proof that Eb still lives...

Also, please read the note at the bottom.

The lab was unusually quiet when Link entered. The past two times he had arrived, it had been bustling with researchers and guards who were finishing their days and preparing to leave. Now though, it was empty save Robbie, who was staring at the tank with folded arms.

Allowing his feet to slap against the floor a little to announce his presence, the squire approached the man.

"Good evening, Link."

Link nodded despite the fact that the man wasn't looking at him.

Robbie fell silent, continuing to stare at the tank, seemingly distracted by something. It didn't take the squire long to determine why. Though the amphibian remained below the surface, the chain restraining her indicated that she was far from idle.

"Do you see it?" Robbie asked, finally turning to Link.

Link nodded.

"All day, she has been still, then, about twenty minutes ago, she became… what?" he asked as he turned back toward the tank, sounding as though he was speaking more to himself than the Hylian beside him. "Agitated? Excited? Are her predatory instincts causing her distress? So many possibilities… I'm tempted to stay overnight and see what I can learn."

Link frowned, uncomfortable with the prospect of the scientist prolonging his stay. He didn't dislike the man, far from it in fact, but his presence might… complicate things. From what he'd seen thus far, Robbie was quite concerned with the amphibian's welfare and had likely treated her quite humanely. However, that didn't change the fact that his own relationship to her could still be strained. If she associated him with the scientists, then the sound of his voice could be enough to keep her beneath the surface. Assuming she could hear his voice in the water and recognize it.

Then again, it wouldn't matter if she couldn't as he didn't have a voice to hear.

After getting over his discomfort, he reconsidered Robbie's words. Adjusting his grip on the wrapped trout he held, Link dug out the sheet of paper he had brought with him. 'Is something wrong?' he scribbled before handing the paper to Robbie.

The scientist gazed at the question thoughtfully. "It's rare for us to observe her in an 'excited' state. By that, I mean a state of heightened activity, not necessarily an identified emotion," he explained as he returned the paper to Link.

'Why is she excited?'

"That's what I wish to know." The scientist began clicking his pen. "In order to help reduce her stress, I postponed the tests I had planned for today as well as having most of the staff working elsewhere. That could explain her aroused state but there is something, or rather someone I forgot to account for," he explained as he gave Link a pointed look. "You could be the other factor."

Link made no attempt to respond. He hadn't expected her to have any interest in him that wasn't purely related to survival, at least not at first. It took time to create any sort of friendship with non-human entities, especially when his options for communication were more limited than most. Being unable to create the same soothing tones that others could, he had to make do with slow and exaggerated placating gestures and treats. Of course, she had apparently understood his intent in approaching her tank the night prior as well as taken interest when he had signed to her. Perhaps she was more intelligent than he had given her credit for? It was definitely something to keep in mind for later exploration. Assuming she had the inclination to learn, how much would he be able to teach her? Would she be able to learn to sign competently? If she could, what kinds of conversations would they have?

Despite his curiosity and excitement, Link maintained a neutral expression.

Robbie pointed toward the bundle stowed under Link's arm. "And that is?"

Link scribbled his response.

"Trout, huh?"

Link nodded, offering no further explanation.

"I see…" The scientist tapped his chin thoughtfully. "While I appreciate the sentiment, do be sure that you are observing the proper precautions. We still don't know what all she is capable of."

He was aware. Oh, he was very aware.

"Hmm. Well, I shall leave you to your duties." Robbie made his way toward the exit, only to stop in the door. "And Link… let me know if you notice anything that would suggest she likes trout more than salmon."

The scientist closed the door behind him, mercifully leaving Link alone. The squire stared at where Robbie had disappeared, considering the short but insightful conversation. Though he knew that it was likely purely coincidental, Link still found the idea of her being excited to see him appealing. As grateful as he was for Impa's companionship, there were simply certain kinds of affection that she couldn't provide. Her primary job was to take care of him and while they had developed a very real friendship, she still took her role very seriously. As such, there were things that he couldn't confide in her, especially when they would force her to make an impossible choice.

He would love to have a pet but trying to fit in the time to properly care for one was something he currently lacked the time and means for.

Perhaps this was an opportunity to make a friend he sorely needed.

And he could only imagine how badly she needed one too.

Casting one last glance toward the tank, he froze as he found her staring at him. She was much closer to the edge of the fountain than normal, though the majority of her was still hidden below the water.

Dumbfounded and unsure of himself, Link raised his hand and waved uncertainly. He was quick to lower his hand when all she did was tilt her head and watch.

He reached up to scratch his head, a tic he had developed to cope with embarrassment, but he was quick to forget his self-consciousness when a scaly hand rose from the water. Moving it from side to side, she mimicked his greeting. It was slow and lacked the finesse of practice, but it was unmistakably a wave.

Link stared, dumbfounded. He had expected her to silently watch at best, if not retreat from what could potentially be understood as a threatening gesture. Now, faced with a returned greeting, he was uncertain of how to continue.

The amphibian must have known something was amiss, as she narrowed her eyes.

Worried that he might somehow offend her, Link quickly held up the package for her to see. He was surprised when she didn't retreat at his approach, though he could see that there was something akin to suspicion in her gaze. Setting the package down, he slowly unwrapped it, held up the fish to satiate her curiosity, then set them on the edge of her abode. Stepping back, Link waited with bated breath to see how she would respond.

Seeing he was out of range, the amphibian swam toward the offering. She eyed the two fish for a moment before her eyes flicked back to him.

After a few seconds, Link realized that she expected something more from him. Feeling mildly flustered, the Hylian considered everything that she might be trying to silently convey, from a dislike of trout to…

The squire nearly slapped himself as it dawned on him what she was expecting. Bringing his hands up, he signed a single word: "Trout."

Her eyes flicked back to the meal in question before returning to him, to see him sign the word one more time. When satisfied that she understood, the amphibian reached up, taking her quarry and retreating below the surface once again. Though it had been a small thing, Link couldn't help but feel complimented that her retreat hadn't been nearly so hasty and desperate this time. It was a small statement of trust that he appreciated greatly.

With a smile, the squire set to his tasks. Sure, the amphibian likely only saw him as a safe way to be fed, but he was okay with that. Seeing to that need was enough to build a foundation of trust which could lead to a genuine friendship.

After all, that was how he and Impa had become steadfast friends. He had merely been a job for her; however, spending long stretches of time together had allowed them to build a bond that wasn't just about the pay and ease of communication. Eventually, they had developed a deep enough friendship to move in together and create a domestic partnership. He doubted he and the amphibian would develop that kind of bond but he hoped that they could develop something akin to a friendship. But, all of that would take time.

So, for now, he was content for her to see him as a means to an end.

Link was on his hands and knees, scrubbing the floor when he felt eyes on him. Despite his curiosity, he finished mopping up the section he had been working on before rising. Turning toward the tank, he found her watching him. She reached up, waving awkwardly to him. He returned the gesture with a smile as he carried his bucket to the drain. It was a surprise to see her again so soon, but it was a pleasant one for sure.

To his surprise, she not only followed him with her eyes, but moved through the water as though trying to keep pace with him. Normally, such a thing would have been predatory, but he highly doubted he had anything to worry about. Her earlier shyness, combined with her attempts to engage him in limited communication, led him to believe that this was some sort of introductory ritual. Though he had little experience with fish, he had noticed that they would sometimes swim in circles around each other, occasionally flaring their fins. He wasn't sure if it was a way to introduce themselves or to dissuade others from encroaching on their territory.

Of course, Robbie would have a better idea than he. Link quickly considered recording her behavior but was quick to toss the idea aside. The scientist had already considered staying later in the night to do more research. She needed a break from all of that and he was willing to protect that for her. After all, he had experience with being the subject of unwanted tests, too.

If only he could remove her from the situation entirely…

Then again, if he did, wouldn't she merely leave? Probably. It wasn't his ideal scenario as there was so much he still wanted to know about the amphibian, but he had to admit that she would be far better off being able to return to her natural habit, free to live her own life.

From experience, he knew that it was unlikely that she would ever be allowed to return to her home, but he hoped that they would at least give her an enclosure that had ample space for her. From what he could see currently, he had the impression that her current tank was a bit too small for her needs. It was doubtful that his opinion would carry any merit, especially when it was only his third night there. Still, Robbie seemed to acknowledge him and, if he mentioned the issue to Impa and asked her to speak to Purah, then there was at least a chance that they might be able to create a more accommodating space for her.

The more Link thought about it, the more sense it made to speak to Robbie about the issue. The scientist had a history with aquatic species and probably understood that ample room to move, explore, and simply exist was necessary for any creature's well-being. Certainly, a lacking environment would negatively influence Robbie's data…

Continuing to send the amphibian small waves and smiles as he finished his chores, the squire thought over how he should bring his concerns to the lead researcher. He was so lost in thought that he barely noticed the amphibian waving to him frantically. Shaking his thoughts off, he focused on her, tilting his head to show she had his attention.

Swimming quickly toward the edge of the tank, she took hold of the edge and pulled herself up, finally revealing the lower half of her head. The lower half of her face, framed by two red temporal fins, was covered in bright white scales. From his angle, Link could make out another, larger fin sprouting from the back of her head. Holding up her head was a long and delicate neck. All other finer details the squire had been waiting to see were forgotten though as he heard commotion outside the lab, signifying that it was almost time for him to leave for the day.

What was she-

Using her webbed hands, the amphibian formed an upward-facing c with her forefinger and thumb. She tapped her thumb against her chin twice. "Salmon."

Link stared at her blankly. Had she just done what he thought she had?

"Salmon!" she repeated urgently.

Hearing a particularly sharp snap from not far outside the room, Link sprang into action. Rushing across the room, he threw open the icebox, grabbed two of the requested fish, and closed the distance between himself and the tank. It occurred to him that she might not be prepared for that but if she was offended by his speed, she didn't make her complaint known. He nearly threw the fish down, with her snatching them just as quickly and disappearing beneath the surface.

The squire whipped around as the door opened, revealing Robbie. The scientist's eyes immediately centered on him and he was quick to motion for Link to back away from the tank. Link was quick to acquiesce, rushing to where he had left Roderick's armor. He made himself look busy as his mentor impatiently barged in behind Robbie. "Is there any particular reason you're trying to keep me out of the lab?" the knight asked.

Knowing that his continued presence would only cause more problems for Robbie, Link picked up Roderick's armor and made to leave. Keeping himself as small and unobtrusive as possible, the squire slipped around the two arguing men, sending one last glance toward the tank. Even from across the room, he could see the chains moving about.

With jaw clenched, the Hylian tightened his grip on the equipment he held as a smoldering anger grew within. He no longer cared for the motivations behind keeping her locked up, he no longer cared for whatever advancements studying her might bring, and he didn't care for anyone's careers.

Who could care about such things when another's freedom had been stolen?

Link stared into the flames and admired the red-hot metal as the burly blacksmith hammered it into shape. Even at the edge of the homely little forge, the squire could feel the intensity of the burning coals and the feeling was far from unwelcome. The heat, steady peal of a hammer, stench of burning coals and sweat, glow of the white-hot embers, and sight of familiar tools took him back to a simpler time.

A time in which he thought his life would take a very different (albeit much happier) route.

Nostalgia brought a small smile to his face as he watched the man pick up his current piece with a pair of tongs and douse it in a nearby barrel filled with water.

After his last shift, Link had needed some time. So, he had taken to wandering the village as he processed what had happened. The amphibian had spoken to him, asking for a particular food. Whether it was because she knew salmon specifically was stored there, or because she had a preference, played second fiddle to the fact that she had mimicked the motion necessary to communicate a need. And, she had done so after seeing it only once.

He had seen the amphibian's circumstances as a problem before. Now, he was presented with an even larger moral and ethical dilemma. He could not, in good conscience, leave her in the lab. At the same time, doing anything rash would only endanger them both. What was he to do?

As he pondered the unanswerable question, he had found himself in front of the forge, the familiar sights and sounds gently easing his stress and serving as a welcome distraction from his frustrations.

He laughed quietly as steam billowed outwards. Why the billowing gas had always amused him was a mystery, though he guessed it was due to the imagination he had harbored in his childhood years.

The man, once satisfied with his work, set it aside to cool before turning to his next task. If he was aware of Link's presence or was annoyed by his silent observation, he kept it to himself.

Unable to idly watch any longer, the squire stepped into the forge properly. Ordinarily, he wouldn't presume to step into a master's forge without an invitation, as he was not yet recognized as a journeyman. He was more than capable of completing the minor repairs; however, his decision to leave life in the smithy behind had prevented him from climbing the ranks of the guild. It had been a hard decision and, quite often, he wondered if he would have been happier finishing his apprenticeship with Auru and journeying throughout the kingdom to further hone his talents. Of course, if he didn't pass the trials required for knighthood, he might still have a future in a smithy. The thought did make him smile. Something about the rhythm of a forge helped to put his spirit at ease even as the work exhausted him.

The squire finished donning the thick leather apron and gloves while the master continued gathering his materials. While waiting for direction, Link checked the coals, working the bellows when he found the heat to be unsatisfactory. Once pleased with the heat, Link moved to perform some quick cleaning. Auru had always held high standards when it came to the cleanliness of his forge and could be particularly unforgiving if Link failed to uphold those standards. The former apprentice had discovered that the most efficient way to maintain the cleanliness of Auru's shop was to find little moments to clean as he went.

The forge's master still said nothing; however, Link wasn't deterred. He had a feeling the man would have shooed him off if his presence was unwelcome. At worst, he was about to be tested on some of the basics. Without so much as a glance toward Link, the master smith went to the furnace and was preparing the metal that would be used in his next job.

Luckily, it didn't take Link long to figure out how to make use of himself. On a counter, neatly arranged, rested a variety of tools that required minor repairs or sharpening. Grabbing the first of them, a knife with several nicks in it, the squire set to work, buffing out the imperfections and sharpening the blade. After checking the handle to ensure it was safe to use, Link wiped it down and set it aside. Then, it was onto the next.

The work, though simple, drowned out all of Link's frustrations concerning the amphibian. He didn't even have the capacity to notice and feel grateful for his lack of thought. He simply kept busy, unconsciously taking solace in the familiarity of a smithy.

Time had ceased to exist for Link and, before he knew it, the pile of small repairs had been completed. Somehow or other, Link then found himself working alongside the smithy's owner. Under his direction, Link pounded away at the malleable material, shaped, refined, tempered, and cooled the blade. How they had come to work side by side, like master and apprentice, was unknown to him but it helped to set him at ease. Having a master, one that didn't feel the need to look down on him, did much to lift his spirits. It was easy to forget how Roderick's degrading treatment could erode his self-image over time. Impa, as wonderful as she was, could only mitigate the knight's behavior so much. Having another man, even one who remained unnamed, show enough faith in him to trust him with his livelihood created a sense of pride and belonging that the squire hadn't felt in quite some time.

Eventually, both men set their tools down. The master grabbed a rag, toweling off his forehead before handing it over to Link and retreating into his home. Used to such departures, Link immediately set to work cleaning the forge as had been his role years prior. Methodically, he checked each tool to ensure no repairs or replacements were needed, as he wiped them down and returned them to their rightful place. As Link turned his attention to the counters, the master returned with two large mugs.

"Here, boy," he said, handing one of the mugs to the squire.

Link accepted gratefully, downing the cool water quickly.

"Slowly," the man chided gruffly. "No need to make yourself sick."

Link just barely complied, gasping for breath as he finished draining the cup. He had forgotten how quickly the heat of the forge could get to him, and his current duties as a squire didn't require the same hydration as smithing did. Still, despite the heat and his exhaustion, he found that he was feeling much better than he had previously. While the amphibian's situation still loomed over him like a dark cloud, he was at least able to consider his options more clearly. Something for which he was grateful. Granted, he couldn't determine a favorable solution outside of talking to Robbie; however, even that had its own risks.

He could only hope that the scientist put his humanity before his analytical principles.

"Who'd you apprentice with?"

The question tore Link out of his reverie, not that he was complaining. He had been trying to escape thinking about a situation over which he had little, if any, control.

Link motioned toward his throat, hoping that the man would understand his meaning.

"I know," he replied. "Telma and I are friends. I'm not as experienced as her, but I know enough."

"Auru."

"Hmm," the master grunted, a small smile crossing his expression. "Good man. Even better smith. You did him proud, boy."

"Thank you," the squire replied with a large smile. Anyone who knew Auru would not give such a compliment lightly. Especially another master. While he wasn't exactly notorious, Link was aware that he had run off a few would-be artisans before and after his own apprenticeship.

"You've got a knack for this line of work. Why'd you leave it behind?"

"My father was a knight…" Link paused, thinking about how best to explain himself. He had never really known how to express his reason, but people often felt entitled to an answer. Especially when they took his condition into account.

"I think I understand. Bond between a boy and his father can be something fierce indeed. All the fiercer when it comes to honor and responsibility."

Link nodded. While he wouldn't have worded it like that, he was grateful to have that part of himself put into words.

The master sized him up. "I know you're tied up in… whatever they're doin' in that lab but if you've got spare-"

The squire was nodding fervently before the man had even finished his statement. "I'll help when I can." He hadn't expected to have his help refused as, from what he understood, smiths in small towns were constantly busy; however, he hadn't expected to be outright asked.

"Glad to hear it." The man climbed to his feet and stuck his hand out. "Name's Rusl."

Link shook his hand firmly while signing his name with the other.

"Well, Link, dinner will be ready soon. Why don't you run on back to Telma's and invite your friend to join us?"

Link nodded, grinning at the prospect. Being unprepared for a few hours of hard labor, the squire wasn't exactly ready to put a lot of effort into a meal. Having someone else to cook for him for once sounded divine right then.

Not waiting for more prompting from Rusl, Link turned on his heel and made his way quickly back to Telma's. While there was so much left for him to figure out, all of it could wait. For now, it was time to set it all aside and enjoy a family dinner for the first time in a long time.

A/N: This fic will be the last work that I post here on FFN (for the time being anyway). Between how much of a headache posting is and the reduced interaction with you guys, it's no longer really worth it to me to post here. So, I'll be focusing on Ao3 for the foreseeable future. This means that other projects, such as the Era Revisions, OWaP (if I choose to finish it), etc. will only be uploaded to Ao3.

I may start uploading here again if the site goes through a massive upgrade but I doubt such a thing will happen any time soon.

Also, there's a MiphLink server for those of you who care.