Chapter 13
Nabooru had seated herself, and poured a glass of wine for herself as Link and Zelda fussed over her.
"What news do you bring Nabooru?" Link asked, standing on the other side of the table. He stared her down as she sipped her wine.
She looked up from the goblet, and smiled at Link.
"All in good time." She said softly.
Zelda sat in the chair next to Nabooru, and placed her hand on Nabooru's. She caught her glance, and looked deeply into her eyes.
"Please, please tell me." She whispered.
The pain was clear in her tone, even though her voice was nearly drowned out by the sound of laughter and dancing.
Nabooru continued to stare at Zelda, and turned in her seat towards her.
"Darunia is training troops as we speak." She stopped momentarily as Zelda's lower lip quivered, and her eyes filled with tears. "And-"
The sound of an ocarina being played brought the three from their conversation, and they looked up to see Saria standing at the head of the table.
She smiled warmly towards Zelda, and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. She then looked around at the rest of the Kokiri, her smile widening.
"I'd like all of you to listen up while Princess Zelda of Hyrule addresses we Kokiri. Her strong words will surely encourage us to battle."
Zelda blinked repeatedly, trying to hide her tears. She ignored Link's worried gaze, and stood up. Everyone applauded for her as she slowly made her way to Saria's side.
"Thank you Saria." Zelda nodded to the little girl as she skipped away.
Zelda looked out at the Kokiri, searching every tiny face for fear. Each face was smiling back at her, eager to hear what she had to say.
She took a deep breath, and closed her eyes before speaking.
"Going into battle…is a very frightening thing. You never know when your next breath will be your last, so you try to cherish each one you take. Your worry is for your life, as well as for those you care for."
She opened her eyes, looking directly at Link. He was looking back at her, his hands firmly grasping the chair beside him as he stood. He was worried for her.
"But going into battle is also a joyous thing. During the battle, it's anything but joyous, but once it's over, peace is restored. People begin to rebuild their lives, and they won't have to worry about the evil that once plagued them.
When I go to battle, I am going to march in with my head held high. Although I am frightened, I know that by going into battle, I'm protecting Hyrule," Zelda offered a smile to Link, "and those I love."
Nabooru stood suddenly, and lifted her goblet.
"Here, here!" She shouted, a grin spread across her tanned face.
The Kokiri followed the young woman's example, and raised their glasses to Zelda as well. They cheered as she made her way quickly to Link's side, red staining her cheeks.
Before Link could tell Zelda how wonderful she had been, Nabooru jumped over the table in between the two, her once happy face now solemn.
"Very touching speech Princess Zelda, but I must cut compliments short," Nabooru eyed the exit, "follow me."
Link and Zelda looked quizzically at each other before following Nabooru.
Link wondered if Nabooru had lied to he and Zelda about the Gorons deciding to help fight, but pushed the idea aside quickly. He knew that Nabooru wouldn't be so insensitive to Zelda.
The three finally stopped near the watch tower. Nabooru spun around so quickly that Link and Zelda nearly fell backwards. She apologized with her eyes.
"The hunt for the sacred items has already begun I'm afraid. Devika has already obtained the helmet of Kin." Nabooru looked mournfully upon the couple.
Zelda's mouth dropped open.
"D-did you meet the Gerudos there?" She asked in a shaky voice.
Nabooru nodded, a sad smile on her face.
"Apparently we were not successful. A handful of Gorons were slaughtered…including Darunia's son, Link."
Zelda gasped, and Link looked sadly at Nabooru.
"How is Darunia?" Link asked quietly as Zelda took hold of his hand.
"He's very angry, but he's coping I guess." Nabooru looked away for a moment, but then snapped her head back up. "We must stop Devika from obtaining the other items or we will never win."
Link nodded in agreement.
"When will we begin?"
Nabooru bit her lip, and looked from Link to Zelda.
"Well it won't really be we."
"What do you mean?"
A silence settled in upon the three young adults. The only sound that could be heard was that of the soft breeze and the distant sound of children.
"The shield of Mamoru and the scabbard of Hiroshi lie at Termina, but in two different places. The shield is hidden somewhere in the Great Bay, while the scabbard lies somewhere in the mountains.
If we wish to find them, we must…split up."
"Split up?" Zelda asked, her hand falling limply from Link's.
"Yes. I was thinking that Link could take the Kokiri with him to the Great Bay, while you and I could take the Gorons to the mountains."
Link blinked a few times, still trying to process what he had just heard.
"How did you know the Zoras declined?"
Nabooru smiled.
"It was just a guess."
"When do we leave for Termina?" Link asked, assuming Zelda was having trouble finding her voice.
"I was hoping tomorrow." Nabooru admitted with a tired sigh.
"I'll announce it to the Kokiri." He said, squeezing Zelda's shoulder comfortingly before turning back.
Once Zelda couldn't hear his footsteps anymore, she looked up from the ground which had captured her interest in the past few minutes.
"I have but one request." She said weakly.
"Anything Princess." Nabooru laid a hand gently on Zelda's shaking shoulder.
"Messengers. I want a messenger to go back and forth between the bay and the mountains, so that we know we're okay." She swallowed, trying to get rid of the lump in her throat.
Nabooru nodded, and felt pity for the young girl standing before her. Her father's kingdom had been overthrown, she didn't know if he was alive, and now she was being separated from her love.
"Nabooru."
She looked up suddenly.
"Yes Princess?"
Zelda lifted the back of her hand, and Nabooru gasped as she searched for the symbol of the Triforce.
"Devika took my piece."
The morning came far too quickly for the couple as they each silently dressed and equipped themselves.
Zelda sheathed her sword, a present from Link. She tucked her bow inside of her tunic, Link's Goron tunic, and made sure her quiver was full before slipping it on. Her Hylian shield was ready on her back.
Link looked up to see her tying her hair back in the same way she had the night before. She looked like a real warrior, standing in the open doorway, the sun shining down upon her.
Epona whinnied outside, and Link stood straight, heading for the doorway.
"I wish you had a horse Zelda." He said softly, holding her arms from behind.
"I can travel fine on foot." She argued gently.
Link spun Zelda around to face him, and offered her a crooked smile. He didn't know what else to do, so he just scratched the back of his neck.
"To Termina then?"
Zelda sighed heavily, and nodded.
"To Termina."