Inspiration: More humorous male psychology, and the budding but funny differences between men and women. "Tree of Life," album by Audiomachine for the 2020 reedit.

All Original Shout Outs: Dbzfan8, BalancedColor, Shortie15, Marita, missmycomputer, thanks for reading.

Recommended Readings: "Start of Indignation: Cool Snow," by Dbzfan8.

Author Note: Reupload 3/4/2020. Reedited 4/16/2020.

Word Count: 12,494

Chapter 14

Snowpeak Capstones, four hours past midnight, Link

The night air was cool and crisp. It was the perfect compliment to the clear night sky and the white snow capped mountains. It was maybe two hours since I departed the bed chamber. I came back a few times to check on Zelda outside the door. The first two times I heard her still crying. The last time there was silence. That confirmation of silence was when I entered to check on her physically and saw that she was asleep. The fire was still burning. She had cleared off the table. Our clothes were neatly folded. But most importantly, she looked to be resting peacefully. She was wearing her white pajamas again and snuggled in a blanket. I covered her with another duvet when I saw her shivering for a second. Afterwards, I left the room once again and went to clear my head. I was frustrated with myself. What was I thinking getting involved with Zelda like that? What was I thinking letting things get so out of control? Zelda is the queen. The queen. I'm a peasant. A goat herder. I had no place being anywhere near her the way I was.

This situation was already complicated. The last few hours only made it worse. I couldn't pretend this was some chance encounter between her and I. We had been building up to this for weeks. I knew it. She knew it. And, it just happened. We played with fire, and we both got burned. I was so close to just throwing caution to the wind. She had no idea how close I was to becoming that 'big bad wolf'. No idea at all. But, Zelda wasn't some random brothel girl. She wasn't just a pretty face seeking pleasure. Though, brothel girls had their own stories. I would know. I listened to a few of them. I wasn't proud of that, but it was the truth. Some were sad. Some were mischievous. Some were funny. But none of them were Zelda. Zelda was Zelda. And, with the queen looking and acting like a brothel girl, for a moment she just became a fantasy... a crazy insatiable fantasy I wanted to get lost in. However, I couldn't bring myself to do it. I did not want her to lose her virginity to me in a moment of lust and then later regret it. I had experience in that too.

Damn Red Lantern District...

I wanted more for Zelda, and that was when I knew I felt something deeper for her. I knew now, at this junket, things were officially problematic between us. Nothing would ever be the same. Nothing was going to get that naked image of her out of my head. No woman's body was ever going to feel like she felt. No woman was ever going to be as beautiful as she was in that instant. No one would ever compare to what she was to me in that moment in time. Frankly, I didn't want any of my memories from tonight to be lost. She was perfect. Everything about her was perfect. I just wanted to erase the hurt feelings this was going to cause. I was dreading the fallout. The tears. The feelings of insecurity when she had no reason to be.

I'm still thinking about what I want to do to her and it's been two hours... two hours... let it go Link.

"This just isn't fair," I muttered to no one.

I had it all. Zelda had given me permission, told me she trusted me, offered me her maidenhead... again, was practically begging me to deflower her, and what do I do? I leave. I get a goddamn conscience and leave. I tell myself her wellbeing is more important than my own, and I leave. But, only after I finger teased her like crazy. What the hell is wrong with me? Why did I tease her like that? Was I even doing it for Midna like I claimed? I wasn't sure. Maybe. Probably. Probably not. I didn't know. I prided myself on keeping my boundaries. Anytime I took a job, I weighed the pros and cons. I never let myself get attached. I wasn't supposed to. I took it seriously, since my reputation depended on it. However, this matter was different. Zelda wasn't just a client. Zelda wasn't just another job. She was someone I had a history with. She was someone I cared for. She was someone I used to love. She was someone I was falling in love with all over again. What was I saying? It's only been a couple of months. I couldn't fall in love in a couple of months, could I? Apparently I could, because it was happening and there was no denying it.

Then there was that mysterious blue light. I recollected on it before. It glowed just as it did when Zelda and I had that connection together years ago. But, why did her Triforce activate in an instance of lust? Was something else propagating that? If that was the case, why didn't my Triforce activate? What was holding mine back? I was just as lustful. Perhaps there was something more. Perhaps Zelda was more in tandem with hers than I was. Maybe she taught herself how to tap in and out, but she was so overwhelmed by her feelings, her Triforce expressed itself on its own. I couldn't account for it, and neither could she, but I wish I could have had that moment with her too. I wish I were in tune with my Triforce like she was with hers. Maybe one day I would be.

I was trying to put things in perspective. I thought back to the light guardian. Eldin had me pegged. It saw right through me. The guardian knew I was lying and called me out. I didn't realize it was going to do so in the fashion it did, but there was no hiding the truth. It knew I was grandstanding in my reply and that I wanted to say Zelda's name. Zelda apparently knew too. It was one of her primary topics of discussion tonight. I wanted to be completely honest with her, but the walls were still up, even with the intimacy. She was still scared to let me in. Nevertheless, the truth was, I had grown fond of her again: her laughter, her mannerisms, her kindness, her gentle disposition, her sensitive soul... everything. She was an amazing person. A part of me didn't want to lose that again. Admittedly, many of those old bitter feelings I had were gone. I wasn't angry anymore. I just wanted to be with her. I really and truly just wanted to be with Zelda.

"I think it's safe to say she feels similarly," I whispered into the night air.

Then, of course there was the issue of her so called 'dear friend' Elbourne. If there was one person I could not stomach, it was the dragon prince. Everything about him frustrated me. He was superficial. He was elitist. He was conceited. He hated the poor. He was everything that Zelda was not, and I did not understand her defense of him. Why couldn't she see him for what he was? Why was it clear to me and not to her? Maybe she was right. Maybe there was a side of him she knew that I didn't. In any such case, it was none of my business.

However, what was my business was the foolish idea I put into her head about seducing Elbourne. I couldn't stand by and have her do such a thing, when the only reason I said such provocations was to get her upset. It was childish, but at the time I was feeling juvenile. I was aware I shouldn't have been so provocative, but Elbourne brought that side out of me. Even when I worked as his bodyguard, he tried to make blatant comments about him and Zelda. I knew he was lying because I knew Zelda, but there was a chance he could have been telling the truth. I hadn't spoken to Zelda in years at that point. Maybe their relationship had changed. Maybe they had grown closer. Although, my confirmation of doubt was made clear by how alarmed she was when I told her some of what he said recently.

There was also the time he kept me and his other men camped out at the Red Lantern District for three days. Three damn days. Who did that except a hedonist? What a sex crazed maniac. There were a couple of girls who recognized me, even though I was keeping a low profile. I staved off the district at that point, but I kept greetings at a distance. I didn't want that life for myself anymore. Whatever the case, I did not want him touching Zelda. The thought made my skin crawl. The idea of him all over her... touching her, kissing her, promising her things he never intended to keep... did not sit well with me. I swear, I swear if Elbourne crosses the line with Zelda, I'll cut off his scrotal sac and make him choke on it. I would feed it to him myself.

"The grubby bastard," I muttered and gazed up at the waning full moon.

Besides Elbourne's loose morals and disdain for anyone who was not him or Zelda, I couldn't stand his treatment of the Goron people. He was actively trying to steal their land. Their mountain. The Gorons had been living on Death Mountain for a thousand years. Dragon Roost's existence only accounted for six-hundred. Rightly, the Gorons owned that mountain, but they were a generous people. Generous to a fault at times in my opinion. They partitioned and gave their land away as a gesture of goodwill, thinking this would bring reciprocity. It didn't. As Dragon Roosts' influence grew, so did the death of the Gorons by their dragons. I respected a dragon as much as anyone else, but they preyed on the Goron people. Why wasn't a stop being put towards the Roostians? What made Elbourne think he was above the law? What made him think he was superior to everyone else? He knew how to fly a goddamn dragon. So what. So did I. If I wanted to take control of his precious black dragon I could, and he knew that. He hated me for it. If he kept harassing the Gorons, that was exactly what I intended to do. Obsidian and Orthella would have a new master. And his name would be Link. Elbourne would not like that.

I took in a deep breath and closed my eyes, not wanting to think of the repercussions of me taking such an action. That would provoke a war, and Hyrule did not need a war. Hyrule needed the peace it was just now getting used to. I had to stop getting ahead of myself. Instead of thinking about what I was going to do to Elbourne, I needed to figure out how I was going to apologize to Zelda. I realize I was the main provocateur of the suggestion, but she didn't have to give in to it so easily. She could have fought me a little. She could have said, "Link I have no intention of doing such a thing, stop being incorrigible." Or something like that. Even so, I took advantage of a situation and made it worse by not fulfilling what I was essentially promising her. I hated to see her cry. I especially hated to see Zelda cry over me. I was aware of my selfish inclinations, but I wasn't Elbourne. I wasn't only interested in Zelda's crown. I cared about who Zelda was; what she represented to the people. Nevertheless, in the mean time, I needed to convince Zelda that my suggestion wasn't the right course. I needed to warn her of the potential danger. But how?

I continued to stare out at the mountains in the distance.

"What are you going to say to her? How are you going to convince her this isn't a good idea?"

I wasn't sure. I was going to need a miracle now. A few moments later, the front door to the mansion opened and I heard some lumbering footsteps from behind. I knew who it was immediately and turned to greet my old friend. However, Yeto looked at me concerned.

"Good evening Yeto, or, good morning depending on your perspective."

Yeto looked at me perplexed.

"Perspective uh?"

I shook my head.

"It's nothing," I changed the subject, "what brings you out here?"

Yeto just stared at me.

"Why you uh, no sleep uh? Big mountain uh, very cold uh, for Link man uh."

Good question.

"I'm not tired."

Yeto nodded.

"You uh, and pretty lady uh, have fight uh?"

I smirked. He was a lot more perceptive than I gave him credit for.

"No..." I tried to be honest. "We didn't have a fight, just a misunderstanding."

Yeto stared at me again, but then walked over to where I was standing and sat down in the snow next to me. Even with him sitting, he was two feet taller than me when I was standing. What a mighty fellow.

"Let old uh, Yeto uh, give young Link man uh, some uh advice uh," he said. "Girl yetis uh, are complicated uh. Yeta make Yeto's life uh, hard uh, sometimes uh, by not uh, making me uh, good fish stew uh. You uh, make pretty lady uh, good fish stew uh, and all uh, will be uh, good uh."

I couldn't help but chuckle with how he said that.

"Is that all it takes to solve a problem? Good fish stew?"

Yeto nodded.

"Yes uh, lots and uh, lots uh, of good fish stew uh, left uh," he said. "Give uh, to pretty lady uh, and pretty lady uh, will uh, forgive you uh."

I shrugged. It couldn't hurt.

"I'll try that Yeto. Thank you."

Yeto fanned off my thanks.

"No uh, problem uh, Link man uh."

~SSS~

Later that morning, Zelda

When I opened my eyes later that morning, I didn't stir. I stared at the fireplace stationed in the wall I was facing and watched the flames. The embers had smoldered to a point, but there was still evidence of a dull red glow. The fire reminded me of what happened between me and Link last night. It started with such great intensity only to burnout. I would get over it. I always did. I was simply disappointed right now. Why did I take it so far? Why did I let my guard down like that? Why didn't I see the conflict he was going through sooner? Perhaps I was too caught up in my own selfishness to care. I wanted him. I wanted him so badly, but in the end he didn't want me. I had come to terms with it earlier, but it still hurt. I couldn't lie, it was going to be hard to face him this morning. However, it wasn't something I was going to run away from either. This kind of thing happened between Hylians all the time. It was a fleeting passionate moment that didn't lead to any fleeting passion. We did it. It was over. We would move on.

Several times last night I heard Link come up to the door, but he never entered. Admittedly, when he left the first time I shed a few tears. It was for my pride really, but eventually I stopped. When he finally did enter, it was after he no longer heard me crying and assumed I was asleep. I wasn't asleep. My eyes were closed, but I was fully aware of when he came in. I heard him walk over to the bed. I felt his presence as he stood over me, watching me. I appreciated him checking the room as he always did. I was glad I cleaned up before resting. It was kind of him to get me another blanket when he thought I needed it. I hoped in that moment he would climb in bed and sleep next to me, but he didn't. Instead, when I opened my eyes I found him sleeping in an uncomfortable chair across the room at the dining area. He had a blanket too, but I didn't want that for him. The temperatures up here in the mountains were brutal. I should have just told him to sleep next to me, but that probably wouldn't have gone well.

Unsurprisingly, now he was gone. Probably up at his usual dawn departure. I didn't think he slept really at all. I sighed, hoping this wouldn't be a barrier between us. I was upset before, but I was dealing with it the best way I could. I wasn't angry with him. I wasn't bitter anymore. I wasn't going to be grating or slighting towards him. I just wanted closure and peace. If we acknowledged it early, we could have that. I then sat up and did a quick scan of the room. I didn't expect to find Link, but I was a little surprised when I saw that his things were missing too. I was instantly alerted to that.

Wait a minute...

I pulled the sheets back and slipped into my boots at the side of the bed. I hurried over to the washroom across the way. After a quick search, I saw that it was empty. I got mildly apprehensive at that.

Did he... did he take off without me?

However, before I assumed the worst, I took note of a stationery placed expeditiously on the table. It was positioned in a way where it was meant to be found. I walked over to the table and picked it up.

It read:

Good morning Zelda,

I haven't left if that is what you're thinking.

I'm waiting for you outside. Get ready for the

day and we'll take off at your leisure.

~Link~

I was surprised at the contents. I guess he knew me better than I thought. And, I did just so. I went and got ready for the day as instructed. After washing up and changing, I made sure to gather all my things, including my bracelet. I placed it securely on my wrist. I would never throw this jewelry away again. Ever. Afterwards, I went to do my hair. I brushed it and braided it down my back. I stared at my reflection for a moment, thinking about how foolish I acted with Link when the bracelet came off. What was I thinking? I had no charisma at all. What was wrong with me? How in the world was I going to pull this off with Elbourne when I couldn't do so with Link? It had been so long me being a seductress to the dragon prince. His experience were leaps and bounds over when we were adolescents. It was frustrating and I needed to relax.

Hylia help me.

I continued with my grooming. Unbraiding my hair and braiding it again when I thought it was off center. I was nearly finished, when suddenly there was a knock on the door. I paused for a moment and remained silent, but then the knock came again, only louder.

"Uh... just a moment," I called.

I finished braiding my hair, then hurried to put on my cloak. I had to be conscience of my identity. Link wouldn't have knocked. Maybe it was one of the yetis. Afterwards, the door to the bedroom opened and Yeta, Yeto's wife, came inside to greet me. My assumption was right. In this case, I didn't want to make the same mistake with her that I made with her husband. I didn't want to gawk. Wanting to show her some respect, I bowed. The female yeti smiled at me and bowed back. She was very charming with her big smile and lovely white coat. If a yeti needed a coat up here, that explained everything about the temperatures in Snowpeak. I noticed she had a bottle of stew in her hand.

"Good morning Miss Yeta," I greeted. "How are you?"

Yeta smiled at me.

"I okay uh. You and uh Link uh had good time uh last night… uh?"

I returned her smile.

"Yes, thanks to your hospitality and your soup. You really saved us from being famished. It was delicious Miss Yeta."

Yeta smiled again.

"Good uh, Link uh asked uh me uh and Yeto uh if you two uh could eat uh soup uh alone uh. I'm glad uh, you like uh."

I paused for a moment after her disclosure. What was that again? Did she just say Link asked if we could dine alone? I was surprised at hearing this. I was surprised at the revelation.

"What?" I whispered.

Link planned that? Well… that does explain a great deal regarding his behavior last night.

"Oh…" I said finally, "yes… thank you for that. We didn't want to disturb you."

Yeta nodded.

"Link uh say uh, you uh get uh nervous uh, around uh, unfamiliar uh surroundings uh, and need be alone uh, with only uh him… uh," the yeti went on.

I raised a brow when I heard that.

Oh he did, did he?

"Yes well…" I did not want to give him away, "thank you."

I didn't let it show, but her disclosure made me happier than she would ever know. So, Link planned that candlelight supper last night. He went through all that trouble to be accommodating, because... he wanted to. That was so thoughtful. I knew we were having our difficulties, but that was very kind of him. I knew I couldn't thank him outright, but he certainly deserved credit where credit was due.

Yeta continued.

"I uh brought uh you uh more uh soup uh for uh your uh trip… uh," Yeta divulged, holding out her hand with the jar in it.

I went up to her, gladly accepting it.

"Thank you very much for everything Miss Yeta. It will be of great help to us when we're journeying. It really is delicious."

Yeta grinned.

"You're uh welcome uh."

I smiled.

The yetis really are magnificent creatures.

Afterwards, I finalized our conversation with a curtsy and made one last sweep of the room. Once everything was accounted for, I made my way out of the mansion. Once outside, I took in a deep breath of the frosty morning air. It was quite crisp. Crisper than I imagined. I bundled my cloak closer to me, wishing I had worn another pair of undergarments beneath my clothes for added protection. Unfortunately, I would have to make do. We would soon be departing this region anyway. I started walking down the steps, but stopped short, after seeing Link looking out at the bluffs near the bridge in the distance.

There he is as promised.

I sighed and hesitated in approaching him right now. I knew this was going to be awkward, but it was best just to get it over with. The more we avoided dealing with this, the more uncomfortable we would both be. I didn't want us traveling together like we had to walk on cuckoo shells. We didn't. Even so, I finally gathered up the courage to walk up to the bridge and stand next to him. He saw me in his periphery, but didn't break his gaze. We both stared out at the snowy horizon for a moment. It was a beautiful quiet morning. Hyrule looked at peace. This was the kind of morning a loving couple would wake up to and talk about over tea. Unfortunately, there would be no tea for Link and me today. Only soup. That was unfortunate. It was such a lovely view for tea. After several more minutes, I finally broke the silence.

"Good morning."

Link nodded at my greeting.

"Good morning."

I decided to begin with a bit of humor.

"How's your head?"

The question did garner a chuckle out of him.

He nodded, still looking out at the horizon.

"It's better."

There was a brief pause and I hoped he would speak up, but he didn't in that instant. I wanted to address the giant lizalfos in the room, but it seemed I may have been more eager to do so than him. Even so, I went on.

"I… I want to apologize for my behavior last night."

Link closed his eyes at my utterance. He looked to the ground for a moment and sighed. He still wouldn't look at me, and I went on.

"I was foolish and I obviously put a strain on the progress we were making as friends. I'm sorry for that because I obviously put you in a very bad position. I promise I won't do that again."

I was hoping my apology would be enough for us to start speaking frankly, but it seemed Link was too preoccupied with his own thoughts to do so. He remained silent. I finally looked over at him to question him. I was hoping my gaze would prompt him to share his feelings with me.

Come on Link, please say something.

I pursed my lips together and waited.

"Link?" I pressed.

However, at my voice he looked away. I got quiet at his lack of response and was disappointed. I decided to just let the matter go. It was obvious he didn't want to talk about it. I wasn't going to force the issue. I was at least able to have my say. Link would deal with it in his own way I suppose. However, after a few moments, the hero finally turned back to look at me. It seemed like he was trying to conjure up the courage to do so. When he spoke, he got straight to the point.

"You understand why last night was a mistake, right?"

I didn't respond right away. From his tone, I could tell he felt like he needed to offer me some reassurances. I wasn't going to make this any harder than it had to be. I just nodded. However, I didn't see what happened between us as just a mistake. We were two people caught up in that little thing called passion. It happened all the time. If it were up to me, we would have gone a lot further.

I sighed.

"Yes I do," I replied anyway. "That's why I wanted to talk about it."

Link looked back out at the mountaintops.

"I don't want you thinking you aren't desirable, because that isn't the case at all. I just felt it wouldn't be right after what happened for you to have your virtue to be taken away like that. You deserve better than what last night was going to afford you. No one ever forgets their first time."

I didn't let it show, but I found it annoying that he was telling me about how and when I should have my 'virtue' taken from me. It was mine to give to whomever I wished. And last night I wanted him to have it. I didn't bother to explain that to him.

I simply nodded.

"I understand."

Link sighed at my utterance.

"I... I also need to apologize for some of the things I said and did to you last night. I was out of place and caught up in the moment. I especially wanted you to know there's nothing wrong with you in any way for being twenty-seven and a virgin. If I could go back on some of the mistakes I've made, I would have waited too. I think that was the most insulting thing I said to you. I actually really respect that about you."

I rolled my eyes and looked away. Why was he apologizing? He had nothing to apologize for. I knew he was trying to be considerate, but it was actually having the opposite effect. I didn't think of what he said as an insult. It was simply the truth. I am twenty-seven. I am technically a virgin. I was acting as if I didn't know what I was doing. That was the truth. Why would I be insulted by facts? Maybe he thought I wouldn't know how to please him if we engaged in intercourse. Maybe he thought I was such a novice, I would blush if he orgasmed inside me. Which, quite frankly, I probably would. I didn't have very much to say. I just listened.

"It's fine."

After that, Link looked my way, concerned with my short, terse answers. I was certain he knew there was more on my mind than I was letting on. However, this conversation was so predictable, I didn't feel the need to redirect it off its eventual course. I had no desire to try and convince someone to care about me if they didn't care about me. As such, he tried to make an effort of consoling me by putting his arms around me. I resisted. I didn't want his pity.

"Please... don't. It's okay, I'm alright."

The look of concern never left his face.

"Zelda..."

I didn't know what he wanted me to say.

"It's okay Link. It doesn't matter, it didn't mean anything anyway."

That was when he got quiet. There was a brief pause on his end, with Link looking at me taken aback.

"Excuse me?"

I didn't meet his eyes.

"It didn't mean anything," I repeated. "My Triforce activated last night, not yours. Had it been more, perhaps yours would have activated too. It was obvious. It was merely you giving me a lesson on something I should have known how to do already."

I looked back out at the mountain view. He didn't seem to be taking too kindly to what I was saying.

"Zelda, I have no real understanding about any of that. You can't possibly hold that-"

I closed my eyes at his tone and turned to look at him.

"Link it's alright," I interrupted. "You don't have to coddle me. I'm a grown woman, I was very well aware of the consequences of what last night could bring, but I did it anyway. Even still, it was obviously stupid and reckless for the both of us to engage in, but it happened." I paused for a moment, and braced myself for what I was about to say next. "Last night didn't mean anything to you because I'm not Midna, and it didn't mean anything to me because it was merely a lesson."

Link stared at me taken aback. It was clear he didn't agree with my rationalization.

"What?"

I knew what I was doing, but I didn't care. I still had my pride. I tried to keep my guise of dignity intact.

"You heard what I said."

I looked away, but I could see his breathing quicken in my side view.

"It had nothing to do with you not being Midna," he insisted.

I shook my head.

"That isn't true Link. You said it yourself that you weren't 'free' of her, and it wouldn't be fair to her if we had gone further. It's okay because that's how you feel and I respect that."

He didn't like how I was making this sound.

"It wasn't just because of that," he attempted. "I only-"

"You don't care about me in the same way, I know," I interrupted again. "It's fine, I understand that too."

He was getting more visibly frustrated with my replies.

"You're unbelievable, do you know that? Thanks for telling me how I feel. This is news to me."

I shrugged. At this point, I didn't care if he was offended. I was offended too. He wasn't the only one with feelings here.

"It is what it is."

He narrowed his eyes just then.

"So I guess you really are an ice queen."

I didn't let it show, but that did hurt me. I really didn't think a comment like that was necessary.

No Link, no I'm not.

But I didn't let him know so.

"Maybe I am."

Link clearly wasn't happy with the course of this conversation. I knew what his intentions were. He wanted to explain his reasons to me and try to make me feel like the most beautiful woman in the world, while at the same time telling me he wasn't interested in me, and how lucky some other gentleman would be to have me. That comment was coming sooner or later. I knew it was.

"Zelda-"

I was tired of him trying to sugarcoat what he wanted to say.

"Link drop it!" I turned finally to look him in the eyes once more. "It's over okay! I get it! You don't want me!" I paused for a moment when I realized what I just said, wishing I hadn't said it. "You don't… you don't have to think you need to make me feel alright. It was a stupid mistake. I'm fine… really."

Link stared into my eyes with open regret now, seeing that I was embarrassed about being rejected last night and didn't want to dwell on it.

"Zelda… it's not that I don't find you desirable. That isn't the case at all. You're absolutely beautiful, but-"

I knew it.

Here it was.

Here the hell it was.

I just don't have pale blue skin and ginger hair. We would have had a doozy of a time last night, if I was your fantasy girl.

"-you just see me as a friend," I finished for him. "Save it. I've heard that one before. You don't need to explain why you love who you love Link. It's none of my business."

He pursed his lips together, frustrated at my words.

"Zelda-"

I didn't want to dwell on this any longer.

"I'm done talking about this. You may choose to go on, but you won't get an answer from me. I've said my piece and I've heard what you had to say."

Link looked at me surprised. He saw at this point he was in a losing battle. He glanced back at the beautiful horizon again. There was another long silence between us. I wanted to put last night behind us. I didn't want to think about it anymore. I needed to change the subject. I needed to steer our conversation elsewhere. However, I also didn't want him thinking I was bitter.

"I'm sorry if I snapped, that wasn't my intention," I apologized suddenly, then added. "Anyway, Yeta gave us some soup for the trip."

After hearing that, Link turned and stared at me for a moment. Evidently, he was not appreciative of my change of topic, especially with the open ended questions he apparently had, but he accepted it. He conceded to that fact and simply followed my cue.

"She gave us some soup?"

I nodded.

"She wanted to make sure we were well nourished for the journey. It was very kind of her."

Link grinned.

"That's funny, because Yeto gave me a jar of soup too."

To show me proof, he opened his satchel and revealed the contents. I grinned at the disclosure.

"Well, now we have food for our journey. At least for the next couple days before we are back in the wild."

Link nodded.

"True."

There was another brief silence between us that made me think of what Yeta revealed to me. Link's generosity was on full display last night. But, I was still surprised he thought he was so clandestine. This wasn't the first time he displayed that attitude. He had done the same in Zora's Domain. I then furtively brought up the subject.

"Yeta and I also had a little chat about dinner last night too."

His ears perked when he heard that.

"A little chat?"

I nodded.

"Yes."

I knew that would get his attention.

"Oh...really?"

I saw him give me a quick once over.

"Yes, we were just talking in passing."

Link raised his brows at my words.

"Did she... say anything noteworthy to you?" he tried to be evasive.

I grinned.

Like how you arranged for us to have a candlelight dinner alone?

"Why do you ask?"

He shrugged, pretending it was of no consequence.

"Just wondering."

I turned to look him in the eyes. My gaze searched his face. He had a bit of a beard starting to grow. It looked rather handsome on him.

"She didn't say anything noteworthy." I decided to leave his little fib alone. "I just thanked her for putting us up, and that was that."

Link stared at me for a long moment. I wasn't sure he believed me or not. But, if he didn't, he wasn't willing to verbalize his reasons. In the end, he just let the matter go.

"I see," was all he said.

Afterwards, there was another silence. There wasn't much to be said after what was already disclosed. I was just glad the breaking of the ice was over so we could move on. I gripped my satchel. It was time for us to depart. We delayed our trip long enough. This conversation was over. It was time to move on.

"Shall we get going? We have a long walk to wherever next."

At hearing me say that, Link looked over at me incredulously for a moment. His eyes had disappointment all in them. Before I could say anything, he effectively rolled those same eyes and walked off. I was at a loss.

Well, what does he want me to do? Cry like an incessant child and beg him to shag me? I will not do such a thing.

"Whatever," he muttered, picking up his things and starting across the bridge without me. "We're heading to Lake Hylia. Let's go."

I sighed as I watched after him. He looked like a petulant child upset at his mother.

Why are men so juvenile? I'm the one who got rejected last night, not him. What is he so upset about?

I decided not to waste anymore time on it. We needed to find that last shard and we needed to do it quickly. With that, I followed after him. We headed to Lake Hylia. I would find out the trip would take four days.

~SSS~

Four days later, Lake Hylia

Heading south through the winterscapes showed some of the most beautiful scenery in Hyrule. The snow during the day had a lovely luminescence in the sun. The casting caused a rainbow-like effect going down the mountain. It was enchanting. The journey wasn't all beauty though. We had to dodge a couple bears and we even spent the night in a tree to keep ourselves from becoming a pack of wolves dinner. On the third day, I wrote another letter to Shad and Lydia, letting them know I was alright and that I was on my way to the City in the Sky. It was important for them to know my trail if anything happened to Link or me. I hope to speak with them soon. I hoped everything was alright with me being gone.

We finally reached Lanayru Province trail by early after noon on the fourth day. We cut through the outskirts of Zora's Domain, rode the falls down to Lake Hylia, and when we got to the lake bed shoreline, we took a brief break. We had been traveling nonstop for the past several hours. We needed to rest our feet. What was interesting though was Link not speaking to me very often while we walked. I knew that was his way of protesting me for not seeing things his way. He and I had more growing to do, but he never let up on his duty in protecting me. I appreciated how seriously he took his role. For our break, we reclined on the grass and relaxed by the water. I could not begin to describe how wonderful this felt. I even opened my bag and pulled out what was left of the soup Yeta prepared for us. I poured some in a cup and offered a portion to Link. He took it, but didn't say much else.

His manner was gruff.

"Thank you," he muttered.

I looked at him surprised. Was he still upset? It had been four days. It was time to let it go. Instead, I chose to ignore his tone.

"You're welcome."

We reclined on the grass and drank our food silently for the next few minutes. I looked around our familiar surroundings and inquired where we were going to next.

"Where exactly is the City in the Sky from here Link?"

Link cut his eyes to me and didn't answer right away. I gave him an innocent look, which he ingratiatingly found irritating, but answered my question anyway.

"We have to access it through that building over there," he nodded beyond me.

I turned to find a work shop with a cannon of some kind in the center of Lake Hylia. I remember seeing it the first time we came through here.

"What is that thing attached to it?" I asked of the cannon.

"That's our access to the city."

I turned back to look at him surprised.

"Really?"

He nodded, but his grim expression was apparent.

"Yes, it's taxing to get up there. Rest while you can."

I took note of his sullen expression and decided to address him on it. He had been in a bad mood ever since we left Snowpeak.

"Is something wrong?"

He cut that piercing blue gaze back my way.

"Why would there be anything wrong?" he asked sarcastically.

I took in a deep sigh.

Here we go.

"Do you really think that tone is necessary?"

He looked away and didn't answer my question.

"You're so damn stubborn."

I wasn't going to let that slide.

"That goes for both of us."

He just stared at me, having no rebuttal for that. Everything seemed peaceful, but I guess it wasn't. Link finally spoke up again.

"I don't think you should have to seduce Elbourne for the shard."

I looked over at him surprised. That came out of the blue.

"I beg your pardon?"

Link avoided my eyes and went on.

"I don't think you should seduce Elbourne for the shard," he repeated.

I had an idea where he was going with this, but I wanted him to explain himself.

"Why is that?"

The hero went on.

"I forced the issue on you. Besides, I can get Elbourne to tell us where it is, just give me a few minutes with him and he'll sing like a bird."

I gave him an offhanded look.

"I told you, you trying to muscle him won't work. He isn't that kind of man."

Link shook his head.

"You've never seen me get inventive Zelda."

I looked at him taken aback.

He's not talking about maiming him, is he?

I didn't bother to ask, but I knew that was not going to be a winning strategy. When I wanted to, I knew how to have my way with Elbourne. He had done things for me that he would never do for another woman. It wasn't conceit leading me to disclose that, it was the truth. All he needed was some coaxing.

"Look, we don't need to make this anymore difficult than it already will be. We'll just go with the plan we decided on at Snowpeak."

He groaned at my reply.

"That's my point. We didn't really decide on anything. It was more like I goaded you into that decision."

I shrugged, thinking nothing of it.

"I felt that way at first, but I've had time to think about it, and I'm fine. It could work."

Link shook his head.

"While putting you in unnecessary danger? You think that's worth the risk?"

I didn't see a risk.

"I won't be in any danger," I reassured, then looked to the grass. "Elbourne... Elbourne would never hurt me Link. I know you won't understand this, but he cares about me a great deal. He'll only go so far. If I ask him to stop, he'll stop. He's... he's in love with me."

There was an immediate silence after I uttered that. But, it didn't last long.

"He's in love with you?" Link repeated in disbelief.

I nodded.

"Yes, he is."

The hero stared at me hard.

"And you still want to do this? Are you trying to prove something to yourself?"

He was missing the point.

"No, I just know he won't hurt me."

Link wasn't taking too kindly of my defense of Elbourne. He clicked his tongue off the side of his teeth in frustration. I raised my brows at the action.

Someone's upset, I found his aggravation a little humorous, but didn't let it show.

Link was silent for a long time before finally speaking up again.

"Fine. Whatever, we'll go along with it. But, I don't think you should wear that outfit you were wearing when we were at Snowpeak."

I was surprised at the sudden change of topic.

Now we're discussing my clothes?

"Why not?"

He avoided my gaze just then.

"Elbourne might think all those disgusting things he said about you are true."

Some truths are better left unverified. It was obvious to me now what the hero was trying to do. Still, I went along with it anyway.

"I can't very well seduce him in what I'm wearing," I said of my long green dress and brown cloak. "I wouldn't get close to what I could accomplish in what I had on at Snowpeak."

He avoided my eyes and grunted.

"That's what I'm afraid of," he muttered to himself.

I kept a grin from crossing my lips. I couldn't lie, it was flattering to me he was acting this way. I wasn't sure what to make of what he was thinking because of what happened at Snowpeak. I guess maybe I shouldn't have been so cynical. Link was quiet a little longer, but then shook his head and tried to reason with me.

"You're a beautiful woman Zelda. It doesn't matter what you wear, your clothes don't take away from your looks."

I found the compliment amiable, but I understood what he was doing much more than he was giving me credit for, especially with what the hero was trying to do now.

Nice try.

"Then how will I explain my peasant clothing to him?"

He fanned that concern off.

"You're clever. You'll think of something."

I almost chuckled with him saying that.

"Thank you for that Link, but I'm not worried about what Elbourne thinks regarding the body suit. It's the best option for the circumstances allotted."

After hearing that, Link took in a deep breath, turned, and looked at me with open frustration.

"Why do you have to be so damn argumentative all the time?"

My eyes widened slightly at his rhetoric.

"I'm not."

"Zelda-"

"We both know the things Elbourne said were to get you upset. You know that for a certainty. One moment where I have to play a role isn't going to change the fact that Elbourne and I are never going to be more than that, Elbourne and I."

It was clear that he was annoyed with my nonchalance.

"You just told me he's in love with you."

What did he want me to say?

"So what."

He looked at me taken aback.

"So what? You want to seduce a man who's in love with you, apparently has sexual desires to be with you, and all you say is 'so what'?"

I let my head fall back.

"Link..."

I was tired of discussing this, but the hero went on.

"I'm going to be honest. I don't like the idea of him pawing at you. You're the queen, Zelda, not some brothel girl."

I sighed, irritated with this conversation. It was his idea in the first place. And for Hylia's sake, why was he so obsessed with brothel girls? With the way he spoke, it was as if he's had experience with a few. Was that the case? I didn't bother to ask. It was none of my business.

"I'm aware of that Link."

Link was not going to let that slide.

"I don't think you are aware Zelda. I'm just telling you as a man, we get really… graphic in our thinking when it comes to the women we're attracted to."

I closed my eyes at his silly notions.

"Link…"

He did not let up.

"I'm serious Zelda. We're scum."

I kept myself from chuckling again when he said that. At least he was being honest. In that moment, I tried to appease him.

"Thank you for your concern, but I'll be fine. There are worst things than being compared to brothel girls Link."

The hero's frustration was more apparent.

"Zelda you don't mean that. You don't want to be treated like-"

This was ridiculous.

"Maybe I do want to be treated that way Link! How would you know? Maybe I do want the craziness and the wild passion that other people experience! I'm so sick and tired of everyone thinking I'm not a damn Hylian! I am, and sometimes I just want to be free! I'm not a statue! I have feelings! I have desires! I'm not just a queen!"

There was a silence that followed where Link was looking at me more upset than surprised, but I didn't care. I realized it was a rather silly thing for me to say, but it was the truth. Everyone had these assumptions about me. He said it earlier himself with the ice queen comment. Well, I wasn't an ice queen. And frankly, I could care less if he thought I was. However, I was hoping Link would see past my words to what I was really trying to tell him. But it was obvious he took what I had to say the wrong way. It was evident when he got up from reclining on the grass and stood over me. It was an obvious power move, but I stared right up at him.

"So, you don't care whether or not Elbourne takes it too far?" Link wiped the grass off his pants. "Fine, then there's no need for me to intervene if things get out of control. You want it that way!"

My eyes widened in disbelief. I was not suggesting that at all. This conversation was mad. I couldn't believe it. We sounded like petulant children.

"Link-"

"Look, I heard you Zelda. I got your message loud and clear, but I do have this to say. I'm taking what I just said back. You can do whatever the hell you want when I'm not around. But if I am there, I will not witness you being taken advantage of. If he crosses the line, I'm stepping in."

I looked at Link stunned.

This is about something else, something he is unwilling to say.

"Why Link? It isn't a concern of yours."

He shook his head and rolled his eyes.

"Yes it is Zelda. Stop being ridiculous."

He wasn't going to deflect.

"Then why are you acting like this?" I asked.

Link looked away.

"You know already Zelda."

He was frustrating me with his lack of transparency, and as such, I no longer wanted to discuss this. He couldn't be honest, so why bother?

"Right," I said sarcastically and got up myself. "You would probably be singing a whole different tune if I were Midna."

The hero billowed an irritated breath at hearing that.

"I would not. You're being childish."

He was one to talk.

"Then, why are you being so evasive? Why can't you be honest with why you're acting like this?"

That was it. His composure flared and died.

"Have you seen the dragon prince?" he asked rhetorically, then went on without waiting for me to respond. "You have no idea what that man is like around other women. None. You have no idea what a promiscuous deviant he is. No man who claims to love a woman talks about her like she's a whore. And that's exactly what he does with you!"

I agreed with him, but thought he wasn't disclosing the whole truth.

"Link-"

"I'm not finished!" he interrupted. "You have the nerve to tell me what you do 'it isn't my concern' when every night I look out for us to make sure you and I are both safe. I've seen you day and night for almost two months, watching you sleep, hunting for you, and making sure your protection is secure. I won't take the notion of you not being 'my concern' from you or anybody else. You're more than a concern of mine Zelda, you're my goddamn queen. I would die protecting you. I cannot allow you to act recklessly. I will not allow for you to act recklessly. Even if I have to protect you from yourself, I will."

I was rendered speechless. I took a couple steps back involuntarily. I wasn't scared, I was just surprised. I hadn't seen him like this before. I wasn't expecting this. I wasn't expecting this at all.

'Will not allow?'

After his utterance, Link turned from looking at me in embarrassment. He ran a hand frustratingly through his dark blonde hair. I still had no reply as I stood there looking at him. Admittedly, I felt a little guilty for provoking him to such a state. I didn't have to make that comment about Midna. I didn't have to disclose to him how Elbourne felt about me. I was being childish. Rightfully, I needed to apologize and I would. However, we both knew what this was really about. We both knew we were tiptoeing around the bigger issue. Even so, I finally got up the courage to walk up to him and tap him on his shoulder.

The hero paused before he answered.

"Yes?"

I pursed my lips together.

"I'm sorry, I didn't know you felt like this."

After hearing me say that, Link still didn't turn around right away. However, he did appear more relaxed.

"I'm sorry too for being so belligerent. I didn't mean to speak to you disrespectfully."

I sighed.

"It's okay, I know you're just concerned."

He then did turn and took hold of my hand. He kissed the back of my palm in a surprising gesture. Afterwards, he placed my hand on his face. I stared at him surprised.

"I care about you," he confessed. "I care about you very much. Zelda I've grown fond of your mannerisms: your laughter, your smile, your intellect. And at Snowpeak when you said I didn't want you..." he paused for a moment, "that couldn't be farther from the truth. I did want you. I wanted you very very much. Couldn't you tell? Wasn't it obvious?"

I was taken aback at his questions.

"It was obvious, but... but you rejected me. What was I supposed to think?"

Link gave me a knowing look.

"Do you really think of my actions as rejection? Zelda, I couldn't bring myself to sleep with you, because I didn't want your first time to be so meaningless. You deserve better than that, even if you don't see it."

I felt a little foolish with him having to tell me that.

"I understand."

He went on.

"And what you said about my Triforce... Zelda... I can't tap into this power the way you can. If I knew how to manipulate my Triforce the way you did, I would have been right there with you. I would have lit up like a lantern."

I knew he wasn't meaning to, but the way he said that had a humorous inflection. I grinned.

"That isn't your fault. I don't even know why I said that."

Link looked me over.

"I do. You were hurt. However, if I hurt you by rejecting you, I take it all back. I'm sorry. You have no reason to think you aren't the most desirable woman in the world."

That was quite the statement. I blushed at hearing that.

"Link..."

He continued.

"You are... you are Zelda. You are so beautiful. You are so desirable. I look at you, and you have no idea how perfect you appear. I would have done whatever you wanted that night if it meant not seeing you cry. I hate that. I hate that more than anything Zelda. You know that to be true."

I had no idea what to say. I thought the night at Snowpeak was long behind us. Apparently, some of what I said must have made him feel guilty and he wanted to clarify it with me.

"I... I care about you too. And, I promise I'm not upset about that night. I understand why you acted the way you did. I respect your decision to be honorable."

The expression on his face was none too reassuring, but he nodded just the same. Afterwards, Link took me in his arms and gave me a tight hug. I hugged him back and closed my eyes, wishing things weren't quite so complicated between us right now. I needed to rectify this situation. I didn't want him worrying about me. I didn't want him putting his life in danger. I didn't want the hero to get into a skirmish with Elbourne. None of it would do any good. Link was my escort. He had his concerns. I needed to address them. He needed to feel like he was doing his job. It was then I decided to make my idea known.

"If you want, you can do as you suggested and watch how the interaction goes. That way, if Elbourne does cross the line, or if anything gets out of hand, you can stop him."

Link was quiet for a moment at the suggestion, but I was certain that that was what he wanted to hear. I looked up at him hopefully when he pulled back to stare at me. His sky blue eyes were amazing in the sunlight. They looked like rare aquatic jewels. The hero gazed into my eyes for a long time, then surprisingly reached up and caressed my cheek before he reluctantly nodded.

"Okay."

I tried to grin when his hand left my face. There was so much unspoken tension between us, and I desperately wanted to dispel it.

I smiled.

"Perfect, it's a truce."

Link grinned in how I said that.

"It's a truce."

I then sat back down and picked up my cup of unfinished soup.

"You know, this soup is really delicious," I attempted to change the subject, "I should have asked the yetis about this stew recipe."

Link just stared at me for a moment and soon followed suit. He sat back down. He didn't reply right away, but he must have seen the plea I was trying to convey to him with my eyes. I didn't want our journey to be a series of fights and neither did he. When he saw I was trying to make things less awkward between us, he grinned. It was a half smile, but it was at least an attempt.

"I've been… I've been trying to pry the whole thing out of Yeto for years."

I giggled, grateful he got the hint.

Thank Hylia.

"Really?"

"Yes, I could extract only so much from tasting alone."

I grinned at his comment.

"Yeto probably thinks you'll mass produce it and make a profit."

Link grinned and we both started laughing.

"You're probably right. It is that good."

Afterwards, there was another silence to accompany us. I was glad we were moving forward. Even so, there was something that was bothering me about this endeavor, and I wanted to discuss it with Link. It was something we both needed to be aware of.

"I've been thinking about something. We spoke with Eldin five days ago. Will Elbourne even be at the City in the Sky?"

Link's ears perked at the question.

"That's a good point, I hadn't thought of that. I suppose the only way for us to know for a certainty is to go there and find out."

I understood his reasoning, but I didn't like the idea of wasting time.

"Why would Eldin send us on a wild goose chase if Elbourne is not there?"

Link gave me an obvious look.

"The guardians haven't been exactly up front regarding their clues. Eldin said 'look skyward' and the City in the Sky is the only place that meets that description."

He had a point.

"Do you think the guardians were future proofing their responses? Or, perhaps they don't look at time the same way we do."

Link appeared thoughtful.

"I imagine they wouldn't, they're guardians. But I do think Eldin was clear. Elbourne rides dragons. He could go back and forth from the City in the Sky like it's nothing."

That was true, but I didn't like the sound of that.

"Elbourne knows it's illegal to ride a dragon over Hyrule. That would be foolish of him."

Link scoffed.

"Since when has Elbourne cared about the law?" he asked rhetorically. "I'm sure when we find him, his beloved dragon Orthella will be with him."

The more we discussed this, the more uneasy I was becoming. Elbourne knew he was only supposed to be riding his black dragon over Dragon Roost air space, not Hyrule. He was not supposed to have any dragon in Hyrule.

"If Orthella is with him that's considered an act of-"

"-war," Link finished. "An offense punishable by death. If your generals catch sight of him in Hyrule's air space there's a good chance King Xavier will be getting a visit. Elbourne better pray to Hylia that he's alone."

This was a lot more sobering than I thought it was going to be. If everything Link was saying was true, how long had Elbourne been acting outside of the treaty? Why in the world would he risk a war his country would lose? His dragons are no match for the goddesses or the Triforce. It would be suicide. Suicide with a great deal of casualties.

I began to stress again and run my fingers over my forehead.

"Dear goddesses Elbourne, please don't have Orthella with you."

Link grinned at my stress and needled me on it a little.

"Got to love the dragon prince," he said sarcastically.

I shot him a venomous look.

"You're taking more pleasure in this than you should, Link."

He grinned.

"If anything gives that bastard less power, I'm all for it."

I didn't remember the hero's dislike for Elbourne being this strong. That must have been one hell of a trip when he was his escort.

"Something tells me you wouldn't work for him again, would you?"

Link was quiet for a moment.

"He would have to pay me ten times the amount he did before."

I laughed at his reply, but suddenly my laughter was short lived when I looked beyond the hero.

"Oh no!"

Link turned his head immediately at my alarm.

"What is it?"

I pointed.

"It's Shiek!" I covered my mouth. "How in the world did he find us?"

The ninja was hurrying across the pylons to the building in the center of the lake. If Shiek was hurrying towards the sky city, then that was probably the confirmation we were looking for. Elbourne had to be there. Link instantly got up from the ground and helped me to a standing position.

"Looks like our break is over. Let's go."

From the distance, we saw Shiek talking to a man with prodigious girth, and then handed him a bag of rupees. He must have been the owner of the shop. Afterwards, Shiek jumped into the cannon and got propelled off into the sky. I looked on stunned.

Why would the owner just shoot anyone up to the temple without so much as an inquiry?

"Great," Link muttered and quickened his step. "Come on! We have to hurry!"

I was right behind him as we hurried to the dock. We scuttled across several small bridges and hopped over a few logs, until we were at the propulsion station in the middle of the lake.

"Feyer!" Link called to the man as we approached.

The short, slightly overweight, pudgy gentleman, with large round eyes and a helpless looking countenance finally had a name. He looked at Link and me in surprise.

"Master Link! What are you doing here?"

"Never mind that," Link stopped in front of the door, "do you know who that individual was?"

Feyer looked confused for a moment.

"You mean that fellow who just used the cannon? No, I don't know who he was. However, he just paid me ten thousand rupees to use it."

My mouth was agape.

Where the hell did Shiek get ten thousand rupees?

"Ten thousand rupees? Are you serious?"

Feyer turned his attention to me.

"I'm quite serious ma'am, he said something about it being urgent."

I would bet my life that bastard was going after the dragon prince. He must have somehow got confirmation he was there. But how? He couldn't have been around when we spoke to Eldin. Was he still tracking us without us knowing it?

"We have to use your cannon immediately," Link ordered.

Feyer looked surprised at the request, but didn't question it.

"Hop on in."

No questions asked? That was a first. However, Link and I hesitated. Apparently, the hero knew Feyer too well.

"What about the fee? You know ten thousand rupees as a standard fee is extortion."

Feyer waived it off.

"Don't worry about it. I'm feeling generous today."

That was an understatement.

Ten thousand rupees would make anyone feel generous.

In any such case, we didn't worry about it. We had to catch up to Shiek. Link and I hurried inside the shop and got inside the cannon. A few moments later, we were blasting up into the stratosphere. We landed high and vertically into a small island pool that served as a directory suspended in the middle of the sky. We swam out of the pool to get an idea as to where we were. We stood at the cusp of the precipice pointing north. The city was enormous. I read books on the City in the Sky, but never imagined it would be so intriguing. It was indeed a strange and wonderful place. I found myself looking around in awe.

"Incredible," I whispered.

The city was composed of separate varying islands. The islands were of different shapes and sizes. However, they all shared the commonality of being propelled in the air by a generator. There were ivory and taupe structures that latticed each foundation. Each building had a golden dome shaped roof of an antiquated look. It was beautiful. To get between the islands, immobile rendered pehats set to do specific motions, stayed stationary in the air until prompted. Each visitor was required to hook shot from pehat to pehat to get to their destinations. It looked like a tedious, dangerous undertaking.

"Wow," I whispered, "this place is absolutely amazing."

Link didn't seem to be too concerned with my awe. He was too busy tracking Shiek. Shiek was hook shooting to an island with a large golden door.

"Where the hell is he going?"

A reasonable question. I then followed Link's line of sight and saw Shiek land on a platform across from where we were to the north of us.

"He must know Elbourne is here. That's the only reason he's acting so urgently. We have to stop him before he tries to kill him."

Link was already on it.

"Hold on to me and hang on."

Suddenly, he pulled out two claw shots and prepared to follow the same track as Shiek. I wrapped my arms around Link's waist and held on tight. I closed my eyes and forced myself not to look down. I was terrified of heights.

"I'm ready," I braced myself.

Link then aimed for one of the pehats and released the recoil. We then sprung through the air with rapid propulsion and traveled from pehat to pehat. This was one of the most dangerous things I've done in my life. I kept my eyes closed. However, I couldn't lie, it was exhilarating in a strange way. When finally we landed on the opposing platform, Link hurried to lift the heavy door. I stayed back, but then saw that he was cuing for me to go through to the other side.

"Go now!" he ordered, struggling to keep the door up.

I promptly followed his order and scuttled through. Unfortunately, when I got to the other side, I was suddenly yanked into a standing position. A hand clamped over my mouth and my heart started to pound.

What in Hylia's name-?

"You should tell your boyfriend it's not nice to try and sneak up on people," a male voice whispered in my ear.

I turned my head slightly to see Sheik's venomous red eyes glaring into mine. Fear gripped me immediately.

"Please-"

"Shut up! You cover your jealousy and ardency well. That is… with the exception of the night at Snowpeak. One would almost think you were sincere."

My body stiffened.

What is he talking about? How does he know what happened between Link and I?

I couldn't worry about that now. I had to warn Link. The hero was walking into a trap. When he finally crossed over, he looked stunned when he saw me captured. He narrowed his eyes and cut his gaze immediately to Sheik.

"Let her go."

The ninja scoffed.

"Right," Sheik said sarcastically, "as soon as you both promise to turn around and leave. You see how ridiculous I sound."

Link cut his gaze back to me.

"It's going to be okay Zelda, I promise," he then got into his battle stance.

The ninja grunted.

"So… you two are on a first name basis now, are you?" Sheik clamped my mouth tighter. "Isn't that going to interfere with your intentions with the queen of twilight?"

Link didn't answer him and drew his blade.

"Let her go. I still have a score to settle with you from Zora's Domain."

Sheik actually laughed. It was scary and wicked. Like a whispery cough.

"You mean how I left you to die? That wouldn't be good for your stellar reputation."

My throat tightened as Sheik's grip wouldn't shake.

My goddess he is strong.

"Let her go," Link repeated, steadily losing his patience.

Sheik narrowed his eyes.

"Or you'll what?"

Link didn't reply, and I squirmed in Sheik's grip. I needed to help in some way. I then made a quick decision and kicked my foot backwards into Sheik's private parts. However, instead of feeling soft tissue, I felt a hard armored plate.

"Ouch!"

Sheik's hold tightened even more.

"I've already thought about that your majesty," he whispered in my ear, then suddenly tossed me to the side.

I landed hard on the ground next to the door, but wasn't hurt. Link glanced over at me, not breaking his stance.

"Are you alright?"

I nodded, rubbing the back of my neck.

"Don't worry about me, I'm fine."

Sheik then initiated his battle stance, but didn't pull out a weapon. Link narrowed his eyes at him, gauging what he was trying to do. However, this time Sheik didn't hesitate as he had before, and once he saw Link's form he lunged for him. The hero's eyes widened in surprise, not expecting the direct assault, but he quickly braced himself for Sheik's impact by re-sheathing his sword and protecting his core. The force was great, sending both men over the edge of the platform.

I panicked seeing Link fall over the edge.

"Link!" I scrambled to my feet to get to the cliff.

I looked over the edge and saw both men falling.

My goddess! I watched helplessly. Link's going to die! He's going to die!

Thank you for reading.