***ALL STANDARD DISCLAIMERS APPLY**
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In Sotto Voce
By The Wolfess
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Chapter 4
Impa slept fitfully. Her mind was too full of worries to allow her to fully enter deep sleep. When the first light of dawn crept through the window, she dressed and went out to the main square with her Great Sword to go through her steps again. She knew that she was over preparing. When the test came, she would ace it with no problem and finally be enlisted in the Hyrulian Army—and Princess Zelda's personal service.
It was that thought that sent her to the practice slate that morning. Going through her steps made her feel centered. Impa felt at home in her own skin when her hand was on the hilt of a sword. Battle magic would not be tested that day, but she wanted to use it in her personal showcase at the end. There was a light drizzle this morning and she focused on practicing her water steps. As she had only been practicing them for three years and she did not consider herself a master yet. Doing it during rain was the best time. She could use the increased moisture in the air to create particularly deadly attacks, and today she felt the need to hit something really hard.
Grand Master Rauru had taught her the ways of water magic using her Great Sword as a conduit, as well as fire magic with her Naginata. The Sheikah had left the Naginata with him when she left to become a knight. Fire magic was too dangerous for setting that the Knight Academy offered, and it could hurt someone too easily. There was no way to tone down a fire attack. But water was different. She could tone down her water attacks so that they hit like a spring rain rather than like a hurricane.
Besides being easier to control, water was particularly therapeutic. It could be fierce when Impa felt angry or gentle when she felt sad. No matter what she was struggling with, if it was an emotional problem, she could figure it out through the Great Sword's dance. Today, as the morning light struggled to shine between patchy clouds and rain fell through beams of sunlight, the Sheikah was particularly deadly.
One, two, jump, turn, three, and water. One, two, water, three, turn, and water. Impa twirled the giant sword around her body as if it were made of paper. Her steps were a rhythm, her body the music. To use water, Rauru had said, you have to let your emotions flow. Control them, harness them, and make them flow from you like a tidal wave. Today, the waves were high. She gathered the rain about her blade and made it bend to her will. Sending it out from the blade, she began to form a ball of water in the air before her. It churned and strained under her control, exhibiting as much conflict in its motions as Impa felt within her heart. Come on, she thought, her teeth gritted as she focused on building the sphere, behave yourself. Bend. Grow. Stay together, no, hold, no, damn you! The ball broke apart, falling to the wet practice slate to mingle with the rain. Impa set the sword down and leaned heavily on its hilt.
"Hey," came a voice behind her. "Are you okay?" Impa recognized it without turning.
"Go away, Link," she snapped. "Please," she added, in a softer tone. He ignored her, of course, and came over anyway. Crossing his arms over his chest, he gave her a look that said she had better talk to him or else. "I'm fine," she said, wiping the rain from her face.
"No, you're not," he said. His blond hair was getting soaked as he stood with her in the downpour. "I've seen you practice enough times to know that the only time you can't control that sphere is when you're really stressed about something."
Impa sighed. "You don't understand," she started, but Link shook his head.
"I do. You're nervous about today. Don't be!" He clapped her on the back and looked, pointedly, to her sword. "The fact that you can control water magic at all means that you'll pass this with flying colors."
Impa smiled. That wasn't what was bothering her, but he meant well. "Thank you Link," she said. "Hey, let's just go to breakfast. Maybe I'll feel better when I eat." They walked to the great hall and ate in silence. One of the things Impa appreciated about Link's company was that he was okay with being quiet. It was a rare trait, and a valuable one for any observant warrior. When they were done eating, they went to their respective barracks to freshen up and change into clean uniforms for the ceremony. They met in the practice square, both wearing their full uniforms with tunic, chainmail, white trainee tabard, blue bracers, and brown leather gloves. A crowd was already gathering for the ceremony. Link's mouth fell open as he looked up at the number of people looking down on them.
"I have never seen so many people in this place," he murmured. "Youngest woman to ever graduate the Knight Academy. Big event I guess, right? You really draw a crowd."
Impa shook her head. "They're not here to see me," she said, looking across at the privileged section. Link followed her gaze and spotted the King of Hyrule and the two princesses sitting in the front row. Impa sighed a little as Princess Zelda waved at her, although she returned the wave and forced a smile. Out of the corner of her mouth, she said, "they're here to see who this mysterious person is who has captured Princess Zelda's interest."
"Oh," Link said, his brow furrowing in confusion. Her attitude and body language were so different today than they had been yesterday, but he didn't say anything. Now was definitely not the time to ask what had changed. "I suppose that's going to be your life now, huh? If you take the position." He said instead.
Impa's smile softened, and something real came into her expression, something strangely pensive. "No," she whispered, still looking over at Zelda as they made their way around the crowd to get in formation with the other recruits. Impa would be called out from among them during the ceremony. "Let them gawk," she said, her voice tinged with disdain. "They don't matter. The 'fame', if that's what you'd call it, won't be my life at all. I'll tell you what my life is going to be," the Sheikah paused just before they reached the other trainees. She glanced at Link, and then turned her red gaze back to the princess. "I told her yes last night, Link," Impa's voice was soft, barely loud enough for him to hear. "It's done. No 'ifs' or 'would be' anymore, and no turning back. My new life is sitting right over there, in a ceremonial pink dress, smiling at me. Nothing in this world matters but her safety, not anymore."
"Woah," Link murmured. He understood what was bothering her earlier that morning, at least part of it. "I didn't think about it that way before. That's pretty intense, Impa. Are you sure you're ready for something like that? You're just now becoming a soldier."
Impa shook her head. "No, Link," she said. "I'm not sure at all." With that, she left him to get in formation. Link stepped into his spot, and they waited for Captain Raltz to start the ceremony.
It wasn't long before the captain stepped into the center of the practice slate. One of the generals joined him, and together they turned and bowed before the king. They stayed bowed, their fists over their hearts, as King Daphnes got to his feet.
"At ease," he said, his great voice booming over the crowd. Captain Raltz and the general straightened and waited for the king to continue. King Daphnes smiled a little. It was clear that he was looking forward to seeing Impa's presentation. "I have been told that you have an exceptional recruit to present to me for judgment?" he asked.
Captain Raltz bowed as he answered. "Yes, if it so pleases your Grace."
King Daphnes motioned with both hands toward the practice slate. "By all means! Proceed." He sat down, and Impa bounced on her toes a little. This was it.
The general stood back just enough to be off the practice slate. He and the king would judge Impa's presentation together. Captain Raltz would conduct it. He came over to the front of the formation and spoke as loudly as he could. "Impa! Step forward and present your case for advancement."
Impa stepped out of formation and walked to the center of the practice slate. A murmur went up from the crowd as they saw the large Great Sword strapped to her back. Even at this stage, it was rare to see a trainee with their own custom steel, let alone something Goron-made. Captain Raltz stood in front of her and smiled a little. "Don't be nervous," he said, soft enough that only she could hear. Impa smiled to show she heard him, although she didn't ease her stance. He nodded, and then turned to face the king. Impa turned as well, though her eyes were locked on Zelda's face instead of his. The hylain princess seemed to beam with excitement. She smiled as their eyes met, and Impa's breath caught in her throat.
"Your Majesty, King Daphnes, and your Highness, Princess Zelda," Captain Raltz began, "I would like to present Impa of the Sheikah Tribe for your approval. She wields the Great Sword today, but also has mastery of the Naginata, not here displayed for safety purposes."
Impa bowed low, her fist over her heart.
"Thank you, Captain," the King's voice boomed. "You may proceed."
Impa straightened and turned around, trying to not appear as if she was turning her back to royalty on purpose. The last thing she needed was Zelda's smile to distract her. Captain Raltz stepped back before he began, knowing that Impa had a large reach.
"Basic routine first," he said. Impa drew her great sword and nodded. She went through it as smoothly as if he had asked her to walk the length of the practice square and back. It was second nature to her. When she had completed that routine, he had her go through intermediate and advanced level routines. These she likewise completed with ease. Her body was smooth and deadly, a master dancer at her art.
Finally, a grin on his face, Captain Raltz said, "Let us end with your Personal Showcase please." This was where Impa would truly shine. She wasn't getting tested on this part, but this was where she got to show off anything she wanted to—and the Sheikah warrior knew exactly what they wanted to see.
Impa started like she had that morning. A few basic steps, a small water move, then a few more basic moves. She progressed into the next phase, adding more jumps and turns, larger bodies of water flowing in controlled streams where and how she dictated. Finally, she reached the point in her routine where she transitioned into her finale. She slashed the Great Sword around her three times. With each pass, a sphere of water grew in front of her. When it was almost as big as she was, Impa leapt up and did a somersault in the air, leading with her sword. She came down with a slash to the right, and the water splayed out in all directions from sword. She used the momentum from that slash to move her into the final set. Going through a few complicated steps, she formed a circle of runes in a watery blue light beneath her feet. It glowed brightly, reflecting on her face. Suddenly, a phantom sword made of water appeared in her free hand. She slammed it into the ground, following it up with three others all around her. Then, using both hands to grab them one at a time, she used the water swords to attack in every direction. The water sprayed outward in a tidal wave of power, and those in the front rows got soaked.
The crowd erupted in applause. Breathing hard, Impa swung her Great Sword back into its sheath and turned back to the king. She bowed low and waited.
King Daphnes stood, a grin on his face, and held his hands up for the crowd to quiet. When it did, he spoke. "I am pleased to inform you that you have passed today, my dear," he said. The crowd applauded again, and the king reached for the broadsword leaning against his chair. He drew it from its sheath and raised it above his head. Everyone quieted as the King of Hyrule stepped over to Impa. "Please kneel, Impa."
Impa went down on one knee, her fist over her heart. "You kneel a knight in training," King Daphnes said. He brought the sword down on her left shoulder, and then her right, and finally the top of her head: forming the perfect sign of the holy Triforce. "And you rise, Captain Impa, an anointed knight and Captain of Hyrule." Amidst the applause, a small collective gasp could be heard. Not only was Impa the youngest female to ever graduate the Knight Academy, but no one had ever skipped the base ranks all together and been promoted straight to captain. It was unheard of.
Despite herself, Impa's head snapped up and her mouth fell open. Had she heard right? The king saw the surprise on her face and laughed. "You heard me correctly. Now, Rise." The Sheikah swallowed and stood. She bowed from the waist.
"Your Grace has honored me above all others," she said. "I pray that I can live up to this privilege with my service."
"Oh, you will," the king said. For a moment, Impa thought that she saw an odd look pass across his face. It was gone so quickly that she dismissed it as a figment of her imagination. "I have not seen someone with your skill in decades, and my army is in sore need of a blade like yours. Not only that, but my daughter has incredible confidence in you. You will serve her, and Hyrule Kingdom, honorably." It was half a statement and half a command.
"Yes, your Grace," Impa replied. The king handed his sword to the nearest attendant and patted Impa on the shoulder one last time before he walked away. He was a busy man with lots to do, and she felt honored that he had taken the time to attend her ceremony at all. It was often delegated down to one of the higher generals.
Captain Raltz dismissed the recruits, and both they and the crowds began to disburse. Before Impa had time to process what had just happened, she found herself surrounded by people. Some of them were recruits she had a rapport with, some were higher ranking officials who wanted to set dates to meet with her, but many were people she didn't know. They all wanted to congratulate her on her historical promotion and get an up-close look at this person who seemed to come into their lives out of nowhere.
Being a rather small man, Link shouldered his way through the crowd easily. "HEY! CONGRADULATIONS!" he shouted above the din, slapping her on the back and shaking her hand at the same time. "CAPTAIN Impa! I can't believe it!"
Seeing that she was with a friend, the crowd began to drift away. "I know, right?" Impa said in a more normal volume, grinning from ear. "It feels so surreal!"
Link's eyes shifted to something over Impa's right shoulder. He smiled and pointed, keeping his hand low enough that only Impa would see him point. "Don't look now, but your life is walking over," he said, shooting the Sheikah a grin.
"I'll get you back for that later," Impa growled under her breath as she turned around.
"Anytime, Captain, anytime," Link grinned. He bowed as the two princesses drew near. "Good morning, your Highnesses."
Ruto's eyes were sparkling with obvious excitement. She hadn't gotten to speak with the blond recruit before, and she was already blushing. "Good morning! Link, I believe?" she said. He nodded, looking slightly uncomfortable. Ruto turned to Impa. "Hey! WOW I knew you were good, but that was amazing! That move at the end was something special—for a non-Zora at least."
Link perked up, as if just remembering something. "Oh yeah, I wanted to talk to you about that. Where did that come from?! I've never seen it before!"
Impa rubbed the back of her neck in embarrassment. "I've been working on it in private," she said. "I didn't know if I was going to be able to pull it off, given…ah, my troubles this morning. Praise the goddesses that they gave me the strength."
"Well, it was awesome," he said. Then he tugged on the edge of her trainee tabard. "I guess you're going to get a new one of these now. The blue and white checkered one that the knights wear."
"Actually, in my service you can wear whatever you feel comfortable in," Zelda piped up, speaking for the first time. "Since we are going to be together for a very long time, after all." She blushed a little, but her eyes sparkled as she smiled at the Sheikah.
Impa's breath caught in her throat again. Damn, she thought. She was starting to hate it when Zelda looked at her like that. It made her head spin. Thank goodness her back had been turned when she did the test or she never would have pulled it off. Impa bowed, mostly to hide how flabbergasted she felt. "Thank you, my Lady. You and the king have honored me."
Zelda started. "Oh yes! That reminds me. Father wanted to meet with you, to discuss the details of your new position. But I wanted to have you in my solar for lunch before you go. Would you join me—all of you?" She looked at Link and Ruto as well. "It would be lovely to celebrate together."
"I'll have to check with Captain Raltz, but if I can get off Academy Campus for the day then I'll be there," Link said.
Ruto winked. "You know I'm up for anything that's celebratory."
Princess Zelda clasped her hands together in front of her. "Well, then, it's settled. I'll have it prepared in the Queen's Solar at noon."
"I'd better get moving then," Link said. "I'll see you!" He turned and trotted toward the commander's room to get permission. Impa watched him go, wishing for a moment that he was staying.
Ruto looked from one woman to the other and smirked. "You know, I think I see Master Horwell over there giving me the skink eye. I'd better make myself scarce if I don't want to end up doing make up work all afternoon," she said. Of course, Master Horwell was nowhere to be seen, but Zelda and her new Captain didn't bother to look away from each other to check as the Zora girl pranced away.
"You were really very amazing," Zelda said, bouncing on her toes a little. "I wish that I could perform battle magic such as that."
Impa smiled. "I can teach you," she suggested. "With Grand Master Rauru's help of course. He'll help you find your natural elements, and I can help you practice. He lives in town just down the Castle Road."
"What are your natural elements?" the princess asked. "If I may be so bold."
Impa nodded. "I am drawn to the passion and power of fire and the spirituality and emotion of water."
"I wonder what mine would be?" Zelda thought out loud. "Father has never let me test. He thinks battle magic is to rough and dangerous for a princess. But I would love to meet Grand Master Rauru and find out."
"I need to go retrieve my naginata from him soon, if you would like to accompany me," Impa suggested. "However, I think I already know what one of yours would be."
Zelda smiled. "You do? And what do you think my element would be?"
Impa reached out and touched the golden locks of Zelda's hair, unable to stop herself. She tucked a stray stand behind the princess's ear. "You would be light," she murmured. "Your soul shines like a beacon of hope and goodness in a world that can seem so dark."
Zelda blushed and bit her lower lip as she looked down at her feet. "Thank you," she murmured, her heart suddenly beating a little faster.
Impa took her hand back and clasped them together behind her back. She cleared her throat a little. "I should go freshen up," she said. "I've been practicing all morning and am not presentable at all for civilized company."
Zelda stepped backward a little, as if suddenly realizing how close together they were standing. She looked around at the guests still lingering on the battlements. "Of course. If you will not be too long, then I shall wait for you."
Impa nodded. "I'll hurry. Be right back." She turned and almost ran back to the women's barracks. When she got there, she slammed the door shut behind her and then leaned back against it. "Get a hold of yourself," she whispered. "You're acting like you're a hormonal eighteen-year-old again." To tell the truth, other than a quiet relationship with a senior classman that ended badly when Impa left the girl to study in Castle Town, she had never really been a hormonal teenager. All her emotional and physical energy had been poured into her training, leaving her little left over for emotional dalliance in relationships. She wasn't familiar with how to handle what she felt for Zelda, and that scared her more than the actual emotions she was feeling.
Impa pushed off the door and undressed. She took a cold shower to clear her head, and then dressed in the blue Sheikah uniform that was natural for her. A little voice in the back of her head suggested that Zelda seemed to like it the last time she wore it. But that was neither here nor there, she told herself, praying that if she said it enough times it would be true. She strapped her Great Sword to her back and faced the door. She took a couple measured breaths. "You have to control yourself," she said. "If this is going to work at all then you have to control yourself." She nodded to herself, and then walked out.
Zelda was waiting on a bench nearby, just had she had said. The princess had a book out that Impa hadn't notice before. She came and sat quietly beside the girl, not wishing to interrupt. Zelda turned the page, read a little more, and then closed the book. She held it to her chest as she turned her smile on Impa. "Hello," she said. "Was your shower refreshing?"
Impa nodded. "Yes, your Highness."
The princess paused a little at the formal address. She looked around to see if there was someone around who could overhear them. Seeing no one, she frowned a little and seemed to brush it off. "Well," she said slowly, "we have a couple of hours until lunch. What would you like to do?"
"I am at your service," Impa replied. "Whatever you would like to do is fine with me." Zelda gave her a puzzled look. Impa realized that the formalities must seem like a sudden shift, and perhaps she should ease them into a more professional relationship rather than trying to force it. "I mean to say that I haven't thought past the ceremony this morning. I'm still a little in shock. If you have any preferences, then I would be happy to accompany you."
Zelda gave her a peculiar look. For a moment, Impa thought that she was going to ask what was going on, and the Sheikah had no idea what she would say. The question didn't get spoken, however. Instead, Zelda stood and brushed off her dress with her free hand. "We could walk, I suppose," she said. "Or go the library and read. You did say that you enjoy reading."
Impa smiled. The two women started walking, figuring that they would either end up at the library or at the solar eventually. "I do. I noticed that you have a book with you today. May I ask what it is?"
Zelda lifted the aged leather volume. "A recommendation from Ruto, actually," she said, laughing a little.
Impa laughed along with her. "Ruto reads?" she joked.
Zelda nodded. "Oh, yes! Mostly romantic books and fairytales, to tell you the truth, but this one she mentioned off handedly as something that could 'help me', though I have no idea what ever with. It is called 'Comparative Flow and Cultural Transcendence within the Elemental Peoples of Hyrule' written by an ancient cultural scientist named Professor Mizumi."
Impa furrowed her brow. "Wait, Comparative Flow and…what? What is it about?"
Zelda giggled a little, but she smiled to show she didn't mean it maliciously. "It is the only book I could find that specifically compares the Gerudo, Zora, and Sheikah cultures. I have only just begun, but it seems to focus on the similarities between the three tribes. Each tribe identifies with different, yet similar, unpredictable elements—sand, water, and shadow, respectively. Professor Mizumi asserts that this 'elemental flow' causes a cultural transcendence of normal boundaries, a trait also shared by the three tribes."
Impa's eyes widened and her expression went blank. The Sheikah knew exactly what 'cultural transcendence' and 'normal boundaries' the book was likely to discuss at length, and she was none too happy about it. If Zelda didn't know why Ruto would want her to read it, then she must not know much about same sex attraction in the first place and Impa would rather that she stayed ignorant.
"Does that make sense?" Zelda asked, not sure if the explanation was still a little too complicated or not.
The Sheikah blinked and then frowned. "Oh yes, perfect sense, and I'm not sure I want you to read that."
Zelda furrowed her brow. "Why not? It sounds fascinating."
Impa stopped walking and crossed her arms over her chest. "Exactly. And I'm afraid that you're going find out 'why' and discover that you don't like it." She glared at the book, as if she could set it on fire just by looking at it. "Remind me to have a talk with Ruto about appropriate reading material."
Zelda stuck her chin in the air. "I can read whatever I wish," she said. "I am the Princess of Hyrule."
Impa reached over and plucked the book from Zelda's hand. The princess gasped the tried to tug it back, but the Sheikah was too strong. "And still young," she said, tucking the book under her arm. "You're not ready for this."
"Of course I am!" Zelda whined, but Impa started walking again and just ignored her. Zelda trotted to keep up, then fell in step with her new bodyguard with her lips puckered in a pout. Impa glanced down at her and couldn't help but smile. The princess was even cute when she was pouting.
She shook her head to get the unwanted thoughts out and they ended up walking the rest of the way to the library in silence. Zelda plopped down into her favorite chair and picked up one of the other books she had piled nearby. Impa glanced at the titles to be sure there were no more Ruto recommendations in there, and then busied herself by reading the spines on the bookshelves.
Eventually, Impa heard the princess sigh behind her, and the sound of the book closing. The Sheikah still had the forbidden volume tucked under her arm, and she wasn't planning on releasing it any time soon. She was standing by the window looking out on the view of the castle garden from the reading nook, but she turned around when she heard Zelda's chair creak.
The princess had risen to her feet and crossed the room to the where Impa waited. She took a seat on the window nook and patted the cushion beside her. The Sheikah obliged and took a seat. "What can I help you with, my Lady?" she asked.
Zelda reached to take her hand, but Impa retracted it, pretending to need to adjust the armor on her other arm. The princess sighed and set her hands in her lap instead. "Impa," she started, her voice soft. She was looking down at her hands. "Today is the first day of the rest of our lives. I have no grand ceremonies to perform, no titles to bestow, and no gifts to give to you. By all appearances, really, this day is just like any other. You will meet with my father later, and he will share his expectations with you and some history about the position. This whole business is all very official to him. His only desire is to find someone capable who will, preferably, get along with me. But that's certainly not one of his requirements."
Zelda reached for Impa's hand again, and this time the Sheikah didn't pull it away. Their fingers intertwined, and the princess turned their hands over so that she could look at the back of Impa's armor-clad hand. "Let me tell you a little history of my own, a history my father will not tell you. Kishla was a mother to me. Before me, she was my own mother's dearest companion and fiercest champion. Before Kishla was another Impa, who was also very dear to the Zelda she served. Going back generation upon generation, the relationship between the Queens of Hyrule and their Guardians has been…unique. Special. Cherished. Our priests say that the Goddess Hylia herself, from whom the line of Hyrulian Queens began, was protected by a Sheikah woman named Impa."
Zelda covered Impa's hand with her other one, enclosing the armor and leather between her two bare, soft, warm hands. "Some scholars speculate that the line of Queens is not just a bloodline and a naming tradition, but rather that each Queen Zelda is another reincarnation of Hylia's divine soul. That, in a way, we are all the same. Perhaps that is true, or perhaps not. Who will ever really know? If it is true, then I think that the goddess must have looked through time and seen how lonely it would be at the top of the world all alone. I think that she gave herself a gift: her faithful servant and very best friend to reincarnate alongside her and keep her company throughout the rest of time so that her existence would not be so solitary and sad."
Impa smiled, and she set the book down beside her so that she could put her other hand on top of Zelda's. "Zelda, I…"
"Please," Zelda interrupted, looking up for the first time to meet Impa's eyes. "Let me finish." Impa nodded, so the princess continued. "Last night when you accepted my offer of service, you spoke of our destinies. Ever since I first saw you, I have felt…odd. I do not have the words to explain what I feel when I am with you. I was hoping that book could help me to understand it. However, I do think that if I am Hylia reborn once again, then you must be my Impa. You must be the companion born to walk through life with me. I do not think that every Zelda found their Impa…so I feel blessed to have found mine. I wanted to thank you for accepting my offer. Thank you for choosing to share another lifetime with me."
Impa scooted closer and pulled the princess to her. Zelda wrapped her arms around her protector and pressed her body close. They sat there for a moment like that, wrapped in one another's embrace in the solitude of the library. Impa turned her face toward Zelda and breathed in the scent of her hair, felt the warmth of their bodies pressed together, the rushed beating of one of their hearts, though it was impossible to tell whose. Her own heart felt like it was beating out of her chest. Any moment now, she was sure Zelda would realize that it wasn't simple companionship for her Sheikah bodyguard and it would all be over. The promotion, her career, their relationship, everything.
Maybe, Impa thought, she shouldn't have ever touched the princess, shouldn't have accepted the offer in the first place. She should have just continued along her hollow path to her hollow future. But she couldn't help herself. Once, the Sheikah told herself, just this once I will hold you, as a loyal companion would. Just this once. "I am..." attracted to you. Falling in love with you. Want to be your eternal companion in a different way. "…always happy to serve."
Zelda pulled away. Her face looked slightly affronted, as if the formality of Impa's comment was the last thing she was expecting or wanting to hear from the Sheikah's mouth when she had just poured her heart and soul out. But before she could respond, the door burst open.
Ruto came dancing in, Link in tow. Zelda and Impa stood up quickly and took a few steps away from each other. Impa swept the book back into her arms before Zelda could grab it. "THERE you two are!" Ruto exclaimed, ignorant of tension in the room she had just walked into. "I should have figured you would be reading. And I thought YOU would help her get outside more often!"
Impa bowed. "I will aim to improve." Link, luckily, was not quite so oblivious. He raised an eyebrow at Impa, who just shook her head to indicate that she would explain later...maybe. He rolled his eyes a little, but he didn't say anything. She kept too many secrets for his liking, but there were some things that she just couldn't discuss with him. Her true feelings for Princess Zelda was one of them.
"Anyway," Ruto continued, "are we having lunch or what?"
"Absolutely," Zelda said, suddenly all smiles and celebration. It was as if nothing had just transpired between them, and Impa made a mental note of that little ability as well. The princess was, apparently, a master of what she showed of herself outwardly to the world. A useful skill for a royal. The Sheikah wondered what all she kept hidden inside.
The princess strode out front, leading the way to the solar. Link went with her, and Ruto started to take up the tail. Impa grabbed her arm just before they left the library. "Hey!" Ruto said, immediately angry. "Get your hand off me!"
Impa let go, but she didn't back down. She shoved the book into Ruto's chest. "Keep your educational literature to yourself," she snarled.
Ruto was confused until she looked down at what book it was. She laughed out loud, the sound watery and lilting. "Oh! THAT book! Why, I had no IDEA that she would pick up that one."
Impa gritted her teeth and curled her hands into fists. She could hear Zelda's footsteps retreating down the hall and knew she had to wrap this up quick. "Don't give me that," she snapped. "I may not have recognized the title at first, but I recognize the description. You know that there's only one book that compares the three races, and you know that it details our races' similar mating habits. She doesn't know that it's possible for women to love other women, and I don't think she's ready to learn anytime soon."
Ruto crossed her arms over her chest. "She's not ready…or you're not? And who are you to tell the Princess of Hyrule what she is and isn't ready for? How disrespectful." Impa glared so hard that bursts of fire leapt off her clenched fists, but Ruto just grinned wickedly. "Come on, Sheikah," the Zora whispered, her tone seductive. "You and I both know that she wants you, she just doesn't know it yet." She glanced up and down Impa's body, as if taking stock. "And, if that little 'tender embrace' I just saw in the library is any indication, the feeling is mutual."
Impa spun away from the Zora princess and moved in the direction that Zelda and Link had gone. "You are mistaken," she said as Ruto caught up and fell into step beside her. "I was just comforting her."
"Uh huh," Ruto said. "Right. You keep telling yourself that."
Impa stopped again and took Ruto by the arm, much gentler this time. "I mean it, Ruto," she growled. "She is the heir to the throne of Hyrule, and she must marry a king and produce heirs to continue the blood line of Hylia. There is no room for…for what may or may not exist between us. Nothing but pain will come to her if you explain to her what she's feeling."
"And for you, isn't that right? The pain would be yours most of all I think." Ruto said, her gaze narrow and impish.
Impa looked down the hall. Link was standing just outside the solar looking around for them, so the Sheikah dragged the Zora back around the corner out of his sight. "My own feelings have nothing to do with this," she said. "I live to serve the House of Hylia. I merely feel the love and devotion that any knight feels for her liege. I only desire is to protect Her Royal Highness, as she is still naïve to the ways of the world."
"Whatever you say," Ruto said, wrenching her arm from Impa's grasp. She stepped back and rubbed her arm a little. "I won't tell her anything. But, Impa, I'm the heir the Zora Kingdom. I've had just as many female lovers as I have had male lovers, so don't think you can fool me for one minute. She's going to figure out what she's feeling whether I help her or not, and it is her right to do so. I tease her, but Princess Zelda is the wisest woman alive. It won't take her long to ask herself why she wants to touch you all the time and enjoys being in your arms but feels nothing when touched in the same way by the knights and lords who seek her favor. Once she asks that question, well…" Ruto winked, but her mannerism was grave. "You had best be ready to love her back, Sheikah. A woman scorned can be a bad thing, but a Queen scorned can be a nightmare. It's not just your heart on the line." She held up a hand and cupped it as if holding an apple. "If you have her…you have Hyrule itself in the palm of your hand. How you treat her will be reflected in how she treats her subjects. And you have to live with that."
Impa sighed. "I never asked for this," she said. "I never asked to have her."
Ruto shrugged and started walking toward the solar. "Too bad. Think of it as gift with strings."
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Author's Notes: Revised Chapter uploaded May 2022. Please find original author's comments below.
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Hello everyone! I hope you enjoyed this chapter. Two things going on right now: NaNoWriMo causing TONS of work to be done on this story! Also, MAJORA'S MASK 3D! So happy. :D Thank you for reading and please review!
