It was early in the morning when Link woke, his eyes adjusting to the light which poured into the stable. He sat up and stretched his arms out. No workers were present currently, and everyone else was asleep, so Link quickly changed his clothing and tied his hair up before fixing up the bed. He reached under for his scabbard and placed it on his back as it held the Master Sword. He glanced at Zelda who seemed to be peacefully sleeping, her hair was currently a mess which he knew she would make a fuss about upon waking up. However he thought she looked nice either way. Her peaceful look was quite appealing, Link wished she looked like that more often, she usually looked troubled or angered, he typically felt that that was his fault. He wasn't sure what he was doing wrong still, she hadn't given him a single hint. Nonetheless he continued on with his duty. Then he noticed her stir slightly as a cute noise escaped her mouth before she stretched out and yawned. He watched as her eyes opened, revealing her piercing green eyes, they looked tired still. He looked away before hearing a soft huff as she muttered something. 'And that's the hair complaints..' He thought, which made him smile somewhat. "Oh.. you're already up. I'll get ready now." Her voice broke the silence, her voice was like velvet, it made Link feel warm. Despite everything, the Princess was quite an attractive girl. He shook his head somewhat, it wasn't his place to think like that, besides, anything he thought of her wouldn't matter, their relationship was set in stone, she was the Princess, and he was her knight. Nothing else could stem from that, Link couldn't let it.
Within twenty minutes they were on their way to Goron City, Link had purchased some fireproof elixirs from Cicada, the most famous travelling merchant in Hyrule. He stashed them away in his bag, saving them for when the heat became too much. It was rumoured that the heat didn't kick in until travellers reached the second marker for the Eldin region. Zelda was in front as always, and Link stood behind, able to keep watch of all directions that any attackers could come from to attack the Princess. She was quite silent this morning, normally she would think aloud, but no words passed her lips. He wanted to ask about last night, what had caused her to seem so.. off, but it wasn't his place to ask and he didn't want to say the wrong thing. And so, they walked to the City in silence.
--
Zelda had never ventured far into the Eldin region. She'd only gone there a few times, one such time when she was recruiting Daruk, but he had agreed to meet her in an area where she wouldn't burn alive. She quite enjoyed that day, she watched Daruk show off his skill in fighting off some monsters and she got to rescue a helpless pooch from those monsters. She was also surprised to learn that Daruk was quite afraid of dogs after a childhood incident, she smiled softly at the memory. She'd heard that the mountain was freakishly hot, but she wasn't entirely prepared for the scorching heat. It first began to hit her after they reached the first sign post, but it truly became unbearable at the second sign. Link had told her to pause for a moment, she had watched as he opened the bag and pulled out two bottles filled with a dark grey liquid. It smelled repulsive, and the taste was even worse, but after minute or two the heat disappeared completely, and they could comfortably continue on. She'd done some basic research on elixirs, but never attempted to make one. She figured it would be weird if she asked for some insects and the finest monster parts in the land.
Now, however, they were in the heart of Goron City, she was quite overwhelmed if she was being honest, she'd never seen so many Gorons in one place, the architecture was odd to say the least, buildings and shops were carved into the rocks, it was creative in a way. Her and Link were waiting for Daruk to return from a mining expedition, he was apparently the strongest Goron around and was very skilled in the art of mining. They were waiting around for about half an hour, they'd gone through another bottle of elixir each when Daruk returned. "Little Hylians! Welcome! I assume you're here to meet the locals?" His chains rattled as he approached them, Zelda put on a bright smile as she gave a polite nod. She was quite fond of Daruk, he had a very bubbly personality which she enjoyed. "Yes, however I also want to assist you in learning to control Vah Rudania; I heard you were having trouble so I'd like to help however I can." She explained, she was desperate to learn more about the Divine Beasts. "Yes, I'd like that tiny Princess. We can head up there now actually." The mighty Goron suggested. She gave another nod, and so he began leading them up the mountain.
'We've been here.. for three hours.. Three. Hours! Seriously! How can he not control this thing?! It's so simple!' Zelda was extremely frustrated right now, she was being so straightforward with Daruk, she'd explained exactly what he needed to do in order to control Vah Rudania, but it wasn't working. "Hmph.. I believe I should go and introduce myself to the locals, perhaps our Hero can help you out." She explained before excusing herself an leaving in a rush. She was so incredibly frustrated, she'd learned nothing new and instead was babysitting a Goron five times her size. She ran her hand over her face before continuing her way down the mountain, if Link dared to follow her he wasn't going to be given any mercy.
Link found the situation quite humorous, the Princess was becoming extremely frustrated quickly. She'd been trying to teach Daruk how to use this thing before she lost it and left in a hurry. He knew he should follow her, but that was certainly a death wish. She would most likely be safe anyways since multiple miners littered the path. If she found herself in trouble, help wouldn't be too far away. He looked at Daruk, who was still struggling. The Divine Beast had barely moved in the last couple of hours. "Well little guy, think you could help a brother out?" The mighty Goron scratched the back of his head before Link shrugged casually, thinking of anything that might help. He was comfortable around Daruk, he didn't feel like saying the wrong thing would end up ruining his reputation or put his head on a stick. "Well.. I suppose first you should clear your mind.." Link started, he was trying to get Daruk to focus. "Done." The Goron replied. "Okay good, now.. Think of something that motivates you.. Perhaps a rock roast?" He suggested, leaning against an arch as he watched Daruk. "Then once you've done that.. just will this machine to move." Link watched as Daruk closed his eyes, and seconds later, the huge Beast took a step forward. Link smiled as he kicked himself off the arch. "Wow, that really helped, thank you little guy!" Daruk laughed before continuing to move the Beast. "I'm glad I could help!" Link beamed, watching Daruk celebrate. "Yeah! I think I'm finally getting the hand of controlling this Divine Beast! I tell you what.. Sure is a blast piloting a toy like this around." Daruk turned to Link, a determined look on his face. "Let those other Champions know, they better eat their gravel if they wanna keep up with Daruk." Link nodded softly, keeping that in mind. "Speaking of which, can you believe this view?" Link turned his attention to the scenery around them. "Just look at all those delectable rocks sprinkled on those mountains.." 'Delectable isn't exactly the term I'd use..' Link mused before tuning in to Daruk again. "Mighty tasty. I may not know a whole lot about this Calamity Ganon thing." 'Hah! Tell me about it..' "But mark my words, I'll protect this land of ours to the death!" Link turned to face Daruk as the mighty Goron clenched his fist in front of him, he paused for a moment as he raised his hand up high, Link wondered exactly what Daruk was doi- "Right, little guy?" His hand slammed down into Link's back, sending him forward. That certainly hurt, but it was good natured. Link stumbled for a second as he tried to straighten his spine, eventually succeeding. "Hey, by the way.. congrats on becoming the Princess's appointed knight. That's a really big deal! Protecting the King's daughter.." 'Not to mention her confusing personality..' "Seriously though, the Princess is a strong personality- so strong she can't quite see the range for the peaks." He raised his hand and scratched his forehead "Remember that, and you'll be fine." Link nodded softly. 'Can't quite see the range for the peaks..'
Suddenly the ground began to shake. "What the-?!" Link heard rocks falling from above, he looked up to see large boulders cascading down towards them. Before he knew what was happening Daruk let out a large yell before thrusting his fists upwards as an orange shield enveloped him. Link watched the boulder shatter as it his the shield, he was quite impressed. "All right, so what was I saying.." Link was surprised Daruk was moving on from that so quickly. "That was a little strange.. As far as I know, Death Mountain had been quiet for decades but if the mountain is shivering enough to send down a bunch of boulders that size, then.." 'Then what? Daruk?' "Never mind. Forget I said anything." Daruk shook his head before looking out towards the volcano. "Daruk, what is it?" Link inquired quickly, looking up at Daruk. "Nothing.. nothing. Just had an unfinished thought.." Daruk turned to look down at Link. "We should be getting back.. The Princess is probably waiting." Link sighed before nodding. "You're right.." and with that, Daruk parked the Divine Beast and they both descended the mountain.
--
They were sitting in a large dining room, however Link and Zelda obviously couldn't eat considering their teeth and anatomy simply wasn't designed to eat.. stones. She huffed softly, annoyed at the fact that Link had assisted Daruk in piloting Vah Rudania. She'd been so clear, what exactly had he done which was better than her method? She didn't care, it didn't matter, of course he was able to help, what couldn't he do? She looked across at Daruk and Link, Daruk was trying to get Link to try the rock roast and Link was visibly trying to prevent that from happening. "Come on little guy, just a bite!" "Daruk.. please, I'm not even that hungry!" Zelda was surprised that Link was so easily holding a conversation. He seemed comfortable though, and she never realised how tense he was until she saw him like this. A part of her wanted to see him like this more often.
"Okay okay! Fine.. I'll try." Link let out an exasperated sigh as he took a small piece of the rock roast which was handed to him from Daruk. He eyed the food before gently placing it in his mouth. He bit down hard on it, to Zelda's surprise, it shattered. A few minutes later the stone was already on its way down his body, she giggled lightly and received a playful glare from Link. He grabbed a few pieces and stretched out his arm towards her, holding a few pieces out. "Well why don't you try some, Princess?" He smiled softly and she backed away from his hand, continuing to giggle, she enjoyed this. It was nice to laugh for a change. "Please stop! I refuse to try that, Link!" She stopped giggling suddenly, and he stopped smiling. She had just said his name for the first time. As she shrank back into her seat she saw the remnants of a smile playing on Link's lips. She thrust her head into her hands in embarrassment, her cheeks reddened significantly. "Of course, Zelda." She felt herself blush more, but for a different reason. She quite liked how her name rolled off his tongue so easily..