See earlier chapter for disclaimer.
Of Wind and Forest
It didn't get any better, despite Talim's constant presence Link's seasickness didn't get any better. He still could not hold down more than one meal a day and still could not sleep well. Since the dream or memory had occurred he had not felt any better, he wondered why the dream had occurred and what its meaning was. He was confused and scared as he had ever been.
However his fears seemed to disappear every time he looked into brown eyes. Talim's presence had been a constant comfort to him. Again she took care of him, comforted him. Link somehow longed for the simpler days when they were with Talim's people, of course he did not like the persecution that they had given him. Still he wanted more than anything for the quest to be over, he didn't care if someone else destroyed the Soul Edge, just as long as it was gone it was all the same to him. Either way his people would benefit.
Link could not bring himself to think about what would happen afterwards, he was too afraid. Every time he thought about the battle with the Soul Edge he saw himself dying or being taken by the blade or worse. It was another reason why he could not get a decent night's sleep. Link had seen a fraction of the blade nearly destroy his world and it took all of his strength to defeat it. What would the whole blade do? Could he defeat it? For some reason the more he thought about it the more his stomach hurt.
Talim worried about Link, he would often stare out into space. Now that she had finally gotten him to leave his room and on the deck all he would do was lean over the side railing like he was now. Link talked even less than before, he was as distant as before. She wanted him to say something, anything at all, just as long as he didn't stay so distant.
Link tried to think about his travel rout, but something about crossing a sea called the Dead Sea did not alleviate his anxiety. In Hyrule such places as a Dead Sea or a Temple of the Dead were normally named to keep travelers out. At least they would stop for a while to re-supply before entering such a place.
She wanted to be closer to him, for him to know that she cared. Talim was beyond frustrated with the way things were going. Link had been distant, aloof and a constant mystery throughout the whole journey. It wasn't like taking two steps forward and one step back anymore, now it was more like taking a step forward and staying there for far too long before even considering taking another in either direction. Things had been moving in a way that she neither liked nor expected, but she herself had been as much to blame as he. Talim never made the first move and after over a month with this strange man she had finally realized it.
Link was grateful for one thing, travel through space and time was a lot different than traveling the seas otherwise he probably never would have made it was the Hero of Time. He was also glad that it had been about three days since he had vomited, not one to willingly tempt fate he had not eaten very much. Lately all he felt was the constant churning in his stomach.
"Link," Talim's voice from his side seemed to be even more timid than usual lately.
"What?" he managed in a polite voice. Maybe his seasickness had subsided, "What's wrong?" he said as he turned to look at her.
"I'm okay," she tried to confirm in a lighter voice, "it's just..." but try as she might Talim could not forget her realization. Link stepped away from the railing and in doing so drew himself to his full height. He was always taller than her, but now he just seemed that much further away.
"Is there something on your mind?" No matter how aloof or distant he had been his eyes never lied. Many times however, they had been a mystery. Link's eyes, like a blade tempered in pain and perseverance, always pierced her heart. Now when she wanted to be angry, sad, mad or all the above she could do nothing, just allow that piercing blue to ensnare her.
"I just," she started, faltering, "I wanted-" Talim's eyes shimmered with held back tears. Link sensing this moved to embrace her. "I'm sorry." Saying this Talim ran as fast as she could away from the Hylian, she didn't know what to do, so her flight instincts took effect.
For a long time Link stood there, looking at the door that Talim ran through. He could not fathom what had just transpired. Why did Talim react the way she did? Why did she run away from him? What was she thinking? Link could not answer these and countless other questions, he just stood there, fighting back his own tears.
_____________________________
"So we're agreed on the amount?" The woman asked Maxi. She was grateful that he was traveling at least a part of the way to Germany, now she might be able to catch up to the wayward youth that she sought.
"Yeah," he smiled at the woman, "so be at the Fukushu no Fune by nightfall. My other passengers are in about as much of a rush as you are so we'll not be staying here long."
"That's just fine with me." The woman smiled at the Mariner and set out in her own direction. She would be sure to catch up to the small ship before nightfall.
_____________________________
Fortunately for Link, Maxi was a very understanding person, he had not panicked or attacked when he learned something of what Link was. Maxi accepted him as a paying customer if nothing else, he understood the boy's need to keep himself hidden from others. Unfortunately for him this was what prompt him to tell Link not to leave the ship. At least the waters around this port weren't very active.
Link spent most of the time at the port asleep, at least here he could sleep without being rocked back and forth, but they had left port some time ago and now his sleeping wasn't as pleasant. His senses kicked in and woke him immediately as soon as his door opened however. Knowing that it could be only one of two people, Link relaxed a little. It could only be either the medic that Maxi had on his ship, the one who treated him for his dehydration or Talim.
Whoever it was Link decided that he would just go back to sleep. The medic usual just looked in and left, but if it was her...
"I guess this will have to do," an unfamiliar female voice spoke, "you get what you pay for I suppose." Shear curiosity over took Link as he sat up from his bed to look at the trespasser. Her skinned was a light sun kissed hue, her hair and eyes were of the same brown color and she wore red gold adorned bandana, but what was most amazing about her was her clothing, or lack there of. Her thighs and midriff were all exposed proudly with a red and gold decorated skirt, her arms were adorned with fingerless gauntlets and her left wore what looked like a ring around her bicep. Her shirt, if it could even be called that, was nothing more than a red and brown garment made for what appeared to be support.
All this might have awakened a different instinct in Link had he not seen the odd spear that the woman carried with her. Silently cursing himself for not having the Master Sword kept closer to him, Link tried to formulate some kind of defense plan.
"Oh," the woman said as she spotted the Hylian ears and all, "who are you and why are you in my room?" If she did notice the ears she did not seem to care about them.
"That's my question," Link said confused, "what are you doing here?"
"That's quite rude of you to be in a lady's room and not introduce yourself." The warrior woman said as she crossed her arms just under her chest.
Link was standing now, wearing everything but his hat, "But you didn't-"
"My my," the woman sighed, "you really should be more aware of yourself." She was starting to anger the Hylian now, "I suggest that you get to your own bed now because nice lady Mina needs to be alone now." Now she was talking to him like he was a child.
"There must be some kind of mistake here," Link said trying not to sound angry, "this is my room just ask the captain."
"This was your room," Mina said as she began to gather Link's things, "but it's mine now." saying that she threw his sword, sword belt and shield into the hallway. "Now," she said as she put her two hands behind Link and started to shove him out as well, "you need to leave."
"Just a minute now," Link said as he turned around and grabbed Mina's bare arms, "what do you think your doing?"
"Are you sure you want to try me," Mina said as she looked into his eyes, "especially when there's company?" Motioning with her eyes Mina directed Link to a familiar presence, a familiar scent. Standing in the doorway was Talim, her face held too many emotions for him to recognize any.
"Talim," as Link said that name the events of earlier that day played out in his mind, but before he could say more than her name she ran off again.
Forgetting everything else Link ran. He did not care about the strange woman that had taken his quarters, nor did he care about the churning in his stomach, he had to catch up to her. There weren't many places on the Fukushu no Fune to run to, the size of the ship saw to that. When Link found Talim she was at the bow of the ship looking of into the sea.
"Go away," Talim said as Link was about to place his hand on her shoulder, "just leave me alone." He had never heard her so bitter. Talim's sweet, musical voice had gone sour. She didn't sound like the caring girl that he had come to know, she was different now.
Ignoring her words Link placed his hand on her shoulder anyway. "I said just go away," she said louder this time, "why are you doing this to me? Why are you hurting me?" At this the hand left her shoulder, "I wanted to be with you, to be by your side, but you just keep pushing me away. You don't talk, you don't even notice me sometimes, do you even care?" Talim almost yelled the last.
"Everyday I see this rift growing between us," Talim fought for control, she was determined to say her piece even if he wasn't listening anymore, "it scares me. Sometimes at night I dream that you are far away, that you forgot your promise. I can feel you leaving me and I don't want that, but I also don't want to be with you just when it's convenient."
"I understand," Link said solemnly, "what do you want, Talim? Whatever it is I'll abide by it." Link did understand, he had been traveling with Talim for a long time but in that time he would go days without saying a word. This went far beyond his being used to traveling alone, this was a crime. Truly if this was his punishment for his deeds it was too much. Talim's light had been all that kept him going, had been something to look forward to when everything was over.
Yet if it was he that vanquished her light he could never forgive himself. Link missed the gentle caring Talim that would brighten any room and make his deepest fears go away. He wanted back the girl that had saved his life and fought to protect him more than anything. He would have gladly given up his very soul to have her back.
"I want," she continued, never looking at him, "I want you to talk to me, I want to know what you want, I want you to tell me how you feel."
Link felt the weight of those words, but at the same time he felt that he needed to ask himself that same thing, what did he want? He wanted to stop her pain. How did he feel was a different question. At first coming to this world had seemed like any other adventure that he had undertaken. Yes the consequences were different, but Link had always been prepared for that. In his travels he had made many friends, but none of them went very far with him. Talim had been by his side since he had awakened in this world. Somewhere along the line she became his world. Talim was his light, his hope.
He wanted something to blame, something to place his anger on. He had been responsible for doing this to her, his Wind Shaman. He could do not but curse himself; it was his fault and no one else's.
"I want to apologize," Link said looking at the ships deck, "I never meant to hurt you but I did. I wanted to protect you, even if you don't need me for that. I can see the smile in your heart going away, I can see the light in your eyes fading and that's what I love the most about you, but in the end I'm the one that's taking it away. I don't expect your forgiveness for that; I know that I can't forgive myself." With that the Hero of Time walked away.
_____________________________
It wasn't long after then that Link found himself picking up his belongings just outside of what was once his quarters. He silently cursed whoever it was that had given him his luck. There weren't any other open rooms on the boat and there was no place for him to sleep. Link figured that he would just have to sleep under the stars that night. When Link had finished putting his hat on he felt her, the sent of grass and the gentle air about him proved that.
"Did you mean what you said," Talim spoke fearfully, "before when you said- what you said?"
"Every word." Link said as he closed his eyes and turned around, "I'll say it as many times as I have to, even if you never want to see me again, I'll say it and feel it until time stops."
Opening his eyes Link looked at her as he had for the first time, taking in all that she was and committing her to memory. If Link had lived to be a thousand years he would not forget her as she stood then, her brown eyes were full of hope and light. It was a flicker of it's former self, but even as a tiny spark can become a great fire her light could grow and flourish once more.
"Do you want me to tell you again?" Link's voice cracked as he whispered to her. Talim would not speak, but to tell him what she wanted she nodded. "I love you Talim." Link didn't say much else after that. Not when Talim decided to make his mouth busy with other things.
At first Link was surprised by this, Talim was always so reserved when it came to things like this. Which was ironic when Link thought about the time she had tried to change right in front of him. That surprise faded as soon as it came, now all he could think of was returning the affections as he kissed Talim back.
They would sleep together again that night, just as they did before. This time however there would be no hesitation from either of them.
-To Be Continued
Sorry about taking so long, apparenetly the week in which this chapter was finished was even more messed up than the last. I know it's not much but please forgive me for the VERY late update, but I seem to be easily loosing track of time a whole lot lately.
Ryuhiko@hotmail.com
Of Wind and Forest
It didn't get any better, despite Talim's constant presence Link's seasickness didn't get any better. He still could not hold down more than one meal a day and still could not sleep well. Since the dream or memory had occurred he had not felt any better, he wondered why the dream had occurred and what its meaning was. He was confused and scared as he had ever been.
However his fears seemed to disappear every time he looked into brown eyes. Talim's presence had been a constant comfort to him. Again she took care of him, comforted him. Link somehow longed for the simpler days when they were with Talim's people, of course he did not like the persecution that they had given him. Still he wanted more than anything for the quest to be over, he didn't care if someone else destroyed the Soul Edge, just as long as it was gone it was all the same to him. Either way his people would benefit.
Link could not bring himself to think about what would happen afterwards, he was too afraid. Every time he thought about the battle with the Soul Edge he saw himself dying or being taken by the blade or worse. It was another reason why he could not get a decent night's sleep. Link had seen a fraction of the blade nearly destroy his world and it took all of his strength to defeat it. What would the whole blade do? Could he defeat it? For some reason the more he thought about it the more his stomach hurt.
Talim worried about Link, he would often stare out into space. Now that she had finally gotten him to leave his room and on the deck all he would do was lean over the side railing like he was now. Link talked even less than before, he was as distant as before. She wanted him to say something, anything at all, just as long as he didn't stay so distant.
Link tried to think about his travel rout, but something about crossing a sea called the Dead Sea did not alleviate his anxiety. In Hyrule such places as a Dead Sea or a Temple of the Dead were normally named to keep travelers out. At least they would stop for a while to re-supply before entering such a place.
She wanted to be closer to him, for him to know that she cared. Talim was beyond frustrated with the way things were going. Link had been distant, aloof and a constant mystery throughout the whole journey. It wasn't like taking two steps forward and one step back anymore, now it was more like taking a step forward and staying there for far too long before even considering taking another in either direction. Things had been moving in a way that she neither liked nor expected, but she herself had been as much to blame as he. Talim never made the first move and after over a month with this strange man she had finally realized it.
Link was grateful for one thing, travel through space and time was a lot different than traveling the seas otherwise he probably never would have made it was the Hero of Time. He was also glad that it had been about three days since he had vomited, not one to willingly tempt fate he had not eaten very much. Lately all he felt was the constant churning in his stomach.
"Link," Talim's voice from his side seemed to be even more timid than usual lately.
"What?" he managed in a polite voice. Maybe his seasickness had subsided, "What's wrong?" he said as he turned to look at her.
"I'm okay," she tried to confirm in a lighter voice, "it's just..." but try as she might Talim could not forget her realization. Link stepped away from the railing and in doing so drew himself to his full height. He was always taller than her, but now he just seemed that much further away.
"Is there something on your mind?" No matter how aloof or distant he had been his eyes never lied. Many times however, they had been a mystery. Link's eyes, like a blade tempered in pain and perseverance, always pierced her heart. Now when she wanted to be angry, sad, mad or all the above she could do nothing, just allow that piercing blue to ensnare her.
"I just," she started, faltering, "I wanted-" Talim's eyes shimmered with held back tears. Link sensing this moved to embrace her. "I'm sorry." Saying this Talim ran as fast as she could away from the Hylian, she didn't know what to do, so her flight instincts took effect.
For a long time Link stood there, looking at the door that Talim ran through. He could not fathom what had just transpired. Why did Talim react the way she did? Why did she run away from him? What was she thinking? Link could not answer these and countless other questions, he just stood there, fighting back his own tears.
_____________________________
"So we're agreed on the amount?" The woman asked Maxi. She was grateful that he was traveling at least a part of the way to Germany, now she might be able to catch up to the wayward youth that she sought.
"Yeah," he smiled at the woman, "so be at the Fukushu no Fune by nightfall. My other passengers are in about as much of a rush as you are so we'll not be staying here long."
"That's just fine with me." The woman smiled at the Mariner and set out in her own direction. She would be sure to catch up to the small ship before nightfall.
_____________________________
Fortunately for Link, Maxi was a very understanding person, he had not panicked or attacked when he learned something of what Link was. Maxi accepted him as a paying customer if nothing else, he understood the boy's need to keep himself hidden from others. Unfortunately for him this was what prompt him to tell Link not to leave the ship. At least the waters around this port weren't very active.
Link spent most of the time at the port asleep, at least here he could sleep without being rocked back and forth, but they had left port some time ago and now his sleeping wasn't as pleasant. His senses kicked in and woke him immediately as soon as his door opened however. Knowing that it could be only one of two people, Link relaxed a little. It could only be either the medic that Maxi had on his ship, the one who treated him for his dehydration or Talim.
Whoever it was Link decided that he would just go back to sleep. The medic usual just looked in and left, but if it was her...
"I guess this will have to do," an unfamiliar female voice spoke, "you get what you pay for I suppose." Shear curiosity over took Link as he sat up from his bed to look at the trespasser. Her skinned was a light sun kissed hue, her hair and eyes were of the same brown color and she wore red gold adorned bandana, but what was most amazing about her was her clothing, or lack there of. Her thighs and midriff were all exposed proudly with a red and gold decorated skirt, her arms were adorned with fingerless gauntlets and her left wore what looked like a ring around her bicep. Her shirt, if it could even be called that, was nothing more than a red and brown garment made for what appeared to be support.
All this might have awakened a different instinct in Link had he not seen the odd spear that the woman carried with her. Silently cursing himself for not having the Master Sword kept closer to him, Link tried to formulate some kind of defense plan.
"Oh," the woman said as she spotted the Hylian ears and all, "who are you and why are you in my room?" If she did notice the ears she did not seem to care about them.
"That's my question," Link said confused, "what are you doing here?"
"That's quite rude of you to be in a lady's room and not introduce yourself." The warrior woman said as she crossed her arms just under her chest.
Link was standing now, wearing everything but his hat, "But you didn't-"
"My my," the woman sighed, "you really should be more aware of yourself." She was starting to anger the Hylian now, "I suggest that you get to your own bed now because nice lady Mina needs to be alone now." Now she was talking to him like he was a child.
"There must be some kind of mistake here," Link said trying not to sound angry, "this is my room just ask the captain."
"This was your room," Mina said as she began to gather Link's things, "but it's mine now." saying that she threw his sword, sword belt and shield into the hallway. "Now," she said as she put her two hands behind Link and started to shove him out as well, "you need to leave."
"Just a minute now," Link said as he turned around and grabbed Mina's bare arms, "what do you think your doing?"
"Are you sure you want to try me," Mina said as she looked into his eyes, "especially when there's company?" Motioning with her eyes Mina directed Link to a familiar presence, a familiar scent. Standing in the doorway was Talim, her face held too many emotions for him to recognize any.
"Talim," as Link said that name the events of earlier that day played out in his mind, but before he could say more than her name she ran off again.
Forgetting everything else Link ran. He did not care about the strange woman that had taken his quarters, nor did he care about the churning in his stomach, he had to catch up to her. There weren't many places on the Fukushu no Fune to run to, the size of the ship saw to that. When Link found Talim she was at the bow of the ship looking of into the sea.
"Go away," Talim said as Link was about to place his hand on her shoulder, "just leave me alone." He had never heard her so bitter. Talim's sweet, musical voice had gone sour. She didn't sound like the caring girl that he had come to know, she was different now.
Ignoring her words Link placed his hand on her shoulder anyway. "I said just go away," she said louder this time, "why are you doing this to me? Why are you hurting me?" At this the hand left her shoulder, "I wanted to be with you, to be by your side, but you just keep pushing me away. You don't talk, you don't even notice me sometimes, do you even care?" Talim almost yelled the last.
"Everyday I see this rift growing between us," Talim fought for control, she was determined to say her piece even if he wasn't listening anymore, "it scares me. Sometimes at night I dream that you are far away, that you forgot your promise. I can feel you leaving me and I don't want that, but I also don't want to be with you just when it's convenient."
"I understand," Link said solemnly, "what do you want, Talim? Whatever it is I'll abide by it." Link did understand, he had been traveling with Talim for a long time but in that time he would go days without saying a word. This went far beyond his being used to traveling alone, this was a crime. Truly if this was his punishment for his deeds it was too much. Talim's light had been all that kept him going, had been something to look forward to when everything was over.
Yet if it was he that vanquished her light he could never forgive himself. Link missed the gentle caring Talim that would brighten any room and make his deepest fears go away. He wanted back the girl that had saved his life and fought to protect him more than anything. He would have gladly given up his very soul to have her back.
"I want," she continued, never looking at him, "I want you to talk to me, I want to know what you want, I want you to tell me how you feel."
Link felt the weight of those words, but at the same time he felt that he needed to ask himself that same thing, what did he want? He wanted to stop her pain. How did he feel was a different question. At first coming to this world had seemed like any other adventure that he had undertaken. Yes the consequences were different, but Link had always been prepared for that. In his travels he had made many friends, but none of them went very far with him. Talim had been by his side since he had awakened in this world. Somewhere along the line she became his world. Talim was his light, his hope.
He wanted something to blame, something to place his anger on. He had been responsible for doing this to her, his Wind Shaman. He could do not but curse himself; it was his fault and no one else's.
"I want to apologize," Link said looking at the ships deck, "I never meant to hurt you but I did. I wanted to protect you, even if you don't need me for that. I can see the smile in your heart going away, I can see the light in your eyes fading and that's what I love the most about you, but in the end I'm the one that's taking it away. I don't expect your forgiveness for that; I know that I can't forgive myself." With that the Hero of Time walked away.
_____________________________
It wasn't long after then that Link found himself picking up his belongings just outside of what was once his quarters. He silently cursed whoever it was that had given him his luck. There weren't any other open rooms on the boat and there was no place for him to sleep. Link figured that he would just have to sleep under the stars that night. When Link had finished putting his hat on he felt her, the sent of grass and the gentle air about him proved that.
"Did you mean what you said," Talim spoke fearfully, "before when you said- what you said?"
"Every word." Link said as he closed his eyes and turned around, "I'll say it as many times as I have to, even if you never want to see me again, I'll say it and feel it until time stops."
Opening his eyes Link looked at her as he had for the first time, taking in all that she was and committing her to memory. If Link had lived to be a thousand years he would not forget her as she stood then, her brown eyes were full of hope and light. It was a flicker of it's former self, but even as a tiny spark can become a great fire her light could grow and flourish once more.
"Do you want me to tell you again?" Link's voice cracked as he whispered to her. Talim would not speak, but to tell him what she wanted she nodded. "I love you Talim." Link didn't say much else after that. Not when Talim decided to make his mouth busy with other things.
At first Link was surprised by this, Talim was always so reserved when it came to things like this. Which was ironic when Link thought about the time she had tried to change right in front of him. That surprise faded as soon as it came, now all he could think of was returning the affections as he kissed Talim back.
They would sleep together again that night, just as they did before. This time however there would be no hesitation from either of them.
-To Be Continued
Sorry about taking so long, apparenetly the week in which this chapter was finished was even more messed up than the last. I know it's not much but please forgive me for the VERY late update, but I seem to be easily loosing track of time a whole lot lately.
Ryuhiko@hotmail.com