Link's POV
The night breeze is cool, it's a relief from the heat of the day, the night is clear enough, the moon is waning, interestingly there is no ruckus going on, no monster attacks, which has been trending here lately, I've been away from the castle for quite some time, but the amount of guards have increased in such a short time it seems like, but my priority is supposed to be standing guard, watching over Zelda…her window is open, she must want to enjoy the cool breeze too, I can hear her movements clearly, she's writing again. I know she's upset, she hasn't spoken much since her encounter with the King from earlier. His Majesty…he was too hard on her. If only he knew how hard she tried, how much this Calamity burdened her. But he's not the only one who believes Zelda isn't trying hard enough,the soldiers in the barracks talk of abandoning Hyrule, they don't believe in fighting a war that they believe they have no chance at winning. Gossip mongers think all she cares about is just her textbooks and not the people. Not even giving her a chance; or just ignoring all the other good she's done for all of us. I grip the hilt of the Master Sword in frustration thinking back on it. When I hear a loud boom, that makes me briefly forget my fleeting exasperation. I immediately go on the defense, is this it? The Calamity? I don't see any enemy threats, I feel something fall on my nose, something wet, curious, I hold out my hand, and feel drops cascading on my hand.
Rain?
"Rain?" Did I just say that? No, that wasn't me that was…
"Link, come inside! Quickly!" Zelda orders, peeking her head out of the window, looking at me with worry, and closes her window. "Inside"? Inside Zelda's study? Does she want me to get beheaded? Entering a royals room has serious consequences, I don't think His Majesty would take too kindly if he saw me in his daughters—
"What are you, mad? We're not in the wilderness Link. Come inside!" Zelda scolds while opening the door quickly, and grabbing my wrist, pulling me inside without me having a second to protest. I look around her room, it's warm inside, there's a large library of textbooks, with open books spread across the room and on her couch in front of the large fireplace, that has a roaring fire crackling, at the center of the room. I stay as still as a statue close to her door, Zelda is now sitting at her desk and looks over to me in confusion,
"What are you doing?"
I remain silent, trying to avoid eye contact with her, but I can't help but look back to see her…reaction. She huffs in annoyance, rolling her eyes at me, and keeps them locked on to me. What is this…? A staring contest? The tension is almost enough for me to break, "Link are you…" she smirks.
"Thinking of doing something…" she says slowly, getting up from her chair to walk closer to me, I gulp in angst, and I feel a heat on my cheeks. She gets close to my face, why is she teasing me like this?
"Perverted?" she asks bluntly. I gasp for air at that moment, enough to make me slightly fumble as I try to back up, but I've already backed myself into this wall, and Zelda is less than a foot away from me. I guess my reaction to her accusation was humorous, because she started to chuckle. My face feels hot, she is trying to get a rise out of me…I mean…it's working. "I-I…" I stutter, ever since we got back to the castle, I've regressed, on our journey Zelda and I have gotten to open up to each other more. It's easier to talk to her than before, she makes it so easy. Being out in the wild was refreshing for the both of us, but it couldn't erase the looming threat of the Calamity. Zelda still hasn't unlocked her powers yet, and with each passing day she's gotten more melancholy. And I…I have to be stronger for her, for all of Hyrule. Everyone is counting on us. But I still can't even hear the sword speak to me like Zelda can, and just like her, I don't even know where to start to learn how. Maybe it could give us answers.
Zelda snaps me out of my thoughts with her continuous chuckle. She looks up to me and gives me a small grin, her smile…it's my favorite thing to see. "I-I am not…" is all I manage to say, starting to look away from her gaze, she backs up and gives me space, "Then why are you acting like a statue?" she asks. "Soldiers aren't allowed to be in any royal quarters," I say quietly. Zelda perks up, and I see her face flush slightly, I guess she didn't even think about that. She quickly rushes to her window and closes her curtains and then walks to her door, is she going to let me out? I kind of regret saying anything now. I hear the door lock latch, nope, the complete opposite. She looks over to me with a mischievous grin, "Well then, nobody better find out right?" she giggles, I'm glad her spirit seems to be lifted at least a little. Wait. What?
""H-huh?"
"You heard me," she says bluntly, I scratch the back of my head, nervous habit, I don't mind this…but, what if his Majesty were to come by and confront her before we head out tomorrow? "You're worrying about nothing Link, just sit down and make yourself comfortable, enjoy the fire," she tries to reassure me, I look towards the fire, and the upholstered couch that's right in front of it.
"I have snaaacks" she teases, my stomach growls as she says that. Curses.
"Okay fine, you win Princess," I say all defeated. Not that I really mind, I walk slowly towards the couch, laying the Master Sword off the edge, and place my hands in front of the fire, the heat on my hands feels nice, and finally lay down. I didn't realize how tired I was, until my legs finally rested on the soft cushions. I let out an audible sigh of relief, "Alright, now about those snacks…" I hear Zelda giggling in the back, I turn my head around and look over the couch and see she's right behind me, she drops a bag of something on me in surprise. "Eep!" Our faces are so close together, our noses are practically touching. I guess she wasn't expecting me to do that, and she immediately ceases her chuckling. I can't be sure if it's the heat from the fireplace, or from my cheeks, but suddenly I feel like I'm sweltering. Seeing her eyes this close…I could get lost in the forest of her eyes… I want to…
to…
…
I move my head back and face the fire, focusing on the flames "S-sorry," is all I can say. She didn't say anything, my ears twitch when I hear her footsteps coming closer, I look down at my lap and see what she dropped on me, a bag of honey candies. I want to distract myself from the awkward moment…maybe it'll make her less embarrassed. I reach my hand in and grab one and it immediately starts to melt in my mouth, I look up and see she's reaching for a book in one of the shelfs near the fire, her ears look red, "D-don't apologize," she says quietly. We are both silent in the room, each passing moment feels like an eternity. She settles on a book and turns around and sits on the other end of the couch. "I-is it okay if I sit with you?" she asks, why is she asking me? This is HER room. We've sat with each other in the wild, I guess she feels like this is a more closed setting…it is a more intimate setting I guess…I nod, and start to move my stretched out legs when she suddenly turns around and starts removing my boots,
"W-what are you doing?" I ask, trying to stop her, "You can't exactly relax when you're still wearing your shoes am I right?" she asks sweetly, "Zel—P-Princess…you don't have to do this," she looks over to me, "Zelda," she says, I hold my breath, I'm in trouble, "You can call me Zelda, Link," she pouts, as she aggressively removes my other boot,
"I thought you said this wasn't the wilderness," I can't just call her by her name like I could in the wild, her brows are furrowed in frustration, she reaches her hand in the bag of candy in my lap, and forces a candy in my mouth trying to retort my protest, "I-if someone were to hear that I called you by your name then…" I start, but I can't bear to finish when I see her eyes fill with sadness, oh no…I messed up. "O-oh…I see…if someone were too–" "N-not that I don't want to, I just—" shut up, shut up, shut up. She slowly releases my feet from her grip and seems to make even more space between us. I don't want this. "I–I'm sorry…" She remains quiet, clenching the book she chose, once again she was worrying about her fate, her people that have no faith in her. But I do, I lean in close to her, I don't know what else to do but…
"Zelda,"
She looks up to me, having a surprised look, "L-Link, what are you?" I hold her hand closest to me, up to my chest, her hand is so soft and delicate, "I-I'm sorry Zelda," I instinctively start to stroke her hand with my thumb, and look up to her. Her face is flushed, "If that's what you want, I'll call you only by your name from now on, no matter where we are, I-I'll even say it in front of his Majesty," although that last part, I really hope she doesn't ask for. She smiles sweetly at me. I return a small grin to her, and I have no time to react when she lunges towards me and pulls me into a warm embrace. There's not much room on the couch, but she is sitting on top of me awkwardly at this point, I impulsively hold her waist to keep her from falling. When I look at her, her face is beet red, "A-Ah…I-I'm sorry…" What should I do? "Link…" Damn it, this is bad. I don't know what to say,
"D-Do you care about what everyone is saying about me…?" she looks down at me, hiding her face in embarrassment, awaiting my answer, the fire is crackling, the rain is pouring down so hard now, perhaps it's good thing, because my heart feels like it's pounding out of my chest, I stare deep in her emerald eyes, I can't control my hand as it raises up and cups her cheeks. She is a little shocked by the gesture, but quickly closes her eyes and leans into my warm hand. We've never been this close before, but I don't think she minds, and I don't either. She looks at me once again, "I don't care what anyone else thinks, because I know you…" I say to her, she gives me a small smile, "His Majesty…is wrong," I add, which is treason on site. But, I don't care about that now, Zelda leans in close to me and rests her head on my chest, cuddling up to me and staring into the fire. I accept my immediate death if anyone were to enter here and slowly move my arms around her waist and hold her in an embrace.
"Thank you Link," she says softly, squeezing me tighter
I rub my chin gently on her head, I can smell the sweet scent of her hair, wait, how do I smell?
…
What are we doing?
I can't protest now, I feel her breathing getting slower and slower. She's falling asleep. Hopefully this rain stops before morning…tomorrow, we'll be heading out once again, I don't know where exactly just yet but…all I do know is that I don't want this to end. Her birthday is in just a few days…maybe I should get her something…
I hear the rain continue to pour endlessly, not even the thunder can awaken her now, the fire is starting to dim as I watch it slowly fade and the room becomes engulfed in darkness, my eyes feel heavy and I start to drift off to the sounds of rain…
…
…
…
"Wake up Link…"
…
Where am I?
…
"Open your eyes…"
…
I want to…
I hear the sound of rain, and someone crying. My eyes feel too heavy to lift, I feel something on my chest, I can't speak, my mouth feels so dry. I'm starting to come too, my eyes slowly lift, my vision is blurry but…I see her.
"Zel…da…"
She looks at me in surprise, has she been crying this whole time?
"L-Link! Y-you're awake…" she mutters, her touch is so warm, as she strokes my hair, "Thank goodness…" she says quietly. I muster up my strength in my arm and hold her hand stroking my hair, I don't want her touch to leave. She's alive…
"I'm so glad…" she says, her voice cracking from all the crying I'm sure. I feel so groggy, she's holding me delicately. I pull her closer to me, her body now resting on mine but I don't mind. I just want to feel her warmth. She's trying to say something while slightly resisting but shortly sinks in to me, I can't hear anything she's saying…I muster up my remaining strength and place my palm on her head comforting her. Is this even real?
It's probably a dream…yeah…just a dream…
I once again feel my eyes starting to fall back down and the darkness consuming me again.
It's bright, I feel warm. Is it morning? Where am I? I hear the sound of wind, and the smell of freshly fallen rain. My eyes open slowly and look around my surroundings, I see Sheikah eye talismans, and by the looks of it, I'm inside Impa's manor. I wonder if Zelda's safe, that dream I had felt so real…but even before that…what…was that? A memory? But I thought I've remembered everything there is to know.
I feel something heavy on my chest and something to my side. I try to move my body up to see what it is but I can barely lift my head. I smell something…floral, is that the scent of blue nightshade? I look over a little more straining my body and I see…Zelda. Lying right next to me, her head is on my chest, how did she get there? My arm is underneath her head holding her closely. Oh no. I pick up my free arm and notice the white bandages all over, I lower my head and see bandages covering my whole body. What happened to me? I feel sore, but not as bad as I probably should…I wonder why. Zelda's breathing on my neck, and it shoots tingles down my spine, Is she waking up?
She groans and nuzzles her head deeper in my neck, I don't think I can handle this, it's too early. She slowly picks her head up softly, looking groggy, I am frozen, looking into her eyes as they slowly peer open and she stares into mine. I could get lost in her deep and sparkling eyes. "G-Good morning…" I say carefully. Her eyes flutter and then they widen, "L-Link!" her eyes began glossing over, and tears quickly started trickling down her face. I don't know what to do to reassure her, "You're really awake…thank goodness…" she says as she leans her head back into my chest, "W-what happened?" I ask, "You don't remember?" she asks. "N-no," she looks to the side and slowly sits herself up on the soft bed we're both lying in. I immediately took notice of her arm all bandaged. What happened to her while I was out? "Z-Zelda! What happened to your arm…?" I shoot up and hold her arm, as I do, I feel pain burst throughout my whole body. "Be careful!" She holds me in support, I stay focused on her arm, her bandages stained ever so slightly. "What happened to your arm…?" I ask more quietly, she takes a deep breath. "W-well, it's a long story," she says. "The important thing is, that you're okay now," she says sweetly. The sun is beaming down on her, the wind blows a cool breeze through the open window having her hair soft blow in it. Her smile looks so tranquil in this heavenly light she's surrounded in. She's wearing a traditional Sheikah garb that's loosely fitted on her. I feel a bit embarrassed since I only have bandages covering my body, my face feels hot. Seeing her after all this time…it's been so worth it. My ears twitch when I hear the door creak open ever so slightly, and emerges a familiar face,
"Good morning Paya!" I say happily.
She nearly drops the tray she's holding but catches herself, "M-Master Link, o-oh! Y-You're awake!" she hurriedly places the tray with what looks to be a bowl and some liquids on the side. "I-I must inform g-grandma!" she quickly rushes out of the room, and I hear her walk down the steps, I look over to Zelda in confusion.
"What's with the reaction?"
Zelda pouts her face and looks as if she's about to scold me, "You were asleep for over three days," Over three days? Is that why I'm so sore?
"That would explain the soreness in my body,"
She shakes her head, and looks at me with furrowed brows, "Try, bruised ribs…" she starts, oh no…
"Uh oh,"
"Burns," she gets closer with her finger pointed towards me.
"You know, I don't really feel anything when I'm fighting…" I start to laugh nervously, scratching the back of my head.
"Oh and not to mention the deep cuts on your body that definitely can cause immense blood loss," she points at my chest.
"It's sorta, in the moment…you don't really feel…" I continue to laugh nervously. I may have gone face to face with the Calamity, but somehow seeing Zelda upset is still far scarier.
"Link,"
"Y-yeah?"
"You could have died,"
"But I didn't…?" I say in a careful tone. She shakes her head and her eyes begin to gloss over. "You had a fever last night, Link I thought I…" she starts but her voice begins to crack, she can't finish what she's saying. I want to comfort her, I had a fever last night?
"Y-your condition got much worse last night, I thought— I almost lost you… again," she said, crossing her arms. Is she serious? I was that bad?
"Zelda, I'm…"
"What?" she says in a frustrated tone, I pull her close to me and embrace her. She wasn't expecting that, I nuzzled my head in her hair, "I'm sorry for making you worry," I held her tightly. I don't want to let go, holding her makes me realize this is real…it doesn't take her long to return my embrace and she whispers in my chest.
"So reckless…"
There she is.
The door slams open and I see Paya and Impa, Paya looks embarrassed to see us holding each other because she immediately hides behind the frame. Impa is laughing in triumph. I pull away from Zelda and look down at her and her face looks beet red. Am I still hot from my fever? She doesn't want to look over to Impa and Paya, she looks cute when she's shy like this. "Good morning Link," Impa says, "Morning,"
"How're you feeling?" she asks. "Really sore,". She nods her head slightly, "That's to be expected with the condition you came to us in," she walks to the bed I'm sitting on, she briefly inhales and then exhales, suddenly,
THWACK
Zelda and Paya gasp,
"Ouch!" I rub the back of my head, where Impa just struck with her cane. That's irritating, "What was that for?" I shoot a glare at her, she shoots one back, she points at Zelda's bandaged arm, Zelda nervously holds her injured arm, "Impa calm down!"
"Yes grandma, th-that was a bit uncalled for…"
Impa huffed and composed herself, she had such a serious face. "Do you know what happened to the Princess?" she asks me, what does she mean? I look over to Zelda and immediately am reminded of her injury. How did she hurt herself? I made it to Kakariko…she was supposed to be safe, what happened? Zelda said I was asleep for over three days…I wasn't doing so good last night either from what she said. "Impa…please don't…" Zelda mutters quietly.
"In order to cure you, we needed blue nightshade," Impa starts,
"The princess nearly ripped her arm apart when she went out looking for it…for you,"
"Impa, that's a bit dramatic don't you think?" Zelda rolls her eyes, but she's not denying it. "Zelda…what happ—"
THWACK
"HEY!"
"DON'T ADDRESS THE PRINCESS SO CASUALLY!" Impa shoots back. Am I really arguing with an old lady?
"What's important is that because you couldn't take care of yourself, the Princess needlessly hurt herself,"
I don't have anything to say to rebutte that. Zelda got hurt because I wasn't awake.
"E-ENOUGH!"
The room falls silent and we all turn our heads to Paya, "O-oh! S-sorry! B-but please, hasn't the Princess and Master Link been through enough grandma?"
"Impa, if it was to save Link, I would have done more" Zelda says, she looks over to me, "It's only a few cuts, really it's nothing to be concerned about," "Pah, it wouldn't have happened on my watch…" Impa mutters, as she walks back to Paya, "Still though…" she says quietly and turns around giving me and Zelda a serious look, "There are certain matters we need to discuss…but before that…" Paya interjects, "S-shall I make you some breakfast Master Link? And you Princess?".
I nod my head happily, "Yes Paya! That would be lovely!" Zelda says kindly, however, I am concerned, what does Impa want to talk about? What else is there if the Calamity is over? I think about my dream that I had last night, was that a memory? It felt so real.
I wonder…am I still missing something?
