The two had returned to the castle two days ago, Zelda had relayed her progress with the Rito, they seemed very accepting of her to her delight. Her Father was happy with that and made no effort to revoke his previous instruction to her. As long as she was making a good reputation of herself, he was proud. Today though they planned on heading to Goron City, however Zelda had wanted to take a detour to Lake Kolomo, she and her mother had walked along its edge many times when she was younger, she always looked back at that fondly. However this particular trip wasn't all that enjoyable, she could physically feel her Knight's gaze piercing her back sharply. He had barely uttered a word to her since they spoke in Rito village, her mind was constantly wondering what exactly he was thinking, she knew that he thought a lot, his eyes were always lost in thought whenever she glanced at him. She sighed softly before beginning to think out loud, keeping her eyes on the Sheikah Slate.
"From here we'll make our way to Goron City. Then, we'll need some adjustment on that Divine Beast so Daruk can manage it as easily as possible, he's figured out how to get it to move.. However, it's apparent that we still have much more to learn." He was listening, she could feel it. It was so unsettling! Was he just going to remain silent? She needed to get him to say something.. anything. "But to think, that Divine Beast was actually built by people.. that means we should be able to understand how it works and how to use it to our advantage. These Divine Beasts.." 'Please.. just speak!' "So much we don't know.. But if we want to turn back the Calamity Ganon, they're our best hope." She paused, slowing down to a stop and lowering the Sheikah Slate. "Tell me the truth.." 'This is sure to get a response..' "How proficient are you right now, wielding that sword on your back? Legend says that an ancient voice resonates inside it. Can you hear it yet.. Hero?" She turned her head slightly to look at him over her shoulder. Nothing.. he was silent as always. "Please, just tell me. Have you heard a voice from it? It is only legend but.. oh what's the point." She huffed before turning away from him again. She began walking, but did not hear his footsteps.
"I have not, Princess." His voice was smooth, but held a hint of worry, she wanted to hear it again. Perhaps he felt as though he was supposed to hear a voice. She turned around to face him. "What was it that you felt when you pulled that sword from its pedestal, was it pride? Was it acceptance? Success at achieving your goal?" She couldn't help herself from rambling. She so desperately longed to know what it felt like to actually do something right. "This was never my goal, what I felt is not a priority." He was extremely dismissive, she wanted to push him but that would do neither of them any good. "Very well then, let's keep moving.." She sighed before turning away for the final time and continuing to move.
--
Link was unsure of what Zelda's intentions were when she spoke about him and the sword he claimed, wondering what she meant about an ancient voice resonating inside of it. He was unsure of whether she was attempting to hurt or mock him, but something told him that that wasn't entirely her intention. She confused the living daylights out of him, one minute she hated him and the next she was trying to get him to speak. It wasn't that he wanted to remain silent, but he was afraid of saying the wrong thing, of showing his weakness, if she truly knew about how he felt about this then she would fully despise him. They'd been walking for hours now, Zelda chose not to bring their horses as she was struggling to tame her own. She was too rough with her mount, expecting him to follow her every command with ease and do exactly what she wanted. She needed a lesson on how to treat them properly he assumed. He figured a break from the horses was good though, stretching his legs was something he needed, and Epona certainly required a break after so much travel. She hadn't told him why she wished to Lake Kolomo, but it seemed important to her, as long as it didn't take long everything would be fine. The sun was setting now, the Princess had suggested staying at the Foothill stable for the night, to which Link agreed with a nod, they'd be able to head up to Goron City early the next day.
--
They were comfortably settled at the stable now. Zelda had her Sheikah Slate placed on the table next to her bed as she rummaged through her rucksack. She pulled out her nightgown, a royal blue robe made of silk, it was awfully comfortable. She lowered the curtains around her bed so she could change in private. A few minutes later her gown was on and her other clothing was packed into the bag. She slipped her bag under the bed before pulling the curtains away. She glanced over at Link for a moment, he had his back to her, who also seemed to have changed. She noted that he was only wearing some baggy shorts, his shirt was off, revealing his back which was littered with scars. She watched as his hands moved up to his hair, gently pulling away the blue ring which held it up. She watched his hair fall and flow down over his shoulders as it cascaded down his back. She felt her cheeks heat up somewhat as she looked at him still.
He turned around and she quickly looked away for a moment. 'Wow.. he is so devilishly handsome..' She felt her cheeks redden more. 'No, you can't think like that! He's your knight, Zelda. Quickly, find something about him that you don't like.' She glanced at him again, he was looking out towards the outside of the stable. She examined his face, trying to find any imperfection she could. 'Okay.. his eyes, his bright.. blue.. beautiful- no. His lips.. I wonder how they taste- oh dear goddesses! Why does he have to look so good?' She noted his eyes now looking at her. "I- would you.. give me a moment? I need some air.." She tried to hide her blush but she knew it wasn't working. As she looked into his eyes he seemed.. conflicted. She thought as much, he didn't want her outside, alone. "I'll just be a few minutes.. I won't go far." She added, her tone somewhat pleading. After a moment he sighed and placed his hand on the back of his head. "Of course, Princess." He responded, his voice calm and smooth as always. She quickly left the stable and went around the back of it, groaning softly as she buried her face in her hands as she slowly sat down. 'What in the name of Hylia just happened?' She spent a few moments just thinking about what had just occurred before walking back inside.
"Is everything okay, Princess?" He had asked the moment she walked in. He was wearing a shirt now, the one she'd made for him. Did he always sleep in it? She sighed softly before nodding. "Everything is fine." She replied sternly before her expression softened somewhat, along with her tone. "Thank you for your concern though.." She gave him a soft smile before walking over to her bed where her stuff lay. "Good night.. Hero." She pulled the curtains back down before burying her face in the pillow and falling asleep.