A/N: Happy Wednesday, everyone! - welcome back! A note I want to open with is this - despite all the positive feedback, I get never feel great about what I make, but that's not my point. I want to go on to say that sometimes I look at what I do and think "okay, it's getting to what I want to be," and although it's never completely there, I'm learning to appreciate the fraction that is there. And, I hope to encourage anyone else who feels like they are lacking in any way.
Hey, thank you so much for following, Bobert4243, NyghtCr33d, SingingtheBlues, P.N Blackford, SilverWolf820, and F13rc3D3ity - and thank you to all the favoriters and followers up until now!
Blyssabella, thank you for your continual encouragement! Keep following for more!
luca grae, hello again! Thank you! - I'm kinda emotional over the whole soulmate/destiny-bound thing that they've got going on canonically. I might think about it way too much, so getting to share it with you and others is a treat. My husband's love and kindness is a huge inspiration for how these characters interact - hope that's not too gushy (or repetitive), but I feel wrong not mentioning that again. Regardless, thank you for your affirmation!
TheAnBruh, you make me equally speechless, thank you so much for your review! My hope is to write the story to deliver our Princess from the majority of that guilt, which will be difficult. On a slight tangent, let me just say that I love BOTW, but it baffles me to imagine just how horrible someone like Zelda will feel after all she was dragged through. I imagine she'll never really get over it, but I thank you endlessly for reading her journey up until now!
jynxhasadragon, oh your baby cousin sounds absolutely adorable! I wish her all the luck in her coloring endeavors! May she grow up to be the best of all artists! Also, I'll keep Impa and Paya's relationship in mind - they don't have much air time in this chapter, but I will bring them back just for you!
Chapter Ten
Link woke before dawn.
It began with the sudden opening of his eyes, a groggy glance at the Kakarikan inn's ceiling before turning over in his sheets in hopes of catching a few more minutes of rest. But, the searing ache in his side kept him pinned as a victim to the string of memories propelling his thoughts -. the burning inn, the crazy wagon ride, the gravity of the Princess's nightmares, and catching her head when she fainted. But, that's not all - he had to run after Lawdon into the Yiga-infested fray, grappling for his sword, bow, and shield with each step. Oh, his body had ached, his breath was thick as if breathing through a wet bag, and his soul flattened, especially as the dust-bowl clash on the Sahasra Slopes unfolded around them. Chaos ensuing, Yiga exposed themselves and wrestled with daggers, men from the inn fought them with rakes and axes, horsemen weaved in and out, bandit flags waved to uphold the morale, and the clanging and clashing of swords went on and on. All Link could do was comply by firing half a dozen arrows at the moving targets, slashing away at the aggressors, and sliding in with his shield to take a hit for the innkeeper - thankfully, he's alright. Thank Hylia, he's alright.
But was Link?
There in bed, he let out an anxious breath - for once wishing he could have slept longer. Anxiety roused him up out of the sheets. The soft linens skirted his bandaged side as he got up on his sore feet. Around him swirled a sea of snoring people. Families and thugs packed the prim, dainty sheikah dormitory of the Kakarikan Inn, The Shut-Eye, sleeping on every bed, bunk, chair, and spot of floor on the ground - some with broken arms in slings, knife wounds, and bandaged ankles. Even the Wetland Gang boss, a cantankerous, fit woman of late fifties and beedlenut orange teeth, slept with an eye patch. Dozing with an open mouth, the woman rocked herself in a chair stolen from the inn's lobby. Waxy salve residue caked her hands - for, she had just dressed the wounds of her sons before going back to sleep. Around her slept the injured gang on unfurled wicker mats. Just above the men slept Lawdon in a bed, his tanned arms wrapped around his vivacious wife, who snored the loudest of the room. Dangling above them was Linus, halfway off his bunk, and his sister, who preferred to sleep on her stomach.
Watching the family, Link felt so much like a stone chucked into a riverbed. Sinking, he sat himself back onto his sheets and let his exhaustion fall helpless to the familial scene. Something about them made him weak - maybe the way they were resting together in full trust that they'd be safe. And such trust didn't betray them, did it? No, Link had returned Lawdon safely to his wife and children. Not to mention, the hero had also slept with the master sword in his sheets. Should the ceiling fall or Yiga descend, he'd be hacking away in an instant, ready to get them out to safety.
Blinking back his exhaustion, Link let last night through his thoughts once more - Leekah had tucked him in with a tearful 'thank you.' Strange, the memory made him uneasy.
"Did you need water, hun?" She had asked, bouncing Pris in her arms. Her inn was gone, yet she was still The Keeper.
Link shook his head.
"How about another blanket? It feels colder here."
He couldn't respond, and eventually, she wiped away her tears and said her goodnights.
Coming back to the present, Link then noted the Sheikah garb on the edge of his bed - new clothes to replace ones that were sweaty, bloody, and smelled like vomit, not that Link minded, of course. And as he dressed in that dark stain tunic and the cultural overcoat, the warbling of mourning doves echoed through the open shutters of the Kakarikan inn, beckoning the boy of the wild to the wooden glen outside. The curtains on the far window let in the light of an early gray morning. Already could Link taste the mist. The chill would appease him, wouldn't it? The smell of smokey oaks and tribal incense might afford him the stability to appear calm and composed.
Desperate for distraction, Link strapped his sword to his back and began his way to the inn's lobby, where there were complimentary egg pastries and teas across from the innkeeper's desk. He was a passive, anxious young man, senior to Link only by three years. Ollie was his name, and he was fast asleep on his own desk. Through trying to pass by quietly, Link came to an immediate stop and thought about Leekah and that tearful gaze from last night. Overthinking, he double-backed for his bunk, squatted low for his pack, and retrieved his infamous journal. Brushing past that ominous sketch of the Princess's Flower, he tore out a blank page and wrote a quick note for the family - just in case Leekah should wake up, see his empty bunk, and worry.
"Went out to check on the glen. Signed, Link."
He set it on the floor before them.
Opting out of tea and pastries, Link stepped out into the glen floor with his sword unsheathed. Immediately he searched the hills for threats - bowmen hiding in the rugged terrain? An onslaught of invaders way up there lurking in the mustard grass? Spies waiting for the right moment to strike? Flashbacks flurried - Yiga footmen wrangling themselves free from the wagon, smoke and evil magic pouring into the scene, spinning knives, darts ricocheting off his shield. Yet, the cooing of doves brought Link back to the calm Kakarikan morning - silent and cozy in the summer fog. Feeling safe, he lowered his sword.
Before him sprawled the Sheikah sanctuary looking like a stable after a rainstorm. Horses were tied to every wooden post and beam, tethered to houses, shops, and festival booths. Littered between the cultural arches and macrame tapestries were snoring bandits, sleeping bags, and poorly hidden bottles of rum. Tents busied the clearing between the Shut Eye Inn and the Elder's cottage while smoke from dew-soaked campfires obscured the air. Through it, Link could see the Sahasran gate lined with burly guards - some sleeping, the others keeping themselves awake with a quiet game of cards. Hovering over them was the Elder's granddaughter with a tray of tea. She let them take the porcelain cups before rushing back into the Elder's house in the sleepy center of town.
What laid inside the house had Link stirring - The Princess of Hyrule.
A hero of more confidence would invite himself in, flag down the nearest servant, and ask how she was doing. But, Link was not that kind of person. But, did it bother him that no one informed him of her condition? Yes, but he was overthinking it. He was always overthinking, wasn't he? After all, it had only been a couple of hours since their separation. Nine hours? Ten, possibly. And, maybe there was no news to tell. Best case scenario, she was sleeping and healing… dreaming of pleasant things.
Suddenly, a little yell called out to Link from the small plot of land to his right. There, Steen, the carrot farmer, was waving him over. Awkwardly, Link waved back, knowing where the conversation would lead - it was harvest time, wasn't it? And Link looked like someone with nothing to do. Should Link go back inside? No, that'd come across even more awkward, especially as the man was so obviously beckoning him to his garden of carrots.
"Hey there, Link!" He yelled. "Can I ask you a favor?"
The inescapable pressure to go over and say hello bore into Link. His heart thudded, his hand clammed up, his grip on the master sword turned sweaty - he was not one for conversations, but a chore actually sounded nice. Perhaps he could get his mind off the subject dominating him from the Elder's house. So, he bit back his reluctance and strided over to see what exactly the man needed.
But on his way over to the humble garden, Link caught a glimpse of the second-story window of the Elder's cottage - the same window that Leekah had seen the Princess standing in last night. He found himself looking, a furtive hope igniting to see her standing there too, but all too soon, he snuffed it out and pinned his eyes down at his feet. But, the slight slip-up begged the question he had been avoiding since their first meeting.
Buckling his lip, holding his breath, he decided it was more mature to accept it. Inside him - despite his reluctance to feel it - festered a cold, quiet crush.
Dismal, he let himself fall prey to the feeling of her weight in his arms, the pleasure of being talked to, and the way she looked at his sketches - those green eyes racing all over the page; that smile rising like the sun on the Kakarikan hillsides.
Link negated the feelings all morning, pulling carrots from the soil with the farmer. But, unfortunately, such a crush felt as natural to himself as the soil in his hands, and letting it slip through his fingers just pulled the topic right back to question. He fought against it; however, an odd layer of grace sat with him by noon. Grace was a mother like Leekah - he saw her in his mind's eye, sitting with him in the garden, coaching him through the shame.
Of course, one would anticipate these sprouting feelings - especially after spending a year and a half listening to her calls, meeting her in a flash, and having her attend to him while he recovered. Seeing flowers in her hair? Carrying her out of the wagon? Holding the bucket for her when she grew sick? Hearing her eloquence despite her pain? Things like that just seemed too difficult to count as fair -how could he expect to come out unscathed? After all, Link was Hylian. And Hylians were Hylian - born with hopes for company and comfort as thick as their needs for food, water, and shelter. Hylia tethered them to the earth to live and farm, and thus boys were raised to grow crops, start shops, find partners, and pass away happily in the comforts of their families. And somewhere in that expanse of time, boys find themselves with feelings for someone - whether they liked it or not.
But, this Link swore to himself - such feelings were innocuous, as new as they were innocent. And if they did not burn off like the Kakarikan mist at lunchtime, then they'd just have to fall to the background of the grand scheme of events circling around them. After all, a knight answered to the thick call of her safety, and any breaching distraction would be locked away and sealed beneath his sincerity.
With his hands uprooting the last row of carrots, Link could already find himself regaining composure - a sense of calm fell over him as he dug up the first.
All morning Link kept to the carrot farm - sunlight breached the tall valley walls by noon, soaking the golden-grassy floor in a blinding tide. Only then did people wake from their camps and join the Sheikah in the day's preparations for the Equinox Festival. Men and women in wicker hats sailed through the space with rolled-up flags under their arms, decoration, and food. Between their legs ran chickens, clucking and picking at seed scattered on the grounds. Young children chased after them - even Link could hear them laughing from the garden. Through its fence, he could see Rola, the archer, painting targets on the haystacks outside the arrow shop. Bustling beside her and her pupils were the Wetland gang - well, those of them that could stand without sprained ankles. The others napped in the shade of the cherry trees with hands on their ears, blotting out the hammering from across the glen. Its source was a River Roan, shirtless and sweating, fixing the broken leg of a stand for the young sheikah embroiderers.
There was no word about the Princess, but there were a lot of questions - people whispering on the valley floor, children waiting beneath her window, some bandits even stopping by the carrot farm to see if Link knew anything. Embarrassingly, he had nothing to share. But, what he did learn was that the Yiga made a full retreat - a line of bandits that kept watch in the hills reported a clean horizon, devoid of any mysterious travelers heading their way.
"I think we scared them off!" Cackled the Wetland boss, baring her orange teeth. She made her sons help Link with the cleaning of the produce and stood over them, giving directions.
"You're jesting Steen!" Interrupted a voice. Both Link and the farmer looked up from the loams to find Olkin, the pumpkin farmer, gripping the fence that separated the plots. "Rolling in all this extra help, aren't we?"
The dreaded rivalry - Link peeked left then right for a way out of the drama, but the fences required some climbing that his side couldn't afford. So, instead he met Steen's eyes, hoping he'd navigate the party away from contention - but he was wrong.
"Ignore this haggard fool." Said Steen, rolling his eyes. "Link, can you get the far end? Let's meet in the middle."
But the pumpkin farmer persisted, "You have Link here? Really, Steen? A celebrated hero working in your dirt? Preying on him? Tricking him into both working? Making him share yesterday's details? - this is low, even for you, Steen!"
This time Steen stood, his hands on his waist, "I'll have you know I haven't asked him a thing about yesterday!"
"Yeah, well wait until the work is done! You'll shoo off the others - no offense, good sirs - and invite Link inside for some tea, introduce him to that wife of yours, get him cozy with a meal, and boom! Lock the doors and trap him in like the conniving bastard you are! Go on, Link - this man can pluck carrots by himself!" .
Link found the Wetlanders looking at him for some sort of cue - to walk away? Interject? But all he could do was keep pulling from the dirt - the men followed.
"You're making a public fool out of yourself, Olkin!"
"Better than being a private fool, such as you!" Said he, hoisting himself over the fence.
"Do not cross my fence!"
"I'm saving that boy right there!"
"Get out of my garden right now, Olkin!"
"Nope! I'm not listening to you - especially after what your family did to my pumpkins last Fall!" Said the pumpkin farmer, falling on their side of the fence.
"Get back!" Steen held the invader at carrot-point, "Will you bring that up every time you're cross with me?"
"You're son never apologized!"
"He did apologize - you just did not want to hear it!"
"It was half-hearted."
"Ignore him, Steen," the carrot farmer said to himself, turning, "then maybe he'll go away."
In scurried one of the Wetlanders, "What he do, Carrot Man?"
Steen squatted back down, "Five pumpkins were defaced - my boy had a thing for carving silly face into pumpkins."
"Silly? Says you! - they were obscene! I couldn't sell those!"
"Which is a sign of your poor business-ship!" Steen sneered before turning back to Link and the rest of the help, "Stay put, you all and ignore him. It's not the crime he's making it out to be." And as if all was right in the world, he began pulling at a leafy carrot top, "Link, could you get this one? It's stuck in there."
"Don't you touch that carrot, Link!"
"Get out!" Steen held the intruder at carrot-point.
Oklin smacked it away- and in doing so grabbed Link's forearm and pulled him up from his bag of harvested carrots,"Hiya, Link!"
"U-Uh hello."
He dusted off Link's knees and shoulders, "Long time no see! You well? You've been eating alright?"
"Um, yes," Link looked between the rivals, "I-I am."
"Good!" He shook his shoulders, "I bet you're wanting to see the lovely leaves on my pumpkins buds! Come with me."
"Olkin," Steen teased as one would tease a child, "You can't just - "
But suddenly, the pumpkin farmer was pulling Link towards the fence. Thankfully, the farmer didn't make him climb, but instead he just pointed from the post. "Look at those greenies popping up - I think it's going to be a good harvest. You're a fan of my pumpkin soup, right?"
Link nodded - mouth-watering.
"Well, you come back for that - on me, especially after what you guys did to protect the sheikah yesterday. I won't make you work if that's what you're worried about," Said he, practically yelling over his shoulder - Link held his ears, only taking down his hands when the pumpkin farmer put back on his cheery mask, "Hey, I heard we almost lost Cado yesterday! Though, he lives to die another day- most likely in that chicken shed of his. Always locking himself in there in his free time. That smell will take anyone out."
An awkward silence fell between them - Link didn't know what to say, so instead he focused on the vines of the pumpkin leaves snaking around each other, hoping that would be enough to stay neutral.
"So," Olkin coughed, "I heard the Princess of Hyrule is in town - what is she like?."
Link didn't need to say anything, and thankfully there came a sudden yelling coming to his defense - Steen popped up, flustered, "Olkin, you hypocrite! You can't just bring up the subject after accusing me of it!"
"I've got info!" Popped up one of the Wetlands - the archer, raising his hand.
"Yeah?" Egged the farmers.
"But on the little guy here! - have barely even seen the Princess, which is a big credit to him."
"Oh," the farmers flattened, seeming most disappointed.
Unphased, the archer called out to his step-father relaxing in the shade a cherry tree away, "Yo Warus! Hold up your right hand!"
Walrus raised his bandaged palm - Link let out a breath.
"See that right there? The little guy shot right through it! - like from forty feet away!" He imitated Link with an imaginary bow, "Straight pinned it to the wagon we were ridin'!"
His mother butted in, "And we're looking to hire him. Who do we need to buy him from?"
Link clung to the fence until the large woman strided up and jabbed a finger into his chest, "With a guy like you, mister, we can take back Hyrule fields! - especially since there's black ghost reviving the blood-thirsty beasts from their graves! Imagine the fame and glory! - the Wetland Gang, more famous than the Fushia Fools!"
Just then, Link heard someone call his name behind him - he turned. By the inn waved Leekah. She ran up to the garden, waving the note he had left, tripping on the white skirt she had borrowed from the sheikah.
Link walked over to greet her - she was out of breath by the time she got to the fence.
"I didn't see your note until now!" She heaved, "Lawdie pointed it out when I started panicking - thank you for leaving it, through your handwriting needs work. Didn't they train you in writing in knight school or something?" She shoved the paper up to his face and pointed, "Like what does this word say? Glen?"
The Wetlanders giggled behind him.
"Don't make fun of him!" Demanded the Boss, "You lot can't even write!"
"Well are you okay?" Leekah turned back to the boy.
Link nodded.
"Sleep well?"
He nodded again, obscuring the truth.
"And your side?"
This time he flashed a thumbs up - though it felt too cheesy and unnatural.
The woman looked suddenly relieved - she let her shoulders fall before peeking out with one eye, scanning the company behind him. Something about her exploded - she jutted out a finger, "You rancid lot better be on your knees thanking this boy! I heard how he saved you all yesterday! Burn down my inn - this boy should have left you guys in the dirt, isn't that right, Link? He's too nice to say it, but I'll say it for him, you hear me?"
The Wetlanders said nothing - their mother shoved them forward.
"Y-Yes, mam," peeped the archer.
But Leekah persisted, "Y'all robbed the best innkeeper of all of Hyrule of her inn! - now, I'm forced to stay in someone else's dormitory! I don't like that, and I'll make you hate it too if you come anywhere near the Princess or me!"
"U-Understood, mam."
"Bomb arrows - tsk!" The mother fumed, turning. "Link, I need a moment. I'm cooking lunch. Come by in fifteen if you need it, and don't invite friends!" But, before she could leave, her eyes froze on something behind Link - he turned.
A crowd of guards approached the garden- ominous and tense, shoulders high, fists clutching the mantles of their unsheathed kodachi at their thighs. Link's eyes narrowed - everything else faded around it as they marched to the mouth of the garden gates and scanned the hillsides for hidden enemies. In front of the entourage, hobbled Box with a sprained ankle, fumbling for the latch on the garden gate. Uncharacteristically polite, wearing a cheesy smile, the large man opened the gate for a small guard in an oversized uniform -
Link only realized a second before she spoke.
"Good afternoon." Said the Princess from her disguise - a sudden sunrise. She looked down towards the men's feet and the carrots in the garden, so all that could be seen was her mouth and chapped lips beneath her wicker hat.
"Princess!" Cheered Leekah.
Instinctually Link bowed - the Sheikah farmers followed him to the ground, as did the Wetland boss. She harassed her sons into doing the same.
"No." The Princess said - a breathy lament, "You do not have to do that. Please stand."
And so Link stood, regaining composure. Clambering over the fence beside him was Leekah, sparing her pregnant belly. Happily, the mother scampered in beside him, elbowed his gut, and took his arm.
Fixated, Link saw the Princess taking a deep breath - Link didn't realize he was holding his. Exhaling, the Princess projected a queenly tone, so much unlike the girl in the stable. Though powerful, it felt distant and detached, "Forgive me for interrupting. I needed some air and saw this lovely carrot garden from the Elder's window. Never have I seen such vivid produce." Paused she, holding down a faint smile, "If you do not mind, I had hoped to inspect it for myself."
Silence simmered around her - she held the party in electric shock.
Finally, the carrot farmer broke, "O-Of course, Your Highness." He snatched a handful of the harvest from the Wetlanders and paced over to the Princess, wiping off the dirt.
Link watched him pass, focusing so much on the Princess's hands as she took the produce and held it up to the bright sunshine - only then could he see her pale cheeks and red, puffy eyes. She cocked her head, "They're so orange - has the quality improved over the last one-hundred years or is it just my eyes?"
"Well," blushed the farmer, twiddling his thumbs, "My father added sand to the soil, which adds to the vividness of the color. We thought he was crazy, venturing out into Hylian gang territory to get it - um, no offense to you all over there." He nodded at the Wetlands. Olkin rolled his eyes.
"Sand?" The Princess quirked, brushing her fingers through its leafy top.
"The roots like the sandy loams, Your Highness. Go on - please do me the honor of taking it. Wait!" He held out a finger, "Let me get you some more!"
She said nothing as the man fled from her, yet there was something about her hands that betrayed the emotion hidden by the hat over her face. She traced the vegetable with a finger. "Thank you," she finally said, taking a moment to feel fresh produce in her hands. Then came a deep breath in - she shook her head, as if stirring herself from a trace, and called out to Olkin by the fence, "And you over there? Are you a carrot farmer as well?"
"P-Pumpkins, Your Highness!"
"So we shall see your produce in a couple of months, correct?"
"Correct, My Lady - and you'll be much more impressed! Steen's got nothing on my pumpkins. Isn't that right, Link?"
Link neglected to answer - though Leekah prompted him to speak by shaking his arm. For, the Princess had caught him frozen. He threw his gaze against the ground, only watching Steen's feet as they passed them. The farmer carried a bushel of carrots and handed them to the Princess. "These are all yours!" He then bowed, "Princess Zelda."
"Thank you." Said she, her voice shaking as she peered into the bag. Vulnerable, she looked up, "I appreciate such a gift."
For a brief moment, the company around the Princess partook in a moment of pleasant silence, just staring happily as she knotted the ends of the bag. She then turned to her entourage of guards, speaking so much like a Queen, "Thank you all for your escort - if it's alright, I'd like to - She stopped herself before turning to Link, "Well, I'd like to talk to Link - oh, good morning Leekah. Is it alright if I talk to Link?"
"He's your guard, Your Highness!" Yelled she before hushing her voice to whisper, "Invite her to lunch, Link! Do this for me!"
Link pulled his arm free.
"Of course, is this a good time for you, Link?" Asked the Princess.
Link nodded.
"Are you sure? - I can always return."
"But, Your Highness!" Butted in Box, "Link doesn't have his shield with him! Box will stay to guard you both!"
Before anything else could be said, Link gestured to the edge of the garden where the Hylian shield sat against a post.
The Princess followed Link's shy point to the edge of the garden and nodded, "I thank you, Box - for all your protection. But, I think we have it arranged."
"Does he have a bow?" Box called out to the Hero.
Link again pointed to the pack.
"What about arrows?"
Link nodded.
"Does he have a sword?"
Link gestured to his back where it lay strapped.
Box's face never changed - sternly, he turned to the Princess, "Box shall at least get you somewhere safer for your chat."
"Oh," stuttered the Princess, "I can agree to that. Perhaps the stable?" She pointed behind the clothing shop where a row of fly-bitten horses stood idle beneath a shelter. "Link?" She called out, "How is your horse? I assume she will not turn down a treat - of course, if you don't mind us sharing some of your gifts, Steen."
"Not at all, Your Highness." He bowed, removing his hat.
Meanwhile, Box limped over to retrieve Link's things and hobbled back towards the boy to arm him. Standing over him like a tower, the brute first secured Link's shield on his back and held out his bow for him to take.
"I trust you with this task, kid."
Link nodded - estranged by the stranger's devotion and walked with him towards the entourage. As he left, Leekah caught the edge of his tunic, "Remember Link - invite her to lunch."
Shyly, he nodded. Once, he turned to thank the farmers, letting an awkward hand fly. They returned it, waving with giddy smiles.
"You farmers want lunch too?" Link heard behind him - then all other conversations disappated. For, he was approaching the Princess, only getting out a less than audible, "H-Hello."
She gave a weak smile just before gesturing to the stable. Already was Link's bay mare looking their way - nodding her large, brawny head. The girl whinnied, easing Link as he let out his breath - again, he had been holding it. Minding the Princess, Link walked with her in silence while the Sheikah guards filed in around them and guided them up the glen and over the small bridge. Only when they crossed beneath the cover of the stable roof did Princess Zelda speak to them, "This is fine - thank you."
"We will be guarding the circumference, Your Highness." Bowed a guard. "The Elder doesn't want you without assistance."
Princess Zelda nodded - solemnly waving them off. And as they left, she watched them with an uneasy expression. Box was the last to turn his back, and as he did, she let her tightly pulled mouth fall into a dismal frown.
"Please forgive my imposing." She whispered, maintaining that Queenly tone. All Link could see was her mouth beneath the shade of her hat. "Believe it or not, this is the least dangerous idea I have had since waking up last night. One who has burdened everyone should consider running to the hills and vanishing, but that would not honor the deeds you all have done on behalf of me."
Link faltered, searching for validity in those shaded eyes - running away? She couldn't mean that, could she?
She looked lost in the Kakarikan distance, "I suppose I couldn't last out there, could I?"
Mouth buckling, he searched the silence for a chance to speak, but all he could think about was Leekah, instructing him to care for the Princess as if she was family. Soon he found himself nearing, "How is your head?"
"Fine." She mused like a solemn song, looking all around the glen before flickering her gaze against her feet, "I did not crush you, did I? I hoped my fainting did not cause any unnecessary stress."
Link shook his head until he remembered that she was facing the other way. "No," he pushed himself to say.
Just then, Link's mare interrupted with an anxious nicker, eyeing the Princess's bag of carrots in her hand. Caught off guard, the Princess spun towards them and met the horse with a startled gaze. Slowly, she took down her hat - as if she were meeting higher royalty.
Her hair fell into a braid - those green eyes were swollen, sinking Link like a ship.
"Link." She flicked her gaze between him and the horse, "Can I tell you a secret."
He nodded.
"Well," her Queenly tone broke, "I've never been good with horses."
Link cocked his head - didn't expect that.
"A fun fact about the past," She went on, shuddering, "You used to give me advice for handling my own steed. But, I see now that you're looking at me as if you didn't know this, which is fine, I suppose, I just -."
"Is it?" The words fell out of Link's mouth.
"Is what?"
He froze, but answered decidedly, "It's fine if I don't remember?"
Her eyes widened, surprised he even asked - perhaps it was surprising. Mouth quivering, she went on, "Of course - well, at least I can tell you my secret now and save myself the embarrassment of you finding out. A hundred years ago, I said some very unkind things to my own horse - I think you heard, though now we will never know." She held her chin as if in deep thought.
Still, she went on, "Between you and I - well, I am surprised your steed here didn't throw me when I took your reins that first day. As I have said, I have never been good with horses."
Feeling too raw to inquire more, Link gestured to the carrot in her hand, "D-Do you want to feed her?"
A painful look in her eye glinted.
"You don't have to."
"No - it's fine." She pulled out a second handful from the bag, "I just don't want to upset her."
"You won't."
She gave a half-smile. The horse nodded her on as she approached. The Princess held the carrot correctly - laying her hand was flat, yet it shook. Still, she let the steed's large nose burrow into her palm. The horse took the carrot with pleasure and withdrew her head to chew while the Princess took a cautious step back. Though nervous with high shoulders, Her Highness let out a contagious, wild smile - Link stood composed, fearful of letting himself smile too.
She nodded his way, "She's pretty."
Link nodded back.
"And it just occurred to me that I do not know her name."
Link faltered, looking at his feet - could he tell her the truth?
"May I ask her name?"
"I," he started, shyly, " I don't name them."
"You don't name them? How come?"
Link held his silence, hoping it would speak for him, but the Princess didn't seem satisfied. Suddenly, he felt her fingers wrap around his - a tingling feeling, electrifying his whole hand as she placed a carrot in his palm. She took a step back, "Why not?"
Letting the feelings flutter out, Link composed himself and held up the carrot in gratitude - a nervous nod. Turning to his horse, he then lost himself in all the graves he had to dig over the last year and a half. So he approached his mare solemnly and fed her the carrot. Only after she had taken the treat did he feel okay speaking, "I just end up liking them too much."
"The horses."
Link nodded soberly.
"Have you lost some?" She said - her voice too empathic.
Slowly, he let himself nod.
Moved, the Princess handed him another carrot - silently, he took it, broke it in half, and gave one end to the mare who happily munched and munched before stealing the other. He patted her nose.
"I can tell that they like you a lot too - especially this one."
Link offered a weak smile - letting the silence settle in.
"I won't make you name her, Link," he heard behind him. "But I think she's deserving of the best name - she was so helpful getting you to safety."
Link looked her way, again seeing her bleary eyes. The vulnerability softened him - and if she persisted, he'd be just as heartsick.
"I can't think of a fitting name." He broke.
"I think I have one!"
He cocked his head.
"Epona." She said - all too quickly.
Link gave her a knowing look as the mare bopped his shoulder.
"Ah, so you know that name? I can see it in that look - you know Hyrulean Lore, don't you?"
"I don't think horses reincarnate, Your Highness."
"Untrue, Link." She held out a finger. Again her tone turned Queenly, but mirth brightened it, "If you must call me Your Highness, then I must assert my dominance and tell you that my goddess insights are telling that this horse - this very mare you have here - has the soul of the Legendary Steed of Time."
Link let out an untimely laugh - shocking himself. Amused, he stepped aside for the Princess to have her way.
"Sure, she is a lot darker than her processor, but Princess Zelda was once brunette, so I think that pardon's her case as well."
Smug, the Princess plucked another carrot from the bag and cautiously approached, holding the carrot up to the Almighty Horse of Time.
"A-Are horses your favorite?" She shyly looked over.
"Favorite?"
"As in - your favorite animal?"
He paused - actualizing the question.
"I'm sorry I never asked way back when. There wasn't much time to really ask trivial things," Said she, pulling on the edge of her braid, "But I'd like to know."
Link held his breath - her sincerity had him swimming. Drowning, he paused to think about the question. Not only had no one ever really asked, but he also never afforded the time to ask himself. Quickly, he thought through all the animals he had seen up until now, and none of them made him feel the way horses did.
"Horses," he decided, "I think they are my favorite."
She nodded - a timid smile rising. The horse's head bumping her way into the bag then surprised her, but she held fast.
Stirring, the urge to ask her the same question possessed him. He went out on a limb, hoping it was okay, "A-And yours, Princess?"
She frowned - scaring Link.
"S-Sorry."
"No! I just lack a good answer!"
"Oh."
"Will I become more dislikable by saying I don't love animals?"
Again, Link cocked his head, taking her too seriously, "No, Princess - "
"Well, wait, let me clarify! - I just never really had any experience with them."
"Oh." He teetered, searching himself with a follow-up question.
"But, you know!" She exclaimed, sounding so much more like a girl than a Queen, "Let me take all that back! I really like frogs - especially when the scientists would bring them into the lab."
He cocked his head - really? Frogs?
She let her tone grow serious, "They'll never throw me to the ground, bite my shoulders in front of courtiers, or spook at a lizard crossing a path." She then set down the bag of carrots and held up her two palms to do some sort of demonstration - Link took a step back, feeling frightningly amused, "Frogs, however, I can catch and hold in my hand."
"You like to catch frogs?"
"Yes, Link - Her Highness catches frogs," said she in some sort of sing-song tone, "And if anyone teases me about it, I shall make them eat one. Perhaps that will jog your memory of our time in the meadows."
"I? Ate a frog?"
"No, you protested, and I took pity."
Link opened his mouth to ask a hundred more questions (just about that exact day!), but the swirling thoughts grew overwhelming. He looked away, wishing himself the ability to impose.
She must have noticed, "What is it, Link?"
"Nothing."
"It looks like something."
"No, it's just - "
"Just what?"
He pinned his eyes on his feet and let out his words, "I have so many questions. But, I don't want to impose."
He let the silence in for a moment.
"I know that feeling." She finally said.
He nodded - hoping that would be enough as a response.
"Link?'
He looked up from his feet.
"Well," she faltered, "I have a proposition for you."
He froze, waiting for her to continue.
She bundled up the carrot bag and held it to her chest, "I'm terribly nervous to ask it - practically shaking. Here I am inquiring about favorite animals when that is not what I planned to talk to you about."
Empathetically nervous, he took the carrot bag from her grip, hoping to relieve her from its weight.
"Oh," she released it, "T-Thank you."
He nodded her on.
"Y-Yes - what I have to talk to you about is - well, before I tell you, let me just say that it would give me a whole lot of peace if you delayed giving me an answer. At least until a day's time, especially with the festival tonight where people should be merry and carefree."
"As you know," she then held herself, looking up the ceiling of the shelter, eyes shaking, "I am the cursed Princess of Hyrule. And everywhere I go, there is destruction and unrest - "
Link opened his mouth to say something, but she interrupted.
She shot up one finger, "Please, Link, I wish not to be defended in that way - I am beyond defending after the rape of Castletown, the slaughter of the old world, and the burning inn. Hylia, I wish fainting yesterday had raptured my memories too!" She paused, scrunched her eyes closed, and let in a quaky breath. "Watching those bombs combust yesterday, Link - with you inside the tent..."
"P-Princess Zelda."
"I apologize, Link - I promised myself I would not dump on you like this."
He shook his head - wanting to let her know that it was okay.
"Let me go on with my point."
He nodded.
"I'm grateful for the help of all these Hylian men, women, and families, but one can assume that these people cannot protect Kakariko forever. And I worry that if I don't leave soon," she breathed, tears threatening to spill, "I'll see my favorite place in all of Hyrule burn to the ground on account of me."
She slammed her hand against her mouth and stifled a sob.
"Princess."
She scrunched her tearful eyes, holding up one finger.
Link obeyed it, only speaking when she sucked in another breath, "These people, Princess - they seem so happy to be here with you."
The Princess spun out into the glen longingly - a wash of emotions falling over her. "What I'm looking for is a place like Hateno. People say it's a fortress with high walls, devoid of Yiga and thieves. Impa tells me that even Purah is there with a lab - can you believe that?"
"I-I have a house there." Link added.
"You do?" She turned. "I think I knew this."
Link opened his mouth to ask how, but she read him and answered.
"How do I know that?" She pondered, wiping her eye, "I felt like I was half asleep for a century. Some things feel like a dream. I loosely feel you purchasing it - was that in your first year?"
"In the second year." He gulped - so his suspicions were correct. She had seen some of his journey.
"Well," she noted, "Regardless of that, I must ask you something - oh please pardon my straight-forwardness, but I worry if I don't ask now, then I'll never ask and see this valley's fate with fire." She took a deep breath in and looked up with those magical green eyes, "I'm looking to hire you. And let me put an emphasis on the word, 'hire' - and overstate that this job is completely optional. Indeed, this job is not from destiny, and no King from a doomed Kingdom is asking you to do it."
Link stood frozen, just catching words as they came - Hire? The Princess wants to hire him?
"But of course," She went on, averting her eyes, "I cannot pay you until I gain some assets, so let me be the first to mention that it's not a great deal. But, I assume my name as the Former Princess of Hyrule - no matter how cursed - will win me attention and perhaps monetary resources, which I will gladly give to you - with interest!"
Interest? - Link didn't know the phrase.
"All that I ask is that you escort me to Hateno and help me settle there."
"And Link," She paused, letting herself breath as a breeze wafted through, stringing along the loose hairs of her braid. "I'm sure I can answer any question you have."
Melting, he nodded.
"Just let put emphasis on how optionality this job is." Hurriedly, she reached into her coat pocket and withdrew a rolled up piece of paper and handed it to him, "I know this is too formal, but I do not know any other way of doing this, and I could not sleep last night - so here, I drafted up a contract - do not let it intimidate you, but I wrote it, so you will know exactly what is needed. And if you consent, I do not want you to worry about anything more than what is written."
Link opened the scroll like it was treasure and found one short little paragraph written with exceptional handwriting.
"And of course!" She added, "You can throw it away or give it back to me if you decide against it. You've certainly done far too much, and the last thing I ever want is to make you feel - " paused she, searching his eyes, "like you have to do anything else."
Moved, Link already knew his answer - he fixated himself on the dotted line where one would sign. For, the Legendary Princess wanted to hire him, and from her, he could learn so much about the past. A year and a half had he been wandering endlessly between huge questions - no answers upon the horizon until now.
He was seconds from telling her so, but once again, she held up a finger, interrupting him.
"Think on it!" She huffed, "For a day or two - even a week if you need it."
"Princess - "
"My biggest regret to you and the champions was not being a better friend, so I implore you to take time to think about it."
All Link could do was nod.
"Okay!" She composed herself, turning away from him, "I am hungry and should probably return to Impa."
Leekah's prompting had Link nervous. This was the time to invite her to lunch, wasn't it? He neared, ready to ask.
"Not a word, Link!" She interrupted once again - frantically, she waved for a guard. "And do consider the wound in your side, the slight burns on your arms, and the smell of vomit on your clothes! - no, I won't be offended if you turn me down."
A guard spotting her, she quickly tied her hat back onto her head, grabbed the bag of carrots, and strided out to him, leaving Link in her dust.
Link found himself following. "Princess, there's a - "
"No! I will not accept any decision, Link!" She warned before stopping all together. She spun around back to him - causing him to violently halt. He teetered back, giving her the space to pluck three carrots out from her bag, "U-Um, sorry, for now please rest and give these to your horse - Epona, if you will." Fumbling, she dropped the third carrot and cussed.
Link hurried to get it for her.
"I-I apologize." She said, taking it back. "L-Let me get her a new one." Out came another carrot, forcibly shoved into his free hand - then the Princess swerved off, joining the guard by the mouth of the bridge.
Awkwardly, Link watched her leave with both his hands full - a grasp of carrots in one hand; that contract in the other. Something tingled inside; his stomach flipped - though with a controlled breath, he let out the emotion and focused on what he knew best. Though impaired, he scanned the perimeter while the guards gathered in around her.
But, he himself was not yet safe - as soon as they gathered around her at the mouth of the bridge, she spun back around and opened her mouth as if to yell out something to him. But, stern judgement hushed her expression. Anxiously yanking on the end of her braid, she looked left and right before running back to him.
He shook - nervous and ready to hear whatever she had to say.
"Sorry - but, I wanted to add something. Well, I have not told the Elder about this idea. I know you're not exactly the gossip type, but I'd appreciate you not telling her about this just yet. If you happen to agree to the job, then we will seek her advice on plans, but let's not think about that now, yes?"
"Y-Yes." Was all he could say.
"Okay." She nodded, feet twisting. "I shall be off now."
"Thank you, Your Highness." He projected after her - his tone sincere.
A look of startled surprise struck him.
Yet, he hadn't the time to correct himself - she preferred to be called Princess Zelda, didn't she?
She gave an anxious nod - a slight smile rising before she turned away all together. Like ancient clockwork, she met with the entourage, they filed out of the stable grounds, and escorted her down the glen to the Elder's house.
Finally safe, all Link could do was gawk down at the contract in his hand. Had anyone seen him or heard their conversation? He checked his surroundings - no one was nearby, which was fine, but electrifying in retrospect. To simmer down, he paced back to his horse and fed her the carrots. Only when she was done could he unfurl the contract again.
He read the first line and buckled his mouth.
"I, Princess Zelda of Hyrule, personally seek the employment of Sir Link of Former Castletown."
Three times he read it to himself.
A shy smile escaped - followed by an immediate frown, Leekah will be cross with him for not inviting the Princess to lunch.
More A/N:
1. Link and Zelda really haven't talked in all nine prior chapters, so I will celebrate this chapter as the first actual conversation between the two! More conversations to come!
2. Zelda's discomfort around horses is purely me projecting. I grew up around horses, I like horses, I ride horses - but horses don't always like me. And although that makes me blue. I've sought a horse-riding friend for advice on why - she says I'm too meek and controlling... So thanks friend - *kicks self* Anyway, it sweetens the blow to know that one of the coolest Princesses may struggle with that same issue.