Chapter 8 - Consideration

Though the shudder was covering the window of Link's loft, the light shining in through the edges proved it was daytime.

Zelda's eyes cracked opened to the sight after a long, peaceful slumber induced by destroying the Dark Orb. Swiftly lifting her head with the memories resurfacing, she found herself unsure where she was, nor did she know whose arm was draped over her side. Yet a glance down revealed the mark of the Triforce on the back of the hand, and she let a sigh of relief as her lips curved in a smile.

Almost instantly, her head fell back to the pillow as she covered Link's hand with her own, so glad to be out of the temple and back in his home she almost felt like crying. At last, all of Dragmire's orbs had been destroyed, though she could barely consider what came next when everything that had happened in the temple was still weighing so heavily on her mind.

Not that she wanted to consider their recent experiences either.

Instead, she focused on the present, wondering whether they'd been transported to Link's home through the void, or if some of the Gerudo had carried them from another location. Whatever the case, she gently rolled over to lie on her opposite side, gazing at Link as he rested so peacefully—and a few snickers escaped her lips because of his expression.

With his cheek pressed into the pillow, his lips were mushed to one side, causing them to warble slightly with each breath he took.

Still, his clothing and hair was caked with dirt and blood, and he was wearing his gear, serving as a reminder of their recent fight, and as she reached up to push a few strands of hair out of his face, she thought about everything they'd been through. When mulling over their trials at once, Zelda frowned, thinking it was surprising to find Link resting so peacefully—if not also comforting.

Yet she couldn't help her worries. Their fight was bound to take a toll on him eventually, and as she stroked his cheek with light brushes of her fingertips, the very first image that came to mind was his shadow. Knowing he'd been defeated provided an amount of relief that couldn't be summed up with words, and yet his actions lingered.

His violation made her sick on her stomach to consider. As strange as it seemed to admit, she was actually grateful to have broken her ankle because the pain had blotted out the sensation of his hands on her body—or more specifically, the way he'd forced Link's hands upon her. Still, forgetting the incident would be next to impossible, and perhaps the worst part of all was knowing his so-called love for her was borne of Link's own feelings and twisted around to something selfish and sinister.

She sighed at the thought, and found it did no good to console herself by pointing out how things could've been much worse. Instead, the notion of it had her wondering what would've happened if the mimicry had truly forced himself on her while possessing Link's body.

The mere notion of it had Zelda pressing her face into the crook of his neck without thinking about it, serving as proof that seeking Link's comfort was like second nature to her—and that was consoling. The instinctive action meant her feelings for Link hadn't been marred by their recent experience in the temple. Her perceptions of the man she loved remained true, and the implications were revealing.

Growing up together as orphans, they were friends, even family, oftentimes feeling as if they had no one else in the world but each other. Their bond was rather unique, and the love they'd shared as children had survived a ten year separation only to flourish with their reunion.

Now, in lifting her head to regard him, she knew she'd never feel as safe with anyone as she did with him. Whether friend, family, lover, or just her protector fulfilling his destiny as the Hero of Legend, it didn't matter. She loved every aspect of him unconditionally, and whatever toll their fight took, she'd never stop supporting him.

Link was the most important person in her life, and she'd do whatever it took to provide him with as much comfort as he gave, even in sleep.

With the thought in mind, she leaned in and kissed his forehead, smiling when his only response was a low snore. Just rest, my love, you need it.

Closing her eyes, she rested her cheek to the pillow once more, enjoying the quiet with nothing more important in mind than the question of when she might get a bath—and some new clothing. Her dress was ruined, and while she'd packed a few extra articles of clothing for their trip, it was stored in their horse's saddlebags.

So she'd have to wait for Link to get up before changing if only because she was unwilling to let anyone see her outside his loft in the ruined outfit she now wore.

The door of the small balcony opened as she considered it, creating a soft squeak that had Zelda lifting her head to see Nabooru looking inside as if to check on them. In response, she pressed a finger to her lips, then pointed it at Link to let the Gerudo know he was still resting.

Nodding, Nabooru waited as Zelda quietly sat up, moving slowly to keep from disturbing Link. Once successful, she stood and approached her, careful not to let her torn dress slip on the way—and Nabooru looked on in concerned confusion.

The moment she arrived at the door, the Gerudo asked softly, "What in the world happened to you two? Gepsa was walking by here early this morning and saw a flash of light coming from inside, so I came to check and found you both in bed."

Sighing, Zelda muttered, "It's a long story. Very long. But we're both fine, and that's what matters."

Nabooru nodded, though her lips were pursed as if still riddled with worry, particularly when she looked Zelda over. Inspecting the strip of cloth Link had tied around the torn bodice of her dress, she remarked, "But your clothes … ."

Shaking her head, Nabooru then mentioned, "Link didn't really explain who that … twin of his was but … he didn't do anything to you, did he?"

"He tried," Zelda groused, knowing what Nabooru meant by her inflection. "But I'll tell you what happened later when we don't have to be so quiet. For now, just know he's been eliminated, and Link and I are both much better off for it."

"I don't doubt it," Nabooru remarked, glancing at Link still resting in bed before asking, "So before I go, is there anything you need that I can get?"

"Actually, I have some clothing stored in our satchels with Epona and Frost. If you could get them, I'd be so grateful. Oh, and where could I go to find something to eat? I think it would be nice to have something ready for Link when he gets up."

"Clothes and food, huh?" Looking her over with a thoughtful expression, Nabooru smiled and related, "I've got just the thing for you both, but it'll take me a bit to prepare it. So don't worry about going out yourself. Just give me fifteen minutes and I'll bring something here, okay?"

Judging by the look on her face, Zelda got the sneaking suspicion that Nabooru didn't precisely intend on bringing her clothing up. But whatever she could've been planning was left up in the air as the woman turned to exit Link's abode with a grin and no explanation.

She didn't have a chance to dwell on the matter either, distracted when Link remarked, "Good, food, I'm starving."

Turning around in time to see him sitting up in bed with a yawn and a lengthy stretch, Zelda inquired, "Did we wake you?"

"Not precisely. I was coming to when Nabooru arrived, then I heard you talking and thought I was dreaming at first."

As he turned to set his boots on the floor while rubbing his eyes, she asked, "Did you sleep well?"

"Yeah," he confirmed, looking up to watch as she walked over to the window and opened the shudder. Squinting as light flooded the room, he observed, "Looks like it's already midday."

"It is," Zelda replied, using the wooden rod lying upon the bottom pane to prop the shudder up. Taking a moment to regard the scenery once she was done, she related, "I was right, it's beautiful here in the daylight."

Link had seen the view from his window so many times he didn't need to look to know what she was talking about. Instead, as his eyes adjusted to the light, he looked her over, still wearing the ruined dress that was only concealing most of her chest because of the cloth he'd tied around the bodice.

And once again, guilt gnawed at him.

Exhaling a sigh, he turned his gaze to the floor in thought. He knew before she destroyed the orb that it wasn't going to be so easy to stop blaming himself for what had happened. He'd always wonder if he could've done something differently, such as killing his mimicry before it had a chance to come back and cause Zelda harm.

Still, whatever could have happened in the temple didn't, and considering it would be a waste of time. So if he wanted to move past everything they'd suffered, he'd have to take the proper steps, and the first was to push the thoughts away as he stood from his place on the bed and put his focus on the task of removing his gear.

At the same time, Zelda sat down on the mattress, giving Link a curious look when the sound of a repetitive, light tapping hit her ears.

"What was that?"

Placing his sword and shield aside, he muttered, "I've still got sand in my clothes."

Glancing in her direction to see her smiling in amusement, she suggested, "I think we could both use a nice, long, hot bath. Wait … didn't you mention an underground reservoir connected to your washroom?"

Nodding, Link replied, "Yeah, and I always used buckets to bring the water to the basin for baths, which is exactly what I was about to do. So give me a few minutes and I'll be back."

"Let me help you," she offered, quickly standing from the bed—but he denied her with a shake of his head.

"No, I can do it. Besides, your dress won't be easy to move around in without the tie possibly falling off."

"Oh," Zelda drew out, looking down as if she'd forgotten the state her outfit was in before nodding. "I guess you're right. It makes me wish Nabooru would hurry back."

Giving him a smile with her words, she watched him turning to open the washroom door and disappear inside without responding, even to smirk. In fact, he hadn't smiled once since he got up, a thought that caused her lips to purse. Perhaps he just needed some time to get his thoughts straight after everything that had happened, and if so, she couldn't blame him.

Still, it was bothersome. She hated thinking their struggles might be wearing him down, fearing he'd lose that spark of lighthearted playfulness she loved so much if something wasn't done.

But what?

Zelda wasn't sure how long she spent considering the matter after sinking down to sit on the bed again, but she wasn't drawn back to the present until a strange clinking sound outside the window hit her ears followed by Nabooru calling her name.

"Zelda!"

Pushing herself off of the bed and onto her knees, she pressed her hands against the bottom pane of the window and looked outside to see the Gerudo below. The clinking sound was coming from her use of a rope attached to a pulley which she was tugging on to lift a covered tray of food.

Once it stopped at the same level as the window, Zelda reached out to take it while Nabooru secured the rope and used the ladder to climb up. At the same time, Zelda's stomach rumbled when the scent of food wafted through the breeze to her nose, asking the moment Nabooru was within earshot, "Did you cook this? Because if it tastes half as good as it smells, I'm going to be in heaven."

Chuckling, Nabooru climbed inside and replied, "No, this is Gepsa's cooking. She got started on it earlier after I told her I'd found you both here. It's lamb with sauteed vegetables and mushrooms cooked with a secret sauce she makes that I'm pretty sure is some kind of creamy mustard mixture."

Turning to set the tray on the bed, Zelda sat next to it and replied, "It sounds delicious. Please tell her I said thank you."

"Will do," Nabooru obliged with a smile, grabbing a leather satchel bag slung over her shoulders to remove and settle on the floor while looking around with the question, "Where's Link?"

"He's gone to get water for a bath," Zelda explained. "So he'll be a few minutes."

Nodding, Nabooru crouched next to the window where she leaned her back against the wall with a look suggesting she wanted to take advantage of their solitude to ask, "Is he okay?"

Pursing her lips, Zelda considered giving a roundabout answer that wouldn't reveal how arduous their visit to the temple had been. After all, giving Nabooru the details would only worry her. She cared about Link, had all but raised him and helped train him to fight, meaning she probably knew him better than anyone else in the entire kingdom.

Yet that also meant she'd have insight into how he was feeling, and might be able to help him work through it. So Zelda admitted, "I'm not sure to be honest. What happened in the temple wasn't pleasant for either of us, and I know he blames himself even though it wasn't his fault."

With that said, Zelda related the story by explaining the origins of Link's mimicry and telling her all about the things it'd done to them. By the time she got to the incident in the temple, Nabooru's expression was a mix of shock and disgust—and Zelda hadn't even related Link's possession.

Once she did, a tremor came through in her words despite her best efforts to hide her discomfort.

"There was some kind of residual magic leftover once Link delivered the final blow, and it possessed him, took control of his actions, and it wanted to … rape and kill me, then kill Link."

Unable to hold Nabooru's gaze as she spoke, Zelda only looked up when she asked, "He what … ?"

Giving her a slow nod, she watched the Gerudo's golden eyes spark with anger, and there was no doubting her sincerity when she related, "I almost wish you hadn't killed that shadow because I'd like to throttle it myself."

Pausing for a moment as if to get her feelings under control, she added more gently, "Still, I hope you're okay, and that you don't blame Link."

"No, I don't blame him at all," Zelda related sincerely. "If he hadn't fought, I … I don't even want to imagine what could've happened."

The look on Nabooru's face spoke volumes of the fact that she didn't want to either, gazing off into nothing as she remarked, "It sounds so strange when I consider Link's personality. Did you know he once attacked a man for striking one of us."

Zelda's brows arched above her eyes in surprise. "No, he never told me about that."

Chuckling, Nabooru qualified, "He was about thirteen at the time, and Gepsa's daughter, Emilyn, brought a man to the valley after she'd been out traveling. He was a big guy, too, tall and well muscled. He'd been here for maybe two days when Link and I were shopping in the square and we found him bartering with a merchant over the price of some random trinket.

"Things started off normally, but the man quickly grew annoyed, then even more annoyed. It got everyone's attention, so Emilyn tried to calm him down, and that's when he turned around and hit her."

Wide eyed, Zelda urged, "What happened?"

"Link rushed him and knocked the guy's teeth out of his mouth," Nabooru snickered out. "He didn't hesitate, he just ran in to help Emilyn, which gave our guards enough time to intervene and apprehend the man."

Zelda found herself grinning. Nabooru's story was the perfect example of the Link she knew and loved, and it made her wonder what else the Gerudo could tell her about his time spent in the valley.

As she thought it over, Nabooru related, "So I know he feels horrible about what happened, and I can't imagine you feel much better."

"No," Zelda confirmed, her smile fading as she looked down in thought and stated, "I feel … violated, and I also feel badly knowing Link's experiencing the same thing. I know he's angry about it as well, but I don't know how to help him, or even myself."

Looking back up to see Nabooru nodding, the Gerudo gave her a warm smile and stated, "I think I know what you both need."

Canting her head curiously, Zelda inquired, "What?"

Waving a hand, Nabooru explained, "When Link was a child and he got upset, I found it was easier to leave him alone until he could work it all out, and he always came to me to talk whenever he was ready. So I think he probably just needs some time alone now, and you need something else to wear. So here."

Reaching for the bag she'd settled on the floor after her arrival, Nabooru handed it over and remarked, "This is for you. It's not the clothes you mentioned being packed with your horses, but I think you'll like it anyway. So why don't you get changed, eat, and then come over to my place so we can have some girl time while Link figures things out."

Slowly taking the bag, Zelda glanced between it and Nabooru, ready to argue when the Gerudo held up a hand to stop her, explaining, "It's something from my own closet that I never wear because I just have too much clothing. So you'd be doing me a favor by taking it."

Finally smiling, Zelda decided beggars couldn't be choosers, and nodded in agreement. She also couldn't find fault in the idea of giving Link some time to think before they discussed everything in depth.

So she finally agreed. "Alright, but I'll need to get a bath before I come over."

Standing from her crouch, Nabooru countered, "Don't worry about that, you can have one at my place. In fact, I'll go get it set up with some of those soaps I got from Nasinia you said you liked the scent of, then come back to fetch you so you don't get lost on the way over, okay?"

"Okay, and thank you so much, Nabooru," Zelda returned before standing to give her a hug, and as they embraced, she couldn't stop herself from adding, "You know, I need to tell you how grateful I am that you saved Link and took him in because I think you truly need each other."

Curiously, Nabooru inquired, "How so?"

Stepping back, Zelda admitted, "Well, I hope I'm not overstepping my bounds, but Link told me you lost a son, and we were taken from our own families. So it's heartwarming knowing you two had each other."

Her words put a warm smile on Nabooru's face that bordered on sadness as she shook her head, replying, "I won't lie and say the kid didn't grab my heart long before he woke from his fall, and I think you're right. I think someone was looking out for both of us."

Considering it for a moment, Nabooru soon chuckled and waved a hand as if to wave it all away.

"But we can talk about that kind of thing later. For now, you should eat so we can get to the good stuff." Giving a playful wink, she turned to climb through the window with the words, "I'll come back when the bath is ready, and we'll have you feeling good and looking pretty again in no time."

Zelda couldn't help a snicker, nodding in agreement as the Gerudo exited the loft—and somehow, she felt better already. Realizing she and Link had plenty of support available to help them through their struggles was uplifting, and she sat back down on the bed with the thoughts in mind and turned to the covered tray to lift the lid and take a look at their meals.

The moment it was removed, steam wafted up, filling the loft with the delectable aroma of cooked meat and vegetables. Instantly, her stomach rumbled in response, prompting her to snag one of the mushrooms to hold herself over until Link could join in, which he soon did.

The sound of water being poured into the washroom basin hit her ears moments later followed by a little shuffling that she knew meant he was removing some of his clothing.

Proving her assumption right, things abruptly grew quiet until he opened the door without a shirt on and gave her a curious look while sniffing the air, then asked, "Lamb and fried vegetables?"

Zelda wasn't certain she knew what he was asking at first. Instead, her gaze was drawn to his torso and the sinew she could see in his arms. He had a lean build, but the muscle was clearly defined, particularly in his abdomen where a visually appealing set of ridges tapered down past his navel and under the button of his pants.

Realizing she was staring without thought, she quickly cleared her throat and asked, "How did you know?"

With a smile on his face that didn't quite reach his cheeks, Link brought the empty buckets into the room and set them next to door, answering, "That's Gepsa's cooking. She makes the best food in the valley and I'd know that smell anywhere."

The sight of his smile, however small it was, reassured Zelda as he walked over to have a seat next to her and snagged one of the dishes. Setting it on his lap, he related, "I'm too hungry to pass this up, but I still need to make another trip for water before we'll have enough for two baths."

Taking her own plate, his comment reminded her of Nabooru's plans, prompting her to qualify, "Oh, about that, Nabooru wants me to go to her place so she can give me something to wear for now, and she said she'd have a bath ready for me when I arrived so you wouldn't have to do so much work."

Popping some of the lamb into his mouth, Link chewed his food and swallowed before asking, "Are you sure you want to go dressed that way?"

Taking a moment to swallow her own bite, Zelda motioned at the satchel and related, "I'm not. She's already left me something to wear."

Glancing at the bag, he nodded and returned, "Okay, and that sounds like a good idea. At least you won't get bored waiting while I'm taking a bath of my own."

"Right, and I can get to know Nabooru a little better, too. I mean … ," trailing, she gave Link a curious look and asked, "that is to say if you wouldn't rather I stay here."

After taking a bite of his vegetables, Link shook his head. "I'm fine if you want to go … ."

His words tapered off as he found himself wondering if it really was such a good idea to allow her to go out on her own, and his hesitance captured Zelda's attention.

"What?" she asked curiously.

Grumbling under his breath, he settled the plate on his legs and admitted, "I just thought of what happened the last time you went out by yourself, and it makes me want to escort you to Nabooru's so I won't worry."

Glancing over to see her nodding understandingly, he waited as she pointed out, "Nabooru already said she would come back to get me, and just think, even if I went alone, we don't have to worry about that twisted fiend any longer."

Link knew she was right, and their victory against his mimicry provided no small measure of comfort. Still, he couldn't quite shake a strengthened sense of protectiveness after everything that had happened. Perhaps it was just his need to set things right, or to make up for his failure to protect her by ensuring her safety anywhere she went.

Whatever the case, he had no intentions of stopping her from visiting with Nabooru, and he wasn't going to make her sit and wait on him just because she wanted to walk down the street.

So he finally agreed.

"You're right, but I can't help worrying after what happened."

"I know, and I don't blame you. I feel like constantly looking over my shoulder as well," she replied, and with her plate nearly finished, she stood and grabbed the satchel Nabooru brought by with the intentions of changing.

As she went, Link found himself watching her movements, realizing there was a graceful quality to them he hadn't fully appreciated. Even wearing such a tattered dress, she still conducted herself with what he could only describe as elegance, and for a moment, he wondered how such a beautiful woman could even exist.

She'd claimed his heart so completely he could barely think about anything except issuing another apology for what had happened, or just kissing her with as much gentleness and love as he could muster in the hopes of proving how sorry he was. But after being forced to grope her body in obscene ways while she was in excruciating pain, he no longer felt as if he had the right to even touch her.

And the thought made him angry all over again.

Even before the incident in the temple, Link hadn't felt worthy of Zelda's love, and he knew he never would simply because he held it in such high esteem. Still, he wanted it, wanted her, knowing in his heart of hearts he'd be incomplete without her. But what happened if they reached a point where she wanted to further their relationship in a physical sense?

They'd already shared one intimate encounter, and he'd enjoyed every moment of their evening together in the outpost. But after last night, would she look at him and only be reminded of her violation?

The thought was so distasteful he nearly didn't hear Zelda when she continued, "But I think we'll be safe in the valley for now. After all, our next step is reclaiming Hyrule Palace, right? So I don't see how taking a day or two to rest and prepare would hurt."

Blinking as he fought to snap himself out of his momentary stupor, he looked up to see her waiting expectantly for a response. Thankfully, he managed to figure out her suggestion in quick time and nodded, relating, "There's a Myriad Stone in the valley, so it would be a good idea to consult my mother about it, but I agree. There's nothing wrong with taking some time to prepare."

Nodding, Zelda popped the last bit of lamb into her mouth, then set her empty plate on the tray. Once done, she regarded Link to see another somber expression on his face proving he'd lapsed into thought again.

The sight of it pursed her lips, and she quietly stepped around to crouch before him, taking one of his hands with the softly spoken question, "What are you thinking about?"

Link's sapphire gaze met hers, and despite the emotional strain she could see in the depths of his eyes, he only shrugged and returned, "Nothing, just wondering what my mother might tell us."

Though Zelda nodded in response, she knew he wasn't being entirely honest. What's more, she knew he was aware that his dishonesty was no secret. Yet the reason for it was clear, and it was the same reason she didn't push him to say more.

They both just needed some time.

So she didn't press for the details and merely leaned up, her lips brushing his in the faintest of kisses.

Link responded in kind, his free hand reaching up to cup her cheek just as she parted from him and opened her eyes to see his own had shut. The sight curved her lips into a smile and she almost leaned in for something a little more substantial—but Nabooru's arrival interrupted it.

"Zelda? I've got everything set up," the Gerudo announced from the ladder outside Link's door. "So I'm ready to go when you are."

"Oh, I need to go change," Zelda related with a sheepish smile.

Immediately standing, she turned to go to Link's washroom while informing Nabooru she'd be ready momentarily, and the Gerudo entered the loft seconds later to find Link seated at the foot of his bed.

Looking him over, she slowly shook her head, causing Link to purse his lips and ask, "What?"

"I was just thinking about the condition I found you in earlier. It had me worried."

"Oh," he drew out, nodding in understanding. "Sorry, Nabooru. We went through a lot in the temple, though."

Nabooru scoffed. "That's an understatement. Zelda's already told me most of it, and I'd ask if you're alright, but I know you'll just tell me not to worry."

Link had nearly forgotten how well she knew him, and it was relieving if only because it meant he knew her just as well. So after placing his empty plate on the tray and covering the dishes to allow Nabooru to return them to Gepsa, he answered without worrying she'd push for a more thorough answer than he was ready to give.

"I'll be okay, Nabooru. I just need to figure it all out."

"That's what I'd thought," Nabooru replied, taking the covered tray with a smirk. "So don't rush your bath. Take some time to relax while you're washing up. I'll make sure Zelda gets the same chance, and you'll both be back to normal before you know it."

Her grin proved to be infectious despite his somber mood, and he nodded. "Thanks. I really hope so."

The washroom door opened during his comment and Zelda stepped out wearing a baby blue dress that captured his full attention. It wasn't as decorative as some of the garments Nabooru owned—or as revealing—but it complimented Zelda's figure in a way he couldn't tear his gaze from.

With only one sleeve and a long slit in the skirt, his eyes trailed from her single, bare shoulder down to the sheer fabric of the skirt covering her legs—and for a blissful moment, he forgot all about their experience in the temple.

Thankfully, neither she nor Nabooru noticed his dumbfounded stare when the Gerudo let a low whistle of appreciation. "Now that's what I call classy. It's not every woman who can make such a simple dress look so nice without adding anything to it, though that amulet you're wearing matches it perfectly."

"Thank you, Nabooru, and I'd thought so, too." Chuckling, she related, "It's also a perfect fit. We must be similar sizes."

"All the better," Nabooru returned, accompanying the Princess to the door with the words, "So let's leave the gallant young man to his bath and go see what else I have stored away that you might like, and don't worry, Link, we won't gossip behind your back … much."

She spoke the last with a grin he knew meant trouble, but at that moment, he couldn't bring himself to mind it. Instead, he merely stated, "Yeah, I know about your gossip. So have her back soon so I can offer a proper defense to your fabricated, embarrassing stories."

Nabooru's laughter hit his ears as she climbed down the ladder outside, and he smiled while walking to the window to watch as the ladies traversed the street below until they disappeared from sight.

In turn, his smile disappeared, lips parting with a deep breath.

Now alone, Link found his regret and anger were still waiting to be dealt with, and though he knew it may not vanish fully before Zelda returned, he truly hoped their excursion left them in a better position to discuss what had happened. Or maybe he could think of something special to give her that would at least bank some goodwill.

Either way, he had the feeling their relationship had been altered, and his only hope was that the damage done wasn't irreparable.