Chapter 13: Keeper

Streamers fluttered as another lively wind screeched through the bustling streets of Castle Town. Link closed his eyes, letting the cool gust of air twist around him. The winds strength brought confidence, an omen for a strong season this year. And a good festival. The tightness on his head lightened, and his hand snapped to it, grasping at his cap before it joined the decorations scattering themselves around town.

Opening his eyes, he pressed himself further into the station wall as he scanned the crowd once again. Despite the relaxed, festive tone of the town, the pit in his stomach had still come back, possibly worse today than ever before, growing as more and more people joined the crowd. However, sitting on top of the station as the river of people shifted down below, it wasn't the worst way to kill the time.

He continued scanning the crowd, but failed to pick out his target. It was odd, in some ways. Everyone in New Hyrule took the festival as a chance to dress up, the usually muted coloured clothes were packed away, the crowd now dyed a mixture of greens and blues that flowed about the town. That was except every now and then he caught a glimpse of yellow giants. Gorons, drawing the gaze of young children as they towered over the crowd. It was a funny thought, not even a year ago he'd have probably been right alongside them, it was odd to consider how their journey had changed him.

Out of the corner of his eye he finally spotted her, the unmistakable blonde bundle of energy hopping about the crowd, a bag of something already clutched in her hands. Ah, that explained his wait then. Catching her eye, his hand had barely left his side before she dashed over, taking the steps two at a time.

"Try this!" Zelda practically yelled, shoving something inches from his face. Clasped in her hand was a collection of some sort of crispy pastry sticks, their heat burning his face. A sweet scent wafted towards him, familiar but something he couldn't quite place.

"It's something new Ms Pita is selling," Zelda said, answering his question before he got a chance to ask. She held out the wrapping of snacks for him and he finally noticed another in held tightly in her other hand, identical except for being slightly more nibbled.

Taking the gift, he bit down. It was odd, a mix of crunchy outside mixed with a soft inside. The flavour kicked in, washing over his mouth. Cinnamon! That was what he couldn't place. Well that was one mystery solved. But before he could take another bite, the head hovering at his side pulled him from the treat.

"You like it?" Zelda's eyes were practically sparkling with anticipation. He nodded, chomping down on another bit. Zelda's smile grew into a triumphant grin, carrying into her proud march as she walked ahead of him. He followed her lead, quick stepping to catch her.

"So apparently there's a stall selling some monster masks out in the field, we can loop around past Take 'Em All On if you want? There's some game stands out there too. Oh and I noticed Captain Russell is giving sword training later, I want to try that out too."

He hummed in agreement, the sound muffled as pastry stuffed his mouth. Swallowing he spoke up, "Can we drop by Linebeck's stand? He's supposed to be running an auction."

"Sounds fun, I suppose we'll have to drop by and see it." She didn't look at him, but as much as she tried to hide it, the twitch of her ears betrayed her excitement at the idea.

Falling into pace, the two stepped in sync as they skimmed the edge of the crowd. Glancing about, flashes of colour formed into various stands scattered about the area. One had some small wooden swords propped out front, another was covered in coloured glass twisted into extraordinary shapes. While most stands were large, with grand designs towering over them, their loud colourful banners and boisterous salespeople drawing in customers, smaller one were peppered around, run by hobbyists and collectors showing off unusual items or pens of tiny animals. He supposed his own stand fit into the latter group. Even with Alfonzo happily drawing crowds, they weren't really selling anything. But that was the point, Alfonzo had said. They were just there to show the kingdom what they were capable of, and if they were lucky they'd inspire someone else to become an engineer.

But as they went, something clawed at his mind. It was subtle, hidden amongst the noise and colours, but as someone clipped his arm it clicked. They'd been pulled into the flow of people, now stuck as it carried them around the attractions. His muscles tensed as pressure built in the air, filling his lungs with lead as the crowd contorted around him, squeezing tighter and tighter. His heart thumped, pounding his chest in an attempt to break free. Every hair stood on end, he wanted to get out. He needed to get out.

A lighter pressure skimmed his arm. His mind refocused, scanning for the cause. It was Zelda, now close enough to brush against him. When had that happened? He didn't remember stepping closer, had it been subconscious? Zelda leant into him, and his thoughts evaporated.

"Are you alright?"

It was a simple question, but the thumping in his chest changed, no longer harsh but now beat a soothing rhythm.

He sighed. She was already enjoying herself so much, the thought of being the one to bring that down stung him. But as she stood there, eyes dancing around his face and lips pulled into a concerned frown, it was clear that lying wouldn't help either. He stole himself, unable to look at her as he mustered his entire voice.

"It's just…it's so busy here, feels like we don't have any space." It still barely came out as a whisper.

But to his surprise, Zelda wasn't upset or annoyed. Her previous smile erupted back to her face as she propped herself onto tiptoes, scanning over the crowd as she spoke, "well that's good, I can do something about that at least – oh that looks good."

She paused, turning her head ever so slightly, barely enough for him to glimpse the corner of an eye and the edge of a smile. She glanced down, and his eyes followed, now noticing her hand delicately reaching out for him.

"I'll make sure we stick together."

He may have been mad, but if he looked closely, he swore her cheeks held a slight flush. He was about to speak up, but her gloved fingertips brushed the back of his palm. His hand opened to her without his command, and she wove her fingers with his own. He shuddered, a chill running up his arm, spreading throughout his body.

Zelda stepped off, pulling him behind her as she danced through the crowd. His mind lagged, barely managing to tighten his grip around her hand, refusing to let her go as he clumsily followed. He had no idea where she had decided to take them, but as the chill gave way to a soothing warmth, he realised, he had no desire to lose her.

So this week's been fun. Originally had a much longer chapter written out, and while I loved the idea, it was just the worst. So instead, please enjoy the parts I took and rewrote, and please let me know how this turned out in the end.

On a happier note, thanks for all the positive reviews, I'm glad you guys are enjoying this!