Inspiration: Hydrodynamics, the First Law of Thermodynamics, the Aurora Borealis, triboluminescence (optical illusions where particles tear or shift), paresthesia, piloerection. Audiomachine "Tree of Life" album for the 2020 reedit.
All Original Shout Outs: BeforeDawnBreaks, Jessie, Apersonofinterest, Mitsuki-love13, Linares91, Dragon knight12, cintaTayla thanks for reading.
New Shout Outs: The Cynic and aubreylovesthegames. Thank you for reading.
Recommended Readings: "Beautiful" by MissAshlynn; "A New Way to Live," by dorkyreader859; "The Warrior Queen," by BeforeDawnBreaks; "Tale of the Forgotten Ones," by ShadowNinja1011.
Reupload 3/4/2020. Reedited 3/25/2020.
Word Count: 13,928
Chapter 7
One week later
The trek to Lanayru's cavern was long and arduous. It took about a week to get there. I wasn't expecting the province to be so far by foot, but we did stay off the main land and took the back roads. The apertures of Hyrule were intricate indeed. In that time, Link and I only had scattered conversations. Conversations of necessity, not of want. If Link went hunting, he would inform me of when he was going and when he possibly was coming back. If I needed to write a letter to Shad or Lydia, I would inform him before I excused myself. We ate silently. We drank silently. We trekked silently. It had turned into a silent trip. I was disappointed we regressed to this point. However, it was better than us quarreling. I would rather live in silence than quarrel. Even so, I did think it was pathetic on our ends to not at least try to be civil towards one another. We were adults and we were acting like children in many ways. However, I realized our issues were much deeper and would need time to work through. It was important for me to be patient.
In the mean time, I did one of two things consistently: I either studied the Book of Mudora, or I admired the grassy landscapes of Hyrule Field. Even from a distance we could see central Hyrule Field. However, the intricate networks of trees and foliage at the back end were a vision as well. One day we came across an entire area where ghost flowers were planted. At night they had this beautiful luminous glow. We stayed there for the evening and I could barely fall asleep because the sights were so enchanting. Two days after, we found a hidden waterfall underneath a mountain. The sanctum had a blue iridescence to it that stayed ever present. There were these Hylian cavefish that adapted to their surroundings living there, but they glowed blue in the water. I marveled every time one swam by. We stayed in that cave one night as well. Yesterday we did have to cross over a section of Hyrule Field, and it was nice to get back to the expanses Hyrule was known for. The evergreens went on forever. The commodious landscapes were dotted with trees, bluffs, and canyons as far as the eye could see. Living so sheltered, I never got to appreciate how beautiful Hyrule truly was. My grandmother used to tell me, but I never knew from my own experience. And, what an experience this was turning out to be. I felt privileged to be the queen of such lands.
Farore certainly knew what she was doing when she created the fields and the valleys, didn't she?
At the present, we were trotting up a steep mountainside to upper Lake Hylia. On our way, we passed through a short impasse where there were metal ridges embedded on both sides of the mountain. I stared at the metallurgy fascinated for a moment, but then had an epiphany and realized I knew where this place was.
Wait a minute...
Link and I had been here years ago after visiting my father's grave. I recalled because the hero had a distinct item that allowed us to go riding along these walls. I recollected it like it was yesterday. It even prompted me to make Epona stop so I could get a better look. Surprised by the sudden abatement of his steed, Link turned to his horse to gently tug on the reigns, but I stopped him.
He looked at me puzzled.
"What are you doing? We still have a ways to go."
I pointed to the metal ridges without answering his question.
"Look," I couldn't help but smile, "don't you remember this place? Don't you remember the time when we came here?"
The hero was slightly taken aback by my questions, but then looked around and immediately his eyes widened in recognition. He scoffed when the memory finally came to him. A small grin even curled his lips.
"Well I'll be damned, I do indeed. We went sliding here."
I giggled and nodded.
"That's right, I can't believe these ridges are still here."
He then looked up at me.
"I'm surprised you remember that. I thought you were scared out of your wits."
I frowned.
"Come, come now Master Link you're telling a fib. You know very well I wasn't scared at all. It was probably the most fun I had that day in years, the most fun we had that day. Don't you remember how wonderful it was? Don't you remember how much we laughed? We both felt so free... so alive."
For the first time in days Link grinned at me. He was probably grinning at my enthusiasm more than the memory itself, but I missed those days. I missed that 'us' if that made any sense.
"Is that how you recall it? You being free and alive?"
I nodded, having no qualms about it.
"I did." I avoided his eyes. "Didn't you?"
There was a brief pause between us. He now had a nondescript expression on his face. I wasn't sure if he was indifferent or just thinking. Perhaps it was more of the latter.
"I remember it being the first time I realized you had a vivacious side. I didn't think something as insignificant as riding a slider would be important to you."
That second comment certainly took the wind out of the sails. Was he trying to be rude with that statement? I stared at him for a long instant and wanted to be clear on something. I was getting tired of his assumptions about what he thought I considered important. There was a great deal of good as well as the bad in our past. Link needed to realize that there wasn't just his side of history. I had mine too and I had a right to it. There was more than his anger and resentment towards me. I was going to remind him of that.
"I need to be frank with you for a moment. I cherished our friendship back then. It was special to me. I put more stock into your words than anyone. You shouldn't assume that just because you have forgotten those times, that I would as well. Those... those times were precious to me. They mean something."
My words surprised him and he looked taken aback. He didn't answer right away as he milled through my words.
"What makes you think I've forgotten them? What makes you think I don't have my own precious memories?"
Unintentionally, my cheeks blushed.
"You never seem to want to talk about them, and when I do bring it up you think of it as nothing more than a passing thought. Perhaps you shouldn't be so thoughtless in your remarks. They're... they're hurtful."
He looked at me surprised.
"Excuse me?"
I avoided his eyes now.
"You heard what I said. Stop being thoughtless."
I knew I was probably doing more harm than good at this moment, but I didn't care. He needed to know. I needed to get that off my chest.
Link's expression said it all.
"Aren't you assuming now?"
I thought about it, and... perhaps I was.
"I guess I am."
Link stared at me. He looked like he wanted to say something else, but didn't or couldn't. I think I may have unintentionally offended him. Instead, he took Epona by the reigns and tugged on her to move her along. Nothing more was said on the subject. We continued the rest of our trek in silence. When we arrived at our destination, we left Epona up on the bluff overlooking the lake. Afterwards, we went into a small boat shop and rented a canoe to go down stream. I couldn't lie, I never went canoeing before. I did my fair share of sailing, but only then I was a passenger on a large boat with a full crew. However, this... this was totally different. This was a small cramped canoe. I wasn't trying to be a snob, but this wasn't my forte. Surely they had to have something bigger. I was not happy with this new method of travel. I was reluctant in even participating.
This is ridiculous. Do people really travel this way?
Link pushed the tiny vessel off the shore and hopped inside. He then held his hand out to me to help me in. I took it with hesitance, hoping he would see my discontent. Link either didn't notice, or he didn't care. I wasn't surprised.
This man…
After he harnessed his bag around himself, he handed me a paddle. I then looked at him taken aback. He couldn't have been serious.
"What's that for?" I pretended ignorance.
Link gave me an obvious stare.
"It's a paddle," he replied with a hint of impatience, "we're both going to have to row."
I was already keenly aware of that, but I attempted to defer anyway.
"I can't," I lied, "my arms hurt."
Link billowed an aggravated breath and stared at me.
"You picked a fine time to start acting like a queen now. That's too bad your majesty, you either paddle, or we walk down the long way. That's a four day trek."
I looked at him incredulously. His tone was revolting.
How dare he speak to me in such a fashion? Has he lost his senses?
I stared into his eyes defiantly for a moment, but then sighed when I realized my stubbornness was getting us nowhere. I was fighting a losing battle. I took the paddle from Link halfheartedly and turned around.
"Very well."
Link grunted and rolled his eyes at my reply before stationing himself in the back of the boat. I got myself comfortable in the front. The displacement was weighed right with Link being the more experienced seaman in the back. Since we were going down stream, Link's larger frame would steady the stern. With the boat's narrowed bow and streamlined design, it was easier to capsize if there wasn't an even distribution of weight. However, even with an even distribution of weight, it was a dangerous way to travel. We were going downstream and the current looked strong. If we weren't careful, it was a disaster waiting to happen.
"Have you canoed before?"
I shook my head.
"No."
He seemed to already assume that and nodded.
"Here's the thing, we have to row together. I'm in the back because I have more experience. You have to use your torso to rotate and gain your power. However, your upper and lower body have to work independently of each other. Also, you have to keep your arms in your field of vision. Got it?"
I understood everything he was saying, but I didn't think I was going to overcome every obstacle in one lesson.
"Um, I think so."
Link settled back and signaled like he was ready to fair off. However, before he started rowing he reached over and touched my shoulder.
"Are you comfortable?"
It sounded like more of a requirement rather than a concern.
I nodded. I just wanted to get this over with.
"As I can be, yes."
"Do you have any questions?"
I had plenty of questions, but I wasn't going to ask them now. I was going to regret that decision. Link then settled back once again.
"Ready?"
My heart started pounding. I wasn't going to lie, I was anxious about this whole undertaking. I was terrified of the waters surging ahead.
"Uh…" I stopped myself.
Link paused, waiting for me to state my utterance.
"What is it your majesty?"
I honestly would have preferred taking the long route at this point. I could deal with four days on those bluffs if it meant not having to ride in this boat. I was seriously getting more horrified by the second. I should have spoken up, but foolishly I shook my head instead.
"It's nothing, I'm okay."
Link could tell by my tone that I was not being truthful with him.
"Are you sure?"
Tell him Zelda, I told myself.
I nodded instead.
"Yes, let's get going."
Link paused again, but then took hold of his oar and waded us slowly towards the stream.
"Since this is your first time, listen for my cues okay. I'm going to be loud because the water will be louder."
That was none too reassuring.
"Right."
We then set off.
The upper embank was easy to traverse. The waters were adherent, and the current wasn't as strong. I listened for Link's cues which were frequent.
"Switch!" he shouted.
And I switched.
"Switch!" he shouted.
And I switched again.
"Switch!" he shouted.
And still I switched again.
As we shifted so frequently, I quickly realized how much work went into rowing. I was already feeling fatigue.
Goddesses, my arms hurt already, I realized I didn't have the upper body strength the way I thought I did.
We continued down the embank, when suddenly we encountered a large throw off of rock resembling a cistern. We bumped over it with relative ease, but the retrograde force from the current made the boat jump.
Dear Hylia, I calmed a little when I saw we were okay.
Link checked on me.
"Are you doing alright?" he asked me over the rapids.
I nodded, not wanting to worry him, but that was far from the truth.
"I'm fantastic Master Link!" I said over the steadily increasing waters, trying hard to mask my sarcasm.
Just fantastic.
The canoe swirled slightly and shifted to the left, when a small vortex of water appeared near the boat close by. I couldn't lie, that scared me. That was too close for comfort. We continued downstream, and everything seemed to be getting under control, until I caught sight of the waterfall... the large, imposing waterfall. My eyes widened and I held my breath for shock.
Dear goddesses! I felt a surge of panic.
Even Link knew it was going to be quite the ordeal.
"Brace yourself and lean back!"
I did as he directed, but the currents were strong in this area, even with us having the proper displacement of weight. Then, it happened. As soon as we went over the falls, the canoe started to tip forward. We were going to flip over and capsize. This might have been the last canoe ride I ever experienced. I hope ancestral mother knew I gave it my all. There was a brief buoyancy effect created under the canoe before it finally tipped completely and went over.
Link immediately called out a command.
"Pull the oar in and lean back! Pull the oar in and lean back!"
I pulled the oar in as he directed and leaned back as far as I could, but it was no use. As soon as we headed over the main waterfall, we went slightly air born, and before I knew it, I found myself being tossed out of the canoe.
"Ahhh!" I screamed, as I hit the icy waters at the bottom of the ravine.
Link watched in pure shock.
"Your majesty!" he said in panic, and immediately jumped out of the boat and into the water after me.
The cold water felt like a thousand sharp knives. I immediately swam to the surface and broke water for air. I looked around and was quickly swept into the current leading to another waterfall. I held on tightly to my satchel and tried to maintain a steady rate of breathing. I was struggling to keep my head above the water because the pull of the current was so strong.
Just breathe Zelda! Just breathe!
I tried my hardest to grab onto something as I rode by, but the debris was deadly with the swiftness of the current. I felt a tree branch slice into my side at lightning speed. The waters were now streaming a trail of red blood.
"Ah!" I yelped.
However, I didn't have time to think of the pain, as hypothermia was rapidly starting to set in. My toes were numb and my legs were starting to tingle with a weird sensation of paresthesia. Water was coming up into my nose and my head went under tow once more. I quickly bobbed back up and coughed up the water that entered my lungs. The sensation burned like fire.
I was terrified.
Absolutely terrified.
I thought I was going to die. I tried to look around and saw that I was all alone. Where was Link? Did he drown? Was he dead? However, much to my surprise, suddenly out of nowhere I felt myself being pulled underwater. But, it wasn't by the current. It was by an arm. A man's arm. My eyes widened under the water when Link gripped me around the waist and swam back to the surface. Unfortunately, the gash in my side bled out more profusely with the added pressure, but everything was happening so quickly Link didn't notice. When we broke the surface again, Link quickly grabbed hold of a tree branch rapidly floating by. He lifted me onto it and held on to the back end.
I was shivering rapidly from the frigid waters.
"Hang on!" he called out above the currents. "There's still one more fall before we hit the main lake!"
My body was shuddering with goosebumps, but I held on as tightly as possible.
"Okay!" I called back to him.
The last fall was large and wide. The hydrodynamics created a vortex underneath the white mist at the bottom of the chasm. The only way to survive the excessive pressure was to avoid falling directly into the deceitful looking white cloud. I needed to go straight for the pool. All of a sudden, there was a jolt on the log. I was surprised by the hasty movement, and turned to see if Link was okay. I was stunned to see he was the one doing it. I didn't understand the motion.
What is he doing?
"Don't worry! Just hang on!" he reassured.
I nodded my reply, too scared to offer another suggestion. I assumed he was doing that because he was trying to make sure we landed in the pool and not the white cloud. We came to the falls' edge and were about to go over.
Here we go! I closed my eyes and bracing myself.
The tree branch went over and I felt one final jolt. I immediately let go and dove for the pool. I landed hard in the icy waters below, and submerged about twenty feet into the deep chasm of blue. I quickly swam for the surface and towards the nearest shoreline. It was the longest swim of my life. I crawled out the water soaking wet and breathing hard, but when I saw that I was alone, I turned in panic to find Link. I didn't see him anywhere.
A feeling of fear quickly overtook me.
"Master Link!" I called out, but then coughed because water was stuck in my throat.
Alarm surged through me as I searched the surface for some sign of his presence. I stood up when I saw the waters were still adherent. I called out his name once more.
"Master Link!"
The surface was still peaceful.
My panic never left me.
Dear Hylia... he probably drowned! He drowned saving my life!
I hurried to open my bag and rummaged through my things. I was looking for something anything that would assist with a search. It was then I pulled out the necklace Ilia gave me. I looked it over and saw that it was really a whistle. She told me this necklace could help a person find their way. Perhaps it had a magical power. It was time to see if it really worked. I waded back out to the water and blew as hard and as fast as I could. I took the instrument off my lips for a moment and listened.
"Master Link!" My voice broke. "Goddamn it...! Where are you?"
I blew on the whistle again and still nothing. I didn't let that stop me so I kept blowing. After a few minutes, I thought my efforts were in vain, until... Out of the blue, literally, the waters displaced and Link suddenly emerged. He was surrounded by a bubble that popped once he surfaced. I stared at the whistle amazed. Did it create the bubble of air around him? I couldn't be sure. Even so, I quickly hurried to him when I saw he was alive. I was relieved. However, my relief was short lived when I saw he was moving slowly. He must have been swimming for dear life out of that current. I frantically went to help him get to the shoreline. Link was actively vomiting water and trying to get control of his gagging. I immediately checked him to see if he was injured.
"Are you hurt anywhere?"
Link shook his head no.
"I'm fine," he said breathlessly.
I put his arm around my shoulders and guided him to the grass. He was much heavier than he looked, but I accounted much of it on his heavy weaponry and wet clothes. We plopped ourselves down and both tried to catch our breaths. I looked over at Link worried.
"Are you sure you're okay?"
Link just nodded, still trying to get control of his coughing. I sat down in relief of his safety. However, it was then I felt a sharp break through pain at the side of my injury.
"Ah!" I moaned suddenly.
I winced when I brought my knees to my chest. The wound at my side started bleeding again. I took off my cloak to examine the damage. When I did, I saw that there was a large tear at the left side of my dress exposing serrated, quivering flesh at my abdomen. The wound was about two inches long and an inch deep. That rolling branch really did a number on me.
Link saw the wound and looked at me in concern.
"What happened?"
"A branch punctured me in the current."
I was busy trying to pick out the pieces of wood still stuck in my skin. However, I was a little taken aback when Link came up to me suddenly and examined the wound of his own accord.
"Do you have any potion?"
It sound like more of a demand.
"In my bag," I directed.
Afterwards, he went, opened my satchel, and took out a bottle of red chu jelly potion. He came back and poured half the potion directly on the wound. The other half he handed to me.
"Drink it," he ordered.
I winced at his first aide.
"Ouch!" I cried out when the residual potion stung my skin.
Even so, I took the remaining contents in the bottle and drank it quickly. I hated the taste of red chu jelly. It tasted like cough syrup. I made a look of disgust at the swallowed contents, but then turned my attention back to my skin and saw that the wound had closed over. My skin was healed quickly.
I sighed in relief.
Thank Hylia.
Link looked relieved as well.
"That's better."
I stared at him gratefully as he laid on his back afterwards to catch his breath. We were silent for a time before either one of us spoke. I couldn't believe how close we both were to not being here, and to have our last words to each other be such trivial stupid things, made me realize how fickle life can be. We were faced with our mortality and nearly lost. I looked at the hero and was at a loss for words, but started with what should have been obvious.
"Thank you. You... you saved my life."
Link closed his bright blue eyes and shook his head, fanning off my gratitude.
"That's what I'm here for your majesty. I promised to protect you. I wasn't kidding when I told you that."
I didn't want this to be about obligation alone. I wanted him to know I greatly appreciated his service. It would have been a devastating loss to the country if he didn't make it.
"I understand that," I then paused for a moment, "but you have to realize that this isn't just about me. I... I was terrified that you weren't going to resurface."
Link opened his eyes to look at me. His handsome face held a serious expression. I didn't look away. I wanted him to know I was worried for his safety.
"I'm okay your majesty," he reassured, then sat up.
I didn't take my eyes off his.
"But I couldn't be sure of that. Do you know what your death would mean to the people of Hyrule?"
He was surprised at the gravity in my voice. His eyes searched my face.
"Do you know what your death would mean to the people of Hyrule? I'm just a servant your majesty, you're the queen."
I wasn't going to let that slide.
"I've told you this once before in the past, but I never look at you as just my servant Master Link. Your life is more... so much more. Don't you see that? Your courageous deeds, your valor -all of it echoes in the hearts of the people. In many ways your life is more important to the people than mine."
Link stared at me surprised, but then shook his head.
"That isn't true."
I nodded.
"You ask them and you'll see."
He shook his head.
"That's very kind of you to say, but I'd rather not ask."
I had no qualms about the subject.
"It's the truth," I then looked away and added, "and besides all that, I... I don't want to quarrel with you anymore. I hate fighting with you."
Link was quiet.
"Do you really mean that?"
I nodded.
"Yes I do. There's no point to it."
He nodded himself now.
"To be quite frank, I don't like fighting with you either. I always end up feeling worse afterward."
I was grateful to hear that.
"Really?"
He stared at me for a long time and nodded.
"Really."
I was encouraged by that.
"Very well, then let's make a pact, let's not argue anymore for the rest of this trip."
Link grinned at my saying.
"Alright your majesty, we should certainly try."
I looked up just then and was surprised to find him smiling at me. His smile was a welcome sight. I loved his smile. I smiled back.
"That sounds wonderful. Umm… since we're being civil, I would like it very much if you didn't refer to me as 'your majesty' when we're alone. I want you to call me by my name, like we used to do when we worked together."
Link looked at me taken aback, probably finding it strange I was bringing this up now.
"I'm sorry?"
I knew my cheeks were flushed, but I went on anyway.
"I want you to call me Zelda. I think it's only appropriate that we address each other on a first name basis considering what we've just been through. After all, you did just save my life."
Link just stared at me for a moment. But, then he grinned and nodded at my request.
"Alright, fair enough, then you have to call me Link. Not 'Master Link' or 'Mister Link', just Link."
I nodded and bit my lower lip.
"Shall we start now then?"
He chuckled at my question.
"Sure."
I cleared my throat.
"Thank you for everything you've done… Link."
He probably thought I was silly.
"You're more than welcome... Zelda."
Link saying my name again made me smile all the more. It had been so long. And, as crazy as this may sound, I was glad the whole ordeal happened. We hadn't spoken to each other like civilized people in a week. A week. What were we thinking being so stubborn? What good did it do us? It was shameful really. We could have died and then what? Pride could be such a deterrent to progress. Even so, I got up, but immediately buckled under my knees. I began to shiver copiously.
"Ooh!" I chattered. "I'm freezing!"
Link followed suit and got up as well.
"You have to get out of those clothes." Link then looked at his own soaked wears. "We both do."
I shook my head.
"All our other things are wet." I wrapped my arms around myself. "We have nothing to change into."
He saw my point.
"True." Link then dusted off some of the grass sticking to him.
I looked up at the midday sun.
"I think our only option is to sun dry them. If we stop we'll be further delayed, and we're already here at Lake Hylia. I see no other choice."
However, Link shook his head, not liking the idea.
"We can get sick if we keep like this. We need to remove these clothes before hypothermia sets in."
I saw his point, but there was no way that was going to happen.
"That isn't feasible."
He stared at me for a long moment, then made an off the wall suggestion.
"Well, we could strip to our undergarments and let our clothes dry that way."
I stared at him astonished.
"What?" I replied.
Link took no issue with what he said.
"We could strip down-"
"I heard what you said. The idea is preposterous."
He didn't see the issue.
"Why? It's not like you'll be naked, you'll have your under clothes on."
I put my hands on my hips.
"You have got to be joking! Are you insane? What if someone sees us?"
Link shrugged.
"So what if they do. It's better that than to get sick unnecessarily."
I couldn't believe he was still going on with this notion.
"Link-"
"Look, it's either that, or we risk getting tektite fever for a week."
He was dead serious and his rebuttal was sound.
"Absolutely out of the question! Besides, we have plenty of potions for that."
He gave me an obvious stare.
"True, but why waste them if we don't have to?"
My stance never changed.
"Link-"
"What's more important, me seeing you in your undergarments, or you getting sick? This isn't that big of a deal. It's just skin."
My mouth became agape.
"This is ridiculous. Whatever happened to your chivalry?"
I must have said that with a humorous inflection because Link chuckled and shook his head. I stared at him seriously, finding nothing funny about the matter, which made him laugh more. A few moments later, he stopped and grinned.
"You want to know what happened to my chivalry? It grew up, like the rest of me."
I rolled my eyes and looked away from him while I turned crimson, which made him chuckle more.
The utter thought…
Link sighed at my original proposal and boldly came up to me and turned my face back to look at his. He stared into my eyes.
"It was a joke Zelda. You've got to learn to loosen up. You're so intense at times."
I immediately snatched my face from his grip.
"I am not intense!" I said angrily.
I was not helping my case.
"Right," he said sarcastically. "Look, we're wasting time, I'm going to strip down. Are you sure you're going to be okay like you are?"
My stomach churned when he uttered that. Was he really going to get naked in front of me? It didn't matter. I was going to show him I wasn't some fidgety little prude. I turned my nose up slightly.
"You do what you must, but I'm not in the castle. The wilderness doesn't discriminate between queen or civilian, I can't act as if I can't take a little water."
Link grinned.
"Suit yourself… Zelda. I'll be back in a few minutes."
I didn't reply to that. I just watched him go over to some bushes and start taking off his clothes.
Great, this is just bloody fantastic.
I glanced in his direction to see if he was done and caught a glimpse of his bare back when he removed his tunic. I paused when I saw the remnants of what once happened to him. Goddesses, that must have been a terrible night. I had to look away and catch myself. I closed my eyes and tried my hardest not to feel a sudden surge of guilt. Soon, he was finished and placed his wet clothes in his satchel with his other things. Though, I had to admit when he came walking from behind those bushes, he looked even more stunning than when he had his clothes on. He really stripped down to his underpants. Those arms... that chest... those abdominal muscles... those statuesque legs... his everything was perfect... bloody, damned perfect.
I was at a loss for words.
I looked heavenward as if this were punishment for some evil I had done.
Okay Hylia, I bargained, if you're reading my mind right now, just know I might have an impure thought about this man... a very impure thought.
Dear goddesses, he was gorgeous. Link walked right up to me like it was nothing. I think he already knew what kind of impression he was making. I didn't bother looking at him directly. This was going to be hard enough as it was. He had to be doing this on purpose.
I groaned.
"You ready?" he asked.
I nodded.
"Yes, let's go."
We headed down the grassy shoreline on the outer perimeter of Lake Hylia. The crystal blue waters rippled slightly from the cascading waterfall in the background. I looked up and took note of the Bridge of Hylia above us before jumping across a few logs scattered throughout the water with Link. We passed a two story propulsion shop that housed a large cannon, and finally made it across to the other shoreline. We followed the perimeter network of bridges and ladders to an inlet that led to a vast cavern. However, before we entered, Link turned to look at me. More directly, he was staring at the tear in my dress. His gaze made me feel a little self conscious, so I wrapped my arms around my waist.
"What?"
He gave me another once over.
"You don't think the guardian will have an issue with your appearance do you?"
I looked at Link surprised considering his own appearance. Why would the guardian have an issue with a tear in my dress?
"Are you serious? Have you looked in the water at your reflection?"
He saw my point, but countered it with his own.
"You forget that you're royalty and I'm not. The guardians may hold you to a different standard."
I found him saying that ironic.
"Oh really? This coming from the man who told me to strip down to my undergarments."
Link grinned and shrugged.
"I've had a sudden change of heart."
In a minute decision, I decided to put my cloak back on and button it at the front. I just didn't hood myself.
"Better to be safe than sorry," I said of his discretionary thinking.
Link nodded in agreement.
"Let's go."
We then entered the cavern. Link and I walked up an awning that doubled as a precipice overlooking a deep pool. We stopped when we were standing atop the cliff overlooking the beautiful lagoon of blue water. The room vaulted back into its limestone ceiling and algae moss fixtures. A waterfall rested in the back of the chasm, where two escalating ramps ran up both sides of the perimeter leading to where we were standing. An aqueous reflection of light shined brilliantly from the water to the ceiling, and the rocks gave off a multicolored shimmer, as if such beauty were the norm. I looked around awestruck for a moment.
"This place is incredible."
We waited, and for a while nothing happened. For the other two guardians, it was necessary for us to wade into the water. However, with Lanayru's approach being so high, such a method didn't seem necessary, or so I thought. Link apparently had a different notion. And, since he was dressed for it, I guess it was only natural for him to test it.
"Wait here."
I looked at him surprised.
"What are you going to do?"
Link didn't answer me.
"Just stay back."
Before I could say another word, he dove head first into the deep chasm below. I held in a gasp at the sudden action. Although, I could breathe a little easier when he resurfaced.
"Are you alright?" I called down to him anyway.
The hero waved at my question, then dove under once more. Whatever he devised must have done the trick, because soon the waters started bubbling, then parting slightly as a sphere of liquid rotated upward towards the ceiling. Link resurfaced once more and swam to the edge to get out of the pool. He made haste to make his way back to me before the guardian appeared. I knew this was inappropriate considering the circumstances, but I couldn't get over how magnificent the hero looked all glistened with water in the dim light of the cave. He was so handsome. Besides that, he was an excellent swimmer.
Back in the middle of the pool, the spherical water suddenly took on the shape of a dragon with a constant luminescence. Two long aquatic whiskers protruded from its face and hovered about the room. I raised my hands to cover my eyes when the water shone a beautiful, but brilliant, triboluminescence from the shifting water particles. In short, it was amazing. No matter how many times I saw the guardians appear they would always render me speechless.
Lanayru's voice soon boomed across the lagoon.
"Greetings Queen of Destiny and Hero of Twilight. You have faced a great peril to come here, and yet you still are undeterred with your journey."
At this point, I was used to the indiscriminate hints from the guardians. They were making it quite obvious they didn't want the hero and I to proceed forward. Still, without a warranted explanation that wasn't going to detract us. I was determined to get to the Twilight Realm.
"Yes, my lord." I lowered my hands a little. "We've come for the final riddle."
Lanayru was quiet at my answer.
"Your majesty, are you sure you have seriously considered this undertaking? This decision you are making has a very grave consequence."
I was astonished. This was the first time a guardian was actually forthcoming with its objection. It compelled me to ask what I already asked twice before.
"My lord I beseech you, why is this quest considered dangerous? I was sent by Hylia herself to go about this journey. She would not instruct me to do anything that would harm Hyrule."
Not realizing my slip of the tongue, I got a very surprised look from Link. It was then I realized I blew my cover. However, I would have to worry about the consequence later. I needed answers from the guardian now.
Lanayru didn't answer right away.
"Why the Great Goddess, in all her grace and wisdom, told you to do this still baffles me."
I did not find that answer acceptable.
"I mean you no disrespect your grace, but that reply is insufficient. I need a more solidified reason."
However, Lanayru was not prepared to give me one.
"It's of no consequence to me your majesty. It is a decision you have already made and I will give you what you seek."
I was shocked at how heartless that sounded.
"What about the people of Hyrule? What about the consequence for them?"
The guardian scoffed.
"Have you thought of that?"
I stared at the guardian surprised.
"I didn't think I would need to until your brethren made me doubt myself. I just want a clear answer."
Lanayru did not budge.
"You are a free moral agent. This choice is yours and yours alone."
There was obviously a clear and present danger I was not being informed of, and all this hiding was maddening.
"My lord, please tell us if what we are doing is wrong?" There was a hint of desperation in my voice. "Please tell me why Faron, Ordona, and now you are trying to warn us about... about things, but refuse to tell us what they are?"
Lanayru stared at me for a long time, thinking about what I was asking it. However, the answer posed more questions than anything.
"To be honest with you my queen there is really nothing you can do. You see, there are attributes to what you seek... strong, powerful attributes."
I was confused for a moment. When Lanayru put it that way, it made me think back to when Rusl spoke with me in Ordon. That leather cloth he presented said something similar to what he was talking about now. A message found in the Gerudo Desert.
'The putting together of the insidious attributes will result in the Arbiter's Kiss...'
Such strange writing.
Will finding these shards and putting this mirror back together do something terrible to Hyrule? If so, why would Hylia risk me doing so? What would be the point if it meant putting Hyrule in danger?
This didn't make sense, and because of such, that meant there was a hint of truth missing somewhere.
Link finally spoke up.
"What attributes? What do you mean?"
The guardian got quiet once more.
"That I cannot say. All I will tell you is this, the attributes are very real, and they are insidious."
Such cryptic language.
My stomach churned. That was the same word used in that message. The same one. What was going on? Why were we purposely being left in the dark? I had to know. I needed to know. I clasped my hands together and decided to supplicate for an answer.
"My lord that is the issue. If we could just get some kind of confirmation that what we are doing is right we-"
"I'm afraid you will not get that from me," Lanayru interrupted. "It is as I have told you before, that is a decision you must make for yourself."
I looked on troubled and had no rebuttal. This was all on me. It was a decision I was going to have to make on my own. This was getting more and more unsettling the more we found out. Was this really worth it? Did I really want to go through with this? From my periphery, I could see Link staring at me. He saw my conflict. He saw my struggle. He meant to quell me.
"Zelda... we don't have to do this," he said all of a sudden. "Nothing is worth putting the country at risk."
I glanced over at him.
"But that's my question, at risk to what? Each guardian is just going around in circles, none of them are being clear with us."
Link nodded at my utterance, but didn't reply. He could see the determination and befuddlement in my eyes. I looked back to Lanayru. The guardian remained silent. This was my choice. My decision. I had to do this on my own.
Hylia help me, I prayed.
Since this was my circumstance, since this was my consequence, I was going to keep going. I had to keep going. I needed to know. No one was being forthcoming with me.
I shook my head.
"No Link, I promised you redemption, and that is what I'm going to do. We're going to find Midna."
Even with my strong will, Link was starting to have second thoughts.
"But we have no idea what our actions could do to Hyrule. What if we indirectly hurt the country?"
I was aware of that, but what if we didn't? What then? Why was this choice so difficult? Why would Hylia tell me to go if all I did in return was come home? There had to be a reason she sent me out. There had to. With that in mind, the decision was made.
"We'll have to take that chance. I must do right by you."
Link just stared at me troubled, but didn't interject any further.
"Very well, it's up to you."
At that, I turned my attention back to Lanayru. I took a small step forward.
"Please tell me the last riddle."
I made sure my voice had conviction, but Lanayru stared hard at me regarding my choice.
"You're serious?"
If that wasn't a rebuttal I didn't know what was. I almost reneged, but nodded anyway.
"I am. Now please tell me the last riddle."
The light guardian went silent again.
"Very well, if you cannot be convinced otherwise, the last riddle is this: 'there is great 'potential' in the cooling of the womb that actuates to a birthplace of fire.'"
I hung on to every word.
'There is great 'potential' in the cooling of the womb that actuates to a birthplace of fire?'
Link shook his head.
"I guess there's no point in asking what it means."
That was obvious. The guardian was not going to tell us a thing. We had to figure this out for ourselves.
"No point indeed good hero," Lanayru agreed, "but I will tell you this, you must solve each riddle in order of the guardian you saw first: Ordona, Faron, and then Lanayru. If you do not, you will not find the shards."
That was actually very useful information. I made sure to be obliging.
"Thank you very much for all that you have told to us my lord."
Lanayru floated silently before replying.
"Queen of Destiny, I wish you haste on your journey and insight to your wishes. May we meet again on the crossroads of life."
With that, the light guardian transformed back into a ball of water and shortly thereafter dispersed into a thousand tiny particles across the lagoon. Link and I both stood looking at the pool of water, both wondering if what we were doing was the right course of action. This was getting more and more convoluted as the days went on. It was starting to waver into areas of greater concern. What was more important: personal triumph, or the well being of all? The answer was obvious, but why was it so confusing to me right now?
I ran my fingers over my forehead.
Insight into my wishes? What did Lanayru mean by that?
I looked over at Link, who was already staring at me. I didn't have to guess why there was a hint of suspicion in his eyes. I already blurted out my cover. I just waited for him to utter the question. He was looking at me concerned.
"So, you were sent by Hylia?"
I avoided his eyes and nodded.
He gave me a quick once over.
"It seems your story keeps changing. I thought you came of your own free will."
I took a step back. There was no use deflecting. I was expecting this reaction.
"I did, but I couldn't tell you about Hylia. You never would have believed me."
He shook his head.
"Why wouldn't I believe you?"
I didn't have an answer that would be sufficient for him.
"Because it would sound too fantastic."
Link wasn't going to let that slide.
"Zelda... Farore chose me as this age's hero. You're the Sage of Light and a descendant of the goddess. What makes you think I wouldn't believe that Hylia sent you to seek the guardians out? This is me you're talking to."
He made a good point.
I shook my head.
"I... I don't know. I just wanted you to trust me."
I looked in his eyes. His searched my face.
"I do trust you, but I think it's about time you started trusting me. I think I've earned it. You have to start letting me in. You can't keep keeping things from me."
I knew he was right, so all I did was nod.
"I'm sorry."
Afterwards, he cut his eyes from me and headed for the exit.
"Let's get out of here. We need to find a shelter for tonight. We'll figure all this other stuff out once we have a safe haven."
I followed him.
"You're right."
"We'll head back to upper Lake Hylia and ask the owner of the fishermen's shack if we can rent a room for the night," he suggested, placing his bag over his shoulder. "We'll set out fresh tomorrow morning."
I nodded, liking the idea, but then was puzzled.
"I thought you said it was a four day trek to or from here," I recalled.
Link then turned and gave me a wayward look.
"I lied. It was used as motivation to get you to stop acting so entitled earlier."
I stared at him stunned.
"What?"
He shrugged.
"It doesn't feel good being lied to, does it?"
I got his point, but that still didn't disparage him.
"This is a totally different matter," I defended.
He shook his head.
"Not to me it isn't." He didn't wait for me to reply. "Let's go."
The hero started out the cave and I stared after him shocked. Afterwards, I went to pick up my bag and hurried after him.
"Slow down! Come on! Link!"
We left the cave and headed towards upper Lake Hylia. It took four hours to get to the small cottage and by then it was dusk. In the interim, Link put his damp clothes back on before going in and negotiating a deal with the owner of the shack. We were shown a small room with two beds. I had to admit I was looking forward to going to bed tonight. I was tired. The day had been long. Even so, there was the issue of our wet clothes. Luckily there were a couple trees right by the entrance that would be useful for drying our clothes. Once we got settled inside, I went to the door.
"I'll be right back."
Link then turned to look at me.
"Where are you going?"
I held up my bag.
"I'm going to go hang these wet clothes out to dry. The night wind should do the trick and perhaps in a couple hours I'll have some dry clothes to sleep in."
He stared at me thoughtfully.
"Oh." He then went to pick up his own wet satchel. "Do you think you could hang these up with them?"
I gave him an obvious look.
"Are you serious? Do I look like a laundress to you?"
He gave me a quick once over.
"Well..." he trailed with a hint of playfulness.
I groaned, but then sighed and held out my hand anyway.
"Give them here. The sooner I do this the sooner we can go to sleep."
He grinned and handed me his bag.
"Who would have thought. The Queen of Hyrule is becoming domesticated, thanks."
I rolled my eyes.
"You're incorrigible," I muttered, which made him chuckle.
Afterwards, I headed out the door. I went up to the tree with the lowest hanging branches first. I opened Link's bag and started with his wears because they looked like they would take the longest to dry. The material was thick, so I used the greatest surface area to spread them. I tried ringing out the excess water from the course fibers.
"This is such tedious work." I realized this was the first time I ever had to care for my or anyone else's laundry. "I need to remember to thank Lydia and my other servants more."
This was taking longer than I thought. Link's tunics in particular were the hardest to rid of water, and to make matters worse there was something in all his pockets.
"Dear goddesses, would it be so much to empty your pockets Link?"
There wasn't very much to remove except for a few rupees here and there. But, interestingly enough the one he wore yesterday also had a coiled up handkerchief at the inner recess of his pocket. I unfolded the little doily and set it on the branch. It was quite pretty actually. I was going to move on to his next tunic, but I paused when I looked at the embroidery again. There was something familiar about it.
"Wait a minute." I stared at the handkerchief.
I picked up the damp piece of cloth to examine it. I looked on surprised. Of course I recognized it. I made it.
"This is my stitching."
This was the embroidery I gave Link the day he left the castle years ago. I was shocked. I couldn't believe he actually kept it. I thought with our falling out he would have discarded this keepsake. I guess I was wrong. But, why was it with him now? Why was it in his pocket? Admittedly, it was hard for me to keep the smile from my face. This was surprising. I placed the handkerchief back on the branch and smoothed it out so he could easily find it when he came to get his things in the morning. This finding made me hopeful. Maybe we could be friends again. Maybe we did have a chance at starting over. I stared at it for a few more moments before tending to the rest of his clothes and then my own. I made quick work of my dresses. I was just about ready to go in, when suddenly a bright light flashed before my face.
What in the world?
I raised my hands to cover my eyes, but was both surprised and not surprised when I saw who appeared after it. It was Hylia. I was actually expecting her to show up sooner rather than later.
"Ancestral mother!"
Hylia initially smiled, but when she heard my greeting, she shook her head.
"I'll never be able to win with you will I kid?" She put her hands on her hips.
I looked at her perplexed, but then realized what she meant.
"Oh, sorry."
Hylia then grinned and walked up to me. She started nodding.
"Well, well, well, look who's become the happy housewife."
I gave her an obvious stare and rolled my eyes.
"Don't be ridiculous, I'm just laying out our wet laundry. It's nothing to get excited about."
Hylia's grin turned to a full on smile.
"Right, and look what you found in the process."
She pointed to the damp handkerchief. I tried to pretend like it wasn't anything extraordinary and shrugged.
"So what." I avoided her eyes.
Hylia stared at me knowingly.
"Uh huh." She then looked past me to the inn. "So, where's pretty boy?"
I still didn't understand her strange form of speech.
"He's in the room." I saw no point in trying to correct her.
Hylia nodded, approving of the situation.
"I see, and by the way, I give you full permission to have impure thoughts, have as many as you want. And what are you going to do about that?"
Her point was moot.
"Nothing, we're going to go to sleep, that's all."
Hylia was disappointed
"Are you nuts? You've got all that gorgeous man in there, who took off his clothes for you mind you, and all you want to do is sleep? There must be something wrong with you and this generation! If I were a thousand years younger and a mortal-"
I groaned in irritation.
"Will you stop. He doesn't even look at me that way."
Hylia then gave me an offhanded stare.
"Honey, he desired you once and he'll desire you again. Trust me, he's a man."
I looked at her surprised.
"He's never desired me."
However, the look on her face suddenly made me unsure.
Has he?
Hylia was thoughtful.
"Ah how quickly we forget when you two got reacquainted."
I completely blew her off with that being her evidence.
"That wasn't desire, that was anger."
Hylia shrugged.
"It doesn't matter, those two attributes tote the same line from time to time."
I found it rather interesting that she mentioned the word 'attribute'. It was just what I needed to speak to her about.
"Speaking of which, the guardians have been very strange regarding this whole task. They even seem upset. Lanayru even mentioned that our putting this mirror together would release some traits of a horrible nature."
Hylia got quiet.
"Lanayru said that to you?"
I nodded.
"Yes, why do you suppose the guardian reacted that way?"
Hylia avoided my eyes. She was about to ask me something strange.
"How does that make you feel?"
I was taken aback by the inquiry.
"How does that make me feel?" I repeated confused. "I don't even know what you mean!"
Hylia merely nodded and stared into my eyes.
"Do you still want to go through with this?"
My mouth became agape involuntarily. She was deliberately being evasive.
"Why are you going around the subject?"
Hylia paused for a moment.
"I just want your happiness Zel. That's all."
I shook my head, still confused.
What does that have to do with anything?
"It has everything to do with everything," she replied to my thoughts.
I looked at her helplessly, forgetting I could hide nothing from her.
"Well then, am I doing the right thing?"
Hylia smiled and reached over to caress my cheek in a rare moment of seriousness.
"I wouldn't tell you to do something that would deliberately hurt you. Please trust me, and please start trusting yourself. You have a very good intuition. You need to follow it, even if it means you disagree with me."
I looked at her puzzled for a moment and sighed.
"I suppose you're right."
Hylia smiled.
"Of course I'm right, I am the Goddess of Hyrule after all."
Just then I thought of what Rusl told me.
"By the way, did you give the Book of Mudora to Ashei to give to me?"
Hylia grinned.
"You know I did, that book is going to help you figure out what to do next. Make sure you use it wisely."
So I was right.
"Yes you were, I told you to trust your instincts."
I was too relieved to be annoyed with her reading my mind. I also wanted to bring something else to her attention.
"Thank you, and I hope you aren't upset with me because of this, but I accidentally informed Link that you sent me on this quest."
Hylia shrugged at my saying that.
"That's alright," she said casually. "It's no biggie babe."
I just looked at her, honestly wondering where in the world she learned to speak this way. Was that how they spoke on Skyloft? I guess I would never know. Hylia then snapped her fingers, and suddenly there was a bundle of dry clothes that appeared in her hands.
"Anyway," she changed the subject, "enough serious talk for the evening. Take these clothes so you can dry off. There's a pair for your doted hero too."
I looked at the bundle surprised, but took it gratefully.
"Thank you so much. This is going to be most helpful."
Hylia stared at me mischievously.
"You know what would be even more helpful. If you didn't wear anything at all like Link suggested earlier."
She was incorrigible.
"Ances-"
"I'm just saying."
Hylia then took a few steps back and grinned.
"Look, I have to go. You have fun, and tonight let your hair down."
I was discomfited.
"Hylia…"
Hylia winked.
"I'll see you later, bye."
With that, she floated into the air and disappeared.
I sighed once she was gone.
She's so unorthodox, but that's what makes her so wonderful.
I went and gathered our bags along with the dry clothes and went into the inn. Link was sitting on a chair sharpening his sword with a flint when I came back into the room.
"Look what I have," I announced.
Link looked up and stopped what he was doing when he saw the dry clothes.
"Where'd you find those?"
I paused for a moment.
I didn't think about that.
"Uh… I bought them at the tackle shop."
He gave me a wayward look.
"What? In all the time that I've been going there I've never seen them sale clothes, besides they're closed."
I realized I was just caught in a lie.
"Oh... well then, um... a little birdie gave them to me."
That was just a stupid thing to say, but I had nothing else.
Link looked at me taken aback.
"A what?"
I shook my head.
"Look, it doesn't matter." I handed him his pajamas. "The point is we have something dry to wear."
Link looked surprised at my dismissal, like he was about to say something else, but then decided against it.
"Never mind," he said to himself.
I wasn't going to goad him on it.
Never mind is right.
Link took the pajamas and fanned them out to see if they would actually fit him.
"What do you know, they're the perfect size too."
I forced a smile.
"Imagine that."
He looked at me with a slight suspicion.
"Yeah… imagine that."
He eyed the clothes and then me, before finally letting the matter go.
"It is what it is I guess," he muttered to himself.
I was grateful he let it be. Link then gestured for me to go behind the changing divider in the room.
"Ladies first."
I nodded, not arguing with him because I was freezing. I hurried to get out of my damp clothes. The dress and cloak I was wearing were still sodden and heavy from the lake. I even felt a little itch at the back of my throat. Blast the bloody hero for being right. I would have to take a drink of red potion in the morning to relieve it. I then changed into the long beige nightgown, and undid my braid to let my dark hair flow down my back. Afterwards, I came from behind the divider, feeling so much better.
"Thank the goddess."
I was not expecting any reaction, but watched as Link stopped sharpening his blade almost involuntarily when I reemerged. He took a double take, then stared at me for a long moment. Also, he gave me an extensive once over that would have made a statue blush. The serious expression on his face never changed.
"Wow," he said without realizing it.
I looked at him surprised, but then avoided his eyes. I took a step back. I wasn't expecting anything like this. We were both silent, and I wish he would stop staring at me like I was the last woman in Hyrule. I decided not to be so quiet about the nervousness I was feeling.
"What? Why are you staring at me like that?"
I kept my gaze to the ground.
Link didn't reply right away. He shook his head as if snapping himself back to reality.
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to stare so intently. You just... you just look very beautiful with your hair down like that. I haven't seen you with your hair down in a long time."
I was very flattered at the compliment, but I was also embarrassed at the sudden intense sexual arousal I now felt. It took over my entire body like a piloerection. It wasn't something I could control. I hated that I was still this attracted to this man. Nothing seemed to quell it. Not time. Not distance. Not anything. He hadn't even touched me. He was just speaking... just speaking. Nothing had changed for me in five years. Nothing. However, I didn't want to alert him to that fact.
I simply nodded and avoided his eyes.
"Thank you."
Link studied me for a moment, and then stood up from his seat.
"What's the matter?"
I shook my head and didn't say anything. I was still looking at the ground. He gave me another once over before he went on. I blushed uncontrollably.
"You're... you're not used to being told you're beautiful, are you?"
He was clairvoyantly in tune with my nature. I looked up at him surprised. How could he know that?
"I've been told I was beautiful," I replied anyway.
He grinned and shook his head.
"You obviously don't hear it enough then. You seem surprised every time I say it. You should be told and told often."
I cut my gaze and didn't reply right away.
We were silent again.
"I... I remember you used to tell me all the time that I was pretty when we worked together at the castle."
Link grinned at the sudden recollection.
"Really?"
I nodded, and inadvertently smiled. I couldn't help it.
"You were quite the charmer back then." I looked down at my hands. "So young and carefree."
Link's grin widened.
"I was something else, wasn't I?"
I nodded and giggled.
"You were, you really were."
He grinned at me, then gave me another wayward stare.
"You... really remember all that, don't you?"
I blushed again and nodded.
How could I ever forget? Those were the best days of my life. We were both happy and there was peace in the land... well, seemingly.
"Yes, I do."
There was another brief silence between us, and I suddenly wished I hadn't brought that up. I aimed to change the subject. I pointed to the dressing space.
"The area is ready for you to use." Afterwards, I attempted to walk past him.
However, Link didn't budge. He glanced at the dressing area and thought nothing of it.
"I'll get dressed in a second." He then looked me straight in the eyes. "We're still talking."
His tone was a bit surprising. It was very warm and gentle. I didn't know what to say.
"Oh."
I took a step back. Link took note of that.
"I couldn't have been the only man whose ever said you were beautiful." He went back to the previous discussion. "Doesn't Elbourne tell you?"
I was a bit perplexed at his mentioning of the dragon prince. I looked back into Link's eyes. I was very uncomfortable right now. His gaze was so focused and intense.
"Yes, he tells me. He tells me all the time."
Link was quiet, as if trying to determine if I were telling the truth.
"I see."
I nodded, thinking that was going to be the end of the conversation, when suddenly Link took a couple steps forward and into my personal space. I inadvertently stepped back until there was nowhere left for me to go. The wall was behind me. I took in an apprehensive breath and looked into his eyes. He apparently had more to say.
"Even still, you need to hear it more," he continued, but then paused and added, "it's almost like you're... you're starved for affection or something. I can't help but think of how you nearly allowed yourself to fall in Ordona's spring because you were so afraid of me possibly touching you."
I was embarrassed at the recollection. I quickly looked away.
"What?" I snapped, feeling an irrational onset of anger set in. "What do you mean by that statement?"
Link was taken aback by my tone.
"I didn't mean anything insulting by it, or wasn't implying anything by it. You just act like you haven't had some outward display of affection shown to you in a long time."
My throat tightened, as burning, stinging tears suddenly filled my eyes. I couldn't stop them. They automatically over flowed onto my cheeks. I didn't bother to wipe them away. Link hit the nail right on the head. Right on the ugly head. I was starving for affection. I was so goddamned lonely, I hated it. My parents were dead. I was the last legitimate heir to the throne of Hyrule. For all I knew, my subjects hated me. I could count my friends with one hand. One hand! And, I was putting my feelings aside so this man could be with someone he truly wanted. So yes, I was starved for affection. I was very starved for affection. Link saw my tears and looked at me stunned. I could tell he immediately regretted saying those things, though he said nothing wrong. His eyes widened at the intensity of my reaction. He wasn't expecting me to cry. I hated myself for allowing myself to cry. I hated being vulnerable like this in front of another person. It was so raw and unnerving, I even surprised myself.
"What difference does it make to you?! Shouldn't your mind be fixated on Midna?"
The hero was surprised by the poignancy and venom in my outburst. He even became a little upset because of it.
"What does Midna have to do with this? I just asked you a question about your goddamn femininity and why you're so hell bent on rejecting it!"
I swallowed hard at his blunt words and looked to the ground. My body started trembling and I was so discomfited. Link saw that I was stressed and wanted to reach for me, but I stopped him.
"Zelda-"
"Please don't touch me," I whispered in a broken voice. "Please... just don't."
Link raised both his hands immediately and stepped back. He had no idea. It wasn't because I didn't want him to. I just really wanted him to, and I couldn't let him. He was staring at me with open remorse and wanted to apologize.
"Zelda, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to say anything to hurt-"
"Don't worry about it," I interrupted, wiping my eyes. "Everything you said is true."
I quickly moved past him and stepped out of the way.
There was an awkward silence between us now. I kept my back to him and wiped my eyes again.
"You better get dressed and get some sleep." I wanted desperately to change the subject. "I'm going to look in the Book of Mudora and try to decipher the riddles."
Link stared at me silently for a minute.
"Zelda-"
"I don't want to talk about this anymore!" My voice broke again. "Drop it, okay?"
Link took in a deep unsettled breath.
"Drop it, right, you want me to drop it after a reaction like that." He then rolled his eyes frustrated. "Whatever."
There was another silence between us where I went to go sit down at the little desk and lit the lantern. Meanwhile, Link changed. When he came back from around the divider he just stared at me. I pretended not to see him and concentrated on the text.
Just go to bed, please, just go to bed.
He sighed, feeling helpless.
"Goodnight."
I nodded.
"Goodnight," I replied, not looking at him.
Link then got into the bed closest to the window and tried to go to sleep. I closed my eyes and pursed my lips to stop them from quivering. Tears filled my eyes again.
He sees right through me... right through me.
~SSS~
Three hours passed and I was making good headway with deciphering the riddles. Link was sound asleep and dusk had progressed into evening. I decided to focus on one riddle at a time. Lanayru made it clear that we had to find the shards in a sequential order. It made no sense to solve the others before Ordona's. So with that, I began with the first guardian. It read:
'Faded pictures of celestial bodies are reflected on fractured sand.'
I took the code and split it into two parts. I needed to figure out what the 'faded pictures of the celestial bodies' were before I could recognize how they were 'reflected on fractured sand.' I opened the Book of Mudora and turned to a chapter that focused on astronomical rotations of stars. There was one vague reference to ionospheric disturbances by dispersed converted matter. If matter was broken down to its lowest form it could be considered a 'faded picture' of what it once was. But then how would matter be 'reflected on fractured sand?' Better yet, what was 'fractured sand?' Was it literal sand? And if so, why and how could sand be fractured?
After considering everything fully, I deduced that this aspect of the riddle was symbolic for something else. I turned a few pages into the book and found a chapter on symbolism. It stated that riddles will often contain a literal aspect of something it won't initially say. The citation at the bottom said to refer to the first law of thermodynamics.
I looked up from the book thoughtfully for a moment.
The first law of thermodynamics states that energy cannot be created nor destroyed, only transformed. If sand is supposed to be energy in its compact form, then what is it supposed to be 'transformed' into? What is its 'transformed,' or end result?
I knew sand was the main component in making glass, and there was a large amount of heat required to transform sand into glass. So maybe the term 'fractured sand' was an off centered reference to the mirror itself. It made the most sense and right now it was the only thing I could think of. Now, where in Hyrule would I find 'faded pictures of celestial bodies?' There was a beautiful light phenomenon that took place at the bottom of Kakariko Gorge known as the Hylialis Borealis. Maybe the light spectra was reflecting off the glass hidden somewhere in the bottom of the gorge.
I rubbed the back of my neck, tired from my studies, but felt a comfortable level of satisfaction.
"I think I'm getting somewhere."
I continued with my studies, when suddenly I was interrupted by a loud scream. I turned in alarm when I realized the scream was coming from Link.
What in the world?
I stood from my seat and hurried over to him. I wanted to help him in some way.
"Link!" I hope to wake him.
Link was waving his arms wildly, as if fighting some unseen foe. He did this for several seconds before he finally sat up in the bed and opened his eyes. He looked terrified. He was breathing hard, and he broke out into a cold sweat.
"Link! Are you okay? What happened?"
I went to reach for him, when abruptly he grabbed hold of my elbow and pulled a knife he had hidden underneath his pillow to my throat. My eyes widened in terror at the sight of the dagger. It took him a few moments to finally register my face. Link's features quickly went from confusion to regret in a matter of seconds. When he saw it was me, he quickly released me and inadvertently pushed me away. I stumbled and fell back near the end of the bed. I knew he wasn't trying to be rough, but I had to brace myself so I didn't end up on the floor. He stared at me shocked. I couldn't lie, I was scared.
A nightmare... he's suffering from nightmares...
Link looked at the dagger in his hand and quickly dropped it at the realization of his actions. I edged back, trembling a little bit. I couldn't help it. That was a close call. Link gazed back over at me, then ran both his hands over his face in frustration. Afterwards, he turned away from me embarrassed. There was a tense silence between us now. It took a few moments before either of us spoke.
"I'm sorry," his voice was shaky. "I-I apologize if my pushing you hurt you. I thought you were something else."
I stood up and rubbed my shoulder.
Something else?
"It… it's okay, I'm not hurt."
Link shook his head.
"No, it isn't okay. If I didn't catch myself, I could've killed you."
My heart raced at his utterance. I knew that was a truer statement than not. I took a few steps back after hearing that. Another silence enveloped us. I looked him over several times before speaking up again.
"Are you alright?"
Link turned to look out the window.
He didn't answer right away.
"Yes, it's nothing. It was just another nightmare."
That was telling.
Another... how awful.
"How often does this happen to you?"
He continued avoiding my gaze. He took in a deep sigh.
"Not as often as it used to."
My goddess.
"Link-"
"It won't happen again," he promised, he finally looked my way once more. "I won't hurt you, I swear. Just... just please don't be afraid of me. I couldn't stand it if you were scared of me."
I stared at him taken aback. I could see the regret in his eyes. I felt for him. I really did. I wanted to help him in some way.
"I'm not scared of you, but I want to know how long have you been suffering like this?"
Link closed his eyes.
"Ever since I put the Master Sword away," he disclosed.
I looked at him surprised and covered my mouth.
Seven years? Link's been suffering like this for seven years?
I shook my head, not knowing what to say.
"How do you usually cope?"
Link scoffed at my question.
"You just saw it," he said bitterly.
I felt terrible for him. No one who's sacrificed so much should live with such little peace of mind. I crossed my arms over my chest, trying to figure out what I could do for him. Suddenly, an idea came to my head.
Wait a minute... what about…?
I looked over to my satchel.
"Nayru's Love," I verbalized.
Link turned his attention back to me. He looked perplexed.
"What?"
"Nayru's Love," I said louder and with more confidence.
Nayru's Love was a protective barrier that allowed the caster to have temporary invulnerability. Most casters were under the impression that it only protected them physically. However, it also had a positive side effect of curing psychological ailments too. This was what Link needed. He needed his mind eased. He needed Nayru's Love.
"What about it?"
"Do you remember that crystal I showed you years ago in my library? Well, it can help you with your nightmares. It has special added effects to heal the mind, body, and soul."
Link stared at me for a moment before answering.
"Why do you want to help me with that? You're not still angry about earlier?"
I shook my head.
Why wouldn't I want to help you?
"Link I'm not a child. Even if I act petulantly at times. You saved Hyrule and my life. I'm not so foolish to overlook that over a few words of truth. Let me do this favor for you."
I was not about to let a man suffer for telling me the truth. Link was surprised at my words, but looked down at his sheets, thinking about the proposal. He seemed troubled by the prospect.
"I appreciate your wanting to help me, but some things you can't erase. No matter how hard you try."
He was deflecting.
"What are you talking about?"
Link shook his head and looked out the window again.
"Nothing, you have to promise me one thing if you help me with this your majesty."
I wasn't expecting an ultimatum.
"Yes?"
He paused for a moment.
"Promise me you won't tell Ilia about what happened tonight. She worries enough about me as it is."
I looked at him surprised by the request.
Why would I do that? And what does Ilia have to do with any of this?
However, I kept my inquires to myself.
"You have my word," I promised.
Link took in a relieved breath.
"Thank you."
I stared at him for a moment, wondering why he made that particular request.
"Do me a favor Miss Elga, will you look after Link…? He' can be so reckless..."
I made a promise and I planned to keep it. I went to my satchel and pulled out a small blue diamond shaped crystal. I then came over to the bed, closed my eyes to say a quick prayer, and put my hand on Link's forehead. The blue light of Nayru's love filled the room instantly before it dispersed. When it was over, I opened my eyes and saw Link staring at me. He already appeared more at ease. I was relieved.
"How do you feel?"
He nodded.
"Much better, thank you. I appreciate your doing that for me your majesty."
I fanned off his thanks.
"By the way, you're supposed to call me Zelda, remember?"
Link looked at me surprised, but then his handsome face smiled.
"Sorry, I forgot."
I came over to him to help ease his mind.
"Don't forget again." I tucked his sheets around his waist.
Link grinned at the gesture.
"Get some sleep," I said. "You and I have a long walk in the days ahead. We're heading for Kakiriko Gorge."
Thank you for reading.