SHEIK'S POV

part two

His dark figure emerged from the twilight, drawing closer and closer. I watched as he grimly took in the inferno raging through the village. I waited until he approached, knowing perhaps this was my last glimpse of his face. I knew what stalked me, what lurked at the depths of that accursed well.

He ran to me, moving with the elegant grace of a panther. I could see the question in his eyes. I gave him no chance to ask, fearing I might betray my terror if I listened.

"Be careful," I warned him softly.

Surprise washed over his features, but he could not stop me. I whirled to face my adversary, raising my fists to the sky and summoning down a torrent of rainfall. As the rain pummeled the earth, the fire fizzled and died.

I turned to catch Roostag's eye, the part of me that was still a vain, silly girl wondering… hoping that I might have impressed him.

It was a mistake.

While my back was turned, the evil being that lurked in the black depths of the well suddenly ripped out into the stormy night, glinting midnight black against a dark sky and lancing towards me, hungry for my blood. I saw my death before my eyes. I knew this was the last moment of my life.

And just as it bore down upon me in its fury, as I tumbled violently to the hard and cold Earth, he leaped forward to my defense.

Roostag, hero that you are—you did not think twice. Your every instinct demanded you protect me. And yes, I know it wasn't any particular regard for me… I know you don't look at me that way. You were protecting me with the same noble spirit that compels you to protect all the innocent souls. You are a hero, Roostag.

And when you sheltered my fallen body with your own, when you faced the onslaught of that malevolent evil, raising a shield as your only defense against a creature that made me tremble with horror… Roostag, you saved me.

As the creature retreated, I came to myself again, and I found you lying limp upon the ground, your body draped protectively over mine. Fear grabbed me by the throat.

"Roostag!" I cried, shaking you, terrified that you had been slain. It was all my fault! I should never have let you—

You moaned softly, your forehead creasing with pain. But you were alive. Gods be thanked, you were alive.

I looked down into your eyes and I must have told you with my gaze everything I could not tell you with my words. I could see your blue orbs staring softly into mine, the expression on your face a mirror of my own. Affectionate, intrigued—almost wistful?

But I would not let myself forget the fate of the realm that depended upon us. I would not forget the faces of those whom Ganondorf had slain. The world was bathed in the blood of the innocent, and as the heir to the throne, I had no right to be a woman while my people are suffering under the yoke of a tyrant.

You must have sensed the change in me, for your face grew cold and dispassionate, as though you'd pulled closed some shutters. I taught you a song, and I watched as you disappeared into the depths of the Shadow Temple.

I shivered. I feared for you, Roostag. I still do. Please, take care of yourself. For Hyrule, and for me.

TO BE CONTINUED?