Chapter 12
The sun peeked through the canopy of trees, shedding light upon the green earth below. The wind was also calm in the Lost Woods, and Link and Zelda were grateful for that.
Two and a half weeks had passed since the Kokiri were told that any willing and able could join Link, Zelda, and Nabooru in their battle against the Gerudos.
Link had grown worried when he hadn't heard from Nabooru, but convinced himself that she would soon find him and Zelda, with news that the Gorons would assist them.
If the Gorons didn't assist them, Link feared that Zelda would fall back into her depression, and he couldn't bear to see her so upset. But with Darunia as their leader, Link was hopeful that the Gorons would be more than happy to help.
Link ducked beneath Zelda's blade, and rolled into her, slashing out. The swords were blunt, and so Link wasn't worried about actually nicking or stabbing his love. He had promised the shopkeeper who sold him the swords, that if she was harmed in any way by them, he would wring his neck.
"Keep your balance." Link commanded softly as Zelda back flipped unsteadily away from his sword.
She landed on her feet, and her arms flailed only a little as she did so. She was quick to jump at Link, swinging her sword.
Link had found that Zelda adapted quickly to the bow, however, her swordsmanship needed serious work.
"Always be aware of the other blade." He instructed, poking her chest lightly with the tip of his blade.
Zelda looked fiercely upon him, and used her sword to knock his away from her. She then lashed out violently at him, but he was quick to meet her sword halfway.
Their blades shook, and Zelda remembered her showdown with Devika. A burning sensation rolled through her, and she dropped to her knees.
"Zelda." Link kneeled in front of her, and attempted to take the sword from her shaking hand.
She swiped at him.
"No, keep going." She demanded.
"What is it?" Link asked as they fought their way around a tree.
"My body is going through withdrawal," Zelda rolled beneath Link's blade, "from not having my piece of the Triforce."
"Will you be alright?" He asked worriedly, jumping sideways to miss her attack.
"In time."
She wiped her forehead with her free hand, and ran after Link as he traveled through the Lost Woods.
She giggled, and he grinned back at her.
He hadn't heard her giggle in quite some time, and when she did, it warmed his heart. As long as Zelda was happy, so was he.
Link suddenly turned, hoping to throw her off, but saw that she was gone.
"Zelda?" He asked, looking around.
Panic rose up in him, and he felt as though warm, yet cold water had been dropped on him, and it was dripping down his body.
"Zelda!"
Suddenly, she jumped from a tree, and landed on Link with a thud.
He looked up to see either knee on either side of his head, and her sword was pointed at his throat.
Link raised an eyebrow as he snuck a peek up her dress.
"Yield." She said, staring into Link's eyes.
He grabbed her blade, and thrust it away from his throat, and leaned up, his lips meeting hers.
His hand gently went up her dress, and squeezed her hip lovingly.
She laughed in his mouth, and tried to pull away, but he rolled over, and now she was the one pinned to the ground.
He kissed her neck as his hands went to her waist, holding her still. The scent of her skin was that of the forest, and he liked it.
"Link." Zelda said softly as he kissed her neck again.
He didn't answer, but continued to kiss down to her collar bone, where he pulled down her dress slightly to kiss the skin above her breasts.
"Link." Zelda moaned, her fingers tangling in his hair.
She threw off his hood, and pulled his head down to rest on her shoulder. She then moved her hands down his back, feeling his muscles while lightly scratching at his tunic.
"Zelda." Link breathed against her shoulder.
His body tensed as her hands stopped on his hips. She first pulled them down to hers gently, but then crushed them together. She could feel him against her, and she smirked to know that she did that to him.
"Ahem." A voice interrupted the couple.
Link, blunt sword ready, sat up to see who dared to intrude on him and Zelda.
"Saria, what is it?" He asked, a hint of anger to his voice.
"We're all gathering at the Great Deku Tree for a small feast, and we were wondering if Zelda would address us."
"For what purpose Saria?" Zelda sat up, her cheeks on fire.
"For hope, and to encourage us. We're all a little frightened." Saria admitted, looking at her feet.
"As well we should be."
Saria smiled, and looked back up at Zelda.
"So you will?"
"Of course." Zelda smiled brightly at her.
"I'll announce it to everyone. Goodbye you two!" Saria smiled evilly, and ran off, giggling.
Link looked back at Zelda.
"Are you sure you can do it?" He asked, stroking her cheek.
"Yes Link. Perhaps doing this will help me as well." She crawled close to Link, and he wrapped his arms around her.
Her face was in the crook of his neck, her hand against his broad shoulder.
I only pray that my speech will bring me hope, as well as the Kokiri. Zelda thought.
The Kokiri ran around like the children they were, dancing and laughing.
A long table was set up, where different foods were served. A few of the children had brought their instruments, and were playing fun songs for dancing and singing.
Link himself sat in a chair at the table, a dagger in his hand. He tapped it on the table as he watched the Kokiri. He had grown up with them, and he might have to see some of them die.
He looked over to where Zelda stood with Saria. She was talking to the little girl, her face bright and happy.
She was wearing a mahogany colored, sleeveless dress. It was a commoner dress, but it was beautiful on her all the same. Her hair was tied back, and hung limply down her back.
When Saria excused herself, Link watched Zelda slowly walk out of the Great Deku Tree's shrine. He was quick to follow quietly.
She stopped at the moat, and kneeled down in front of it. She dipped her hand into the water, and let her fingers dance around in it.
All the while she hummed her lullaby to herself.
Link longed to know what she was thinking as he stood, watching her intently. He wondered if they were good or bad thoughts.
She suddenly shuddered, and Link stood straight up, and went to kneel beside her.
"Cold?" He asked, wrapping an arm around her delicate shoulders.
She was startled, but offered a weak smile.
"No, just thinking."
"About what?"
Zelda sighed, and looked away. Her eyes scanned the empty houses, and the watch tower set up in the middle of them all.
"About the battle, and about my father."
Link nodded, and pulled her closer.
"I'm here for you." He whispered, burying his chin into her hair.
"I know, and I love you for that."
Link was just about to suggest heading back when all of a sudden, a figure dropped down in front of the couple.
Instinctively, Link pulled out his sword, and stood in front of Zelda, who had stood as well.
"Who are you?" He growled.
The figure pulled back the hood of the cloak, and smiled.
"I told you I'd find you."
"Nabooru?"