Chapter 9 - Until Morning

After six hours of waiting, Link came to an important decision—he was never allowing Zelda to wander off in the company of women again.

Not that he'd spent the duration of her absence sitting in his loft with nothing to do. In fact, he'd accomplished quite a bit, from cleaning his weapons and clothing to feeding Frost and Epona. He'd even finished Nabooru's trinket box.

By the time he was done, the sun had set below the horizon, and he was feeling much more optimistic after coming to a few conclusions concerning the incident in the Spirit Temple—as well as the immediate future.

The first was his realization that the Gerudo Valley would actually be safe for a while. Ganondorf realized his enemies had visited the area to destroy the last orb, but Link also knew the King of Evil was more likely to play a waiting game rather than issue any attacks thanks to his belief that they'd come to him now that Dragmire's orbs were gone.

This meant he was probably under the impression he was about to get what he wanted without so much as lifting a finger.

The amount of arrogance involved in such a tactic rankled, but Myriad wholly agreed with Link's suspicions over the matter when he visited her Stone. Ganondorf wasn't going to act—yet—leaving them free to spend some time in the valley where Link could put his full focus on matters of a personal nature.

Aside from that, Myriad refrained from relating anything about the next step in their plans, wanting Zelda present to hear the information, and Link didn't press for the details. He merely heeded her advice not to address her with familiarity because there was no way to be certain third parties hadn't discovered a means of listening in on their conversations.

So he departed with the promise of being in touch very soon, and returned to his loft to work on matters of a personal nature. Of course, that would've been easier to accomplish if a certain Hylian Princess had returned to his loft.

But Zelda was nowhere to be found when he got home.

"Where is she?"

His question came as he moved to the window and looked outside to see if he might spot her returning, but the only people visible were a few Gerudo making their way home for the evening.

Grumbling under his breath, he had to wonder if she'd actually returned while he was off speaking with his mother and then left again, or if she'd simply gotten caught up in a conversation with Nabooru and lost track of the time. All things considered, he doubted she'd return and depart without leaving some kind of message, and considering the way Nabooru liked to gossip, he was sure Zelda was still at her place.

So it seemed he had the new duty of rescuing her from an evening of embarrassing stories—or would he actually be rescuing his dignity? Whatever the case, he soon found himself at Nabooru's home, and her response to his reason for visiting wasn't at all to his liking.

"Zelda left with Masita three hours ago. She isn't back yet?"

Masita? Link couldn't prevent himself from muttering under his breath at the thought. Gossiping with Nabooru was one thing, but Masita could tell Zelda stories she may not understand, or even worse, make her jealous once again. The prospect had him departing Nabooru's home with haste, but by the time he arrived at Masita's place, he found that once again, Zelda had departed before his arrival.

This time, however, she hadn't been gone as long. Masita informed him only half an hour had passed since she was offered to get a meal with Gepsa and Emilyn, and the Princess agreed because she'd wanted to bring some food to Link.

This was getting ridiculous.

He was simply grateful Zelda wasn't too far ahead of him, though he didn't like the coy smile Masita had when he left. Still, he didn't question it and headed back home to see if she was there.

And once again, his loft was empty.

Muttering as he walked inside, Link found himself wishing he'd just stayed put from the start before noticing a covered tray of food on the dresser that hadn't been there before. Curiously, he lifted the lid to find several fruits cut into wedges beneath the tin with a bowl of sweet sauce for dipping at the center.

Replacing the lid, he checked the washroom to find it empty, and there was no way of knowing where she could've possibly gone.

Replacing the lid, he checked the washroom to find it empty, and there was no way of knowing where she could've possibly gone. Perhaps she'd left to look for him just as he'd been doing for her—a frustrating thought. The idea of her searching the valley alone was worrisome, and he strove for calm before turning to depart yet again.

But the moment he took a step, the sound of a door creaking open behind him drew his attention, and he turned around to find Zelda entering the loft from the washroom door, proving she'd gone to the reservoir.

"Oh, you're back," she remarked with a smile as soon as she saw him. Then, as if realizing he was curious, she explained, "I had to go to the reservoir because I accidentally dropped these forks in the dirt on the way here from Gepsa's and needed to rinse them off."

Link parted his lips to respond, but was too distracted by her state of dress to know what to say. Truth be told, he wasn't even certain he knew what she said. Something about forks and dirt and … other stuff.

Settling the utensils next to the tray, she caught sight of his dumbfounded expression and, still smiling, inquired, "What?"

Link's gaze trailed down her body and back up to her face before he realized she'd asked a question—and he densely returned it.

"What?"

Noticing where his gaze had gone, Zelda looked down at herself and asked shyly, "Is it too … revealing?"

He wasn't sure what to say. Some of her garb was revealing—she was wearing an overcoat possessing flowing tails fashioned with a deep blue material edged by shimmering golden threads. It was a traditional Gerudo garment worn during cold nights with long sleeves and a high collar that fully concealed her torso, and yet the tails revealed a skirt beneath made of sheer fabric with two slits up each side high enough to reveal her thighs.

Adding to the look was her hairstyle, being a high ponytail fastened with a golden cuff attached to a few chains draped across her forehead. Those chains sported a pink stone at the center, though it was missing the veil many Gerudo wore to cover the bottom half of their faces.

Still, Nabooru had evidently given her the full Gerudo treatment, and it was a chore keeping his eyes higher than her hips if only because her slender legs were so … compelling.

Yet the task got a little easier with Zelda's next comment—not that it helped him focus.

Realizing Link was still staring blankly, she reached up to the collar of her overcoat with the words, "I mean it was too cold for what I decided to wear anyway, but I also wasn't entirely comfortable wearing this out in the open."

Undoing the buttons, she removed the overcoat and set it aside, revealing her full Gerudo outfit—and Link completely lost his ability to think. The only thing she wore above the waist was a pink bandeau top binding her breasts and a golden chain draped around her narrow stomach.

Jeweled cuffs made of gold graced her upper arms, and the fabric of her top was thin enough to showcase the protrusions of her nipples beneath the material.

"So what do you think?" Zelda inquired. "Could I pass for a Gerudo?"

Link had seen the same type of outfit she now wore a million times, but until that moment, he hadn't fully realized just how enticing it truly was—or maybe it was just Zelda. She was … breathtaking, and indeed, he took what felt like his first breath since she'd arrived in the room to stammer out, "I think you … you're … it's … ."

Zelda bit her lips to hide her smile over the way his words stumbled out, proving she'd accomplished precisely what she'd set out to do—rattle him. She'd chosen her ensemble hoping it would be a pleasant sight to behold, and if his response was any indication, she'd chosen well.

But rattling him was just the first step in her plan for their evening, and the second was waiting for him to get a proper sentence out, which he finally did.

"You're … beautiful, Zelda. Did Nabooru give you that?"

"No, actually," Zelda returned, finding it a little difficult to form her own thoughts if only because Link wasn't dressed precisely as she'd grown accustomed to seeing him. Instead of sporting gear and chainmail, he was wearing a pair of tan pants and a simple white tunic. Instead of a hat, his ponytail was visible, giving his look that roguish quality she'd come to appreciate.

Admiring him for it, she finally added, "I got it from Masita."

"Masita?" Somehow, her comment drew to mind the coy smile Masita was giving him as he'd departed her home, and his suspicions grew. Waving a hand, he inquired, "What did you two talk about, anyway?"

"A lot of things, actually," Zelda admitted, considering her afternoon with a blushing smile. After spending a few hours with Nabooru, Masita had come by to return a tool she'd borrowed, and Zelda's plans to adjourn to Link's loft and keep him from worrying about her were quickly sidelined.

Instead, she accompanied the younger Gerudo to her home where they had a long conversation about numerous topics, not least of all was Link.

And sex.

Of course, Zelda had no intentions of even broaching that subject when they started talking. But Masita eventually asked how long she and Link had been a couple, and one question led to another when, amid their scandalous snickering, Zelda admitted her knowledge of the Gerudo's very friendly past with the man she loved.

As a result, she learned a great deal, and not simply concerning matters related to sex, but also regarding her personal feelings. In short, their discussion gave Zelda insight into why she'd been so jealous before, and she had no intentions of wasting an opportunity when it presented itself.

So she took Masita's advice to heart and said, "We talked about you, for one thing, and I asked her for help picking out something to wear that you might appreciate."

If Link was dumbfounded before, learning she'd chosen her outfit with the intentions of pleasing him shattered his expectations entirely—and she wasn't done surprising him.

"The reason I hoped you'd like it I was thinking there's no way of knowing when we'll get to come back to visit your home here in the valley, and it's really the perfect place."

"Perfect place?"

Nodding, she approached him and took one of his hands with the softly spoken words, "I hope it doesn't sound sudden, especially after what we've been through recently, but I think it's the perfect place to make love for the first time."

Once more, Link spent several moments just trying to process what she was saying, and only heard himself responding, "Zelda, wait … you want to … ."

When he trailed, she added, "Before you say anything, there's something you need to know. All day long, the only thing I've been able to think about is you and what's likely to happen in the near future. I also kept remembering what your mimicry did and how that made me feel."

Link was almost too afraid to ask, finally managing to tear his gaze away from her to stare down in shame. No matter how beautiful she was, his remorse for what had happened was nearly stifling, and he could barely believe she was even here with him, much less admitting her desire to further their relationship in such an intimate way.

Yet, before his guilt and anger had a chance to take hold, she lifted a hand to his cheek and tilted his face so his gaze met hers again and explained, "I bathed for an hour at Nabooru's, and it didn't make me feel any better. Link, it's almost as if he's still touching me."

Her eyes glistened with tears, a sight that ripped his heart in two. In that moment, he would've done anything to erase her violation, or just provide comfort—except he didn't feel as if he had the right to do so. The hands she still felt were his even if the actions weren't, and he couldn't stop himself from whispering, "I'm so sorry, Zelda."

Instantly, Zelda released his hand and reached up to cup his cheeks, insisting, "No. It's not you, Link. If it were, I wouldn't feel so … sullied, and I had no idea how to get past it until I spoke with Masita and she inadvertently reminded me of something you said in Kakariko."

"What?"

Letting her hands slip from his cheeks and down to his shoulders, Zelda related, "She said it was good that we found each other again because we had a chance to make new memories, and that was what you suggested. You said new memories would take the sting out of the past, and you were right."

Finally smiling, she related much more happily, "Our fight has been so taxing, but being with you during it all has made me forget my sadness over what happened to us as children. I also realized nothing we've been through has changed my feelings for you."

Taking a deep breath, she concluded with a measure of jubilation in her voice that made his heart ache, "I love you, Link, and I know I always will. So whatever comes next, and whatever we decide to do here and now, I thought this one night could be just for us. We could forget the rest of the world until morning and maybe … maybe I could find a way to show you how strong my feelings are because words will never do them justice."

Link's throat had gone dry, his arms and legs frozen in place as she gazed up at him with a staggering amount of love in her violet blue eyes. Slowly, he came to realize she was giving him the one look he could never deny, and after swallowing, he whispered, "Don't look at me like that."

"Like what?" she asked just as softly.

"Hopeful," Link rasped, slowly leaning closer until their noses brushed in adding, "that look I can't deny."

With those words, he kissed her deeply, arms winding around Zelda as she pulled herself against him tightly, returning the kiss as if she not only wanted it, but also needed it. The notion set his pulse racing, his grip around her tightening with a low moan emitted in response to her whimper, realizing he needed it as well.

Somewhere in the back of his mind was the regret he'd experienced after what they'd been through, but he knew denying himself wouldn't make it go away. Instead, he took a lesson from her desire to show him how strong her feelings were and returned every brush of her lips and each stroke of her tongue with all the love he had in his heart.

In the process, Link realized she must've eaten some of the fruit because there was a familiar sweetness on her lips he couldn't help but enjoy. Still, he soon broke their kiss with a deep breath, resting his forehead against hers while admitting, "I'm still not sure about this, Zelda. Something's just … not quite right."

"Why?" she asked breathlessly, dizzy from the heated kiss they'd shared in asking, "Because you still feel guilty?"

She heard him muttering under his breath as he gently released her and, in a surprising moment, turned away. Finally, Zelda's eyes opened to spy him walking to the door, and her still-fluttering heart sank. Is he … leaving?

The possibility of it had a spike of disappointment stabbing into her heart. But before she had the chance to question whether or not she'd been too forward, or if he simply needed more time to consider everything, she heard the lock on the door latching at his hands, a sound that was punctuated by the word, "There."

When he turned to face her again, she saw a staggering amount of emotion in his eyes as he added, "The rest of the world can wait outside like you wanted. For tonight, it's just us."

As Link approached her again, she barely breathed his name before he was kissing her once more—and he didn't hold back. The amount of love she could feel in each brush of his lips over hers was just as staggering as his gaze had been moments prior, and she could barely remember her intentions.

For that matter, she barely noticed when he maneuvered them to the side of his bed, only realizing their new position when he momentarily stopped to rest his forehead to hers as if needing to collect himself.

That's when he whispered, "You're right though, about me feeling guilty. I spent most of the day wondering if what happened had damaged our relationship. But I realized that's part of what my mimicry wanted, to cause us trouble in every way possible, and I'm determined not to let him win."

Knowing he was right, Zelda clutched him more tightly, glad to hear he was trying his best to work through it. After all, she knew better than almost anyone just how strong his determination was, and she smiled at the thought while listening as he continued, "Still, what happened in the temple isn't the only thing that worries me. I mean … you're a Princess, and … how can I ignore that?"

Exhaling a sigh, he added, "There's also the fact that if we do this, you … could get pregnant."

Though the matter was rather serious, Link was surprised to hear her snickering, opening his eyes to see the most loving smile he'd ever beheld gracing her lips.

It caused his heart to flip-flop in his chest as she asked, "Do you know what your father told me?" When he shook his head, she qualified, "He said that if my father knew Myriad bore a son, he may have considered betrothing us to unite our families because they were so closely acquainted, but at the very least, our relationship would've been favored."

"Then … everyone would've approved?"

"Seems so," she returned with a soft snicker, briefly gazing down before qualifying, "and as for me getting pregnant, I took a potion the Gerudo make to prevent it. Masita gave it to me."

Link's lips parted in discovery—he knew the potion she was talking about. It was a short lived concoction that would prevent pregnancy for a day or two, but couldn't be taken more than once a week. Otherwise it would cause sickness and could even eliminate a woman's chances of having children at all. But if used properly, it was completely effective.

So knowing they were protected in that regard was relieving, not that it was easy to focus on anything but the way Zelda's hands trailed down his chest to stop at his waist where she tugged his shirt out of his pants.

The act sent a shiver of anticipation through his body, and a lovely blush stained her cheeks while asking her next question.

"So now that you know what Lyonel told me, I'm curious. If the time was right, would you … ," she trailed, shrugging with the addition, "ever want me to be your wife?"

Link didn't hesitate to provide an answer, and he gave it with confidence.

"Yes, I would."

Zelda bit her lips, but a hint of her smile showed through anyway as she admitted softly, "I'd accept."

The comment had a small, amused smile curving his lips, but it didn't last long when she pressed her hands inside his tunic. With a shaky breath, her palms trailed over his abdomen, leaving a wave of heat in their wake that caused his eyes to shut in bliss as she admitted breathlessly, "It's strange. I've never felt so nervous as I do now, but at the same time, I'm not worried. This just feels … right. Does that make any sense?"

"Yeah," he drew out breathlessly, pulling her in close to gently rub her back in an attempt to relax her nerves. It seemed to work as well because she leaned into him with a low groan, as if seeking whatever he had to give—and considering what they faced in the near future, he wasn't inclined to withhold anything.

At the thought, he admitted, "If it makes you feel any better, I'm having trouble believing you're here with me this way."

A soft giggle sounded that had his smile widening as she observed, "I think I should be the one saying that, but maybe it doesn't matter."

Link would've agreed, but the sensation of her fingers opening his pants caused his throat to dry up once again. Her action left him torn between stopping her and allowing her to continue on if only because he didn't wish to deprive her of what she wanted. Still, he couldn't help feeling she deserved to be on the receiving end of pleasure so much more than himself, and his hesitation gave her time to grasp his erection.

"Zelda … ," he groaned loudly, instinctively pushing his hips against her hand to seek more of her touch even as he reached down to grasp her wrist.

"I have to admit, I love how you sound when you say my name that way," she whispered, giving his aching flesh an agonizingly long stroke. At the same time, she kissed his cheek, and he couldn't stop himself from turning his head to seize her lips in a deep kiss, slowly losing his control.

The thought actually scared him. It wasn't the same situation as the one faced in the Spirit Temple, and yet he wanted to ensure Zelda's own enjoyment if they intended on continuing if only because she'd never done this before—and what if he scared her by moving too quickly?

Yet she was returning his kiss so fervently it almost didn't seem to matter. Perhaps his trust in himself wasn't shaken by recent events as badly as he'd thought, or she was just as comfortable with him as she'd claimed. Maybe it was both. Whatever the case, their kiss quickly reached a level of desperation neither of them had experienced, and it didn't stop until Zelda urged him to sit on the bed.

Doing so, he looked up to see her ardent expression mirrored the way he felt, her chest heaving and cheeks tinged pink. Link was ready to pull her into his lap as well, finding even a momentary separation from her was too much to bear at present.

But he stopped himself when she reached for her top with trembling fingers and removed it.

It wasn't the first time he'd seen her breasts, but he found himself eager for the sight regardless, knowing that if he wasn't already as aroused as he was ever going to get, simply looking at her would've done the trick in an instant. The only question left was to wonder how he'd gotten so lucky, but maybe it didn't matter.

He only knew one thing for certain as he followed suit and removed his tunic—he loved her, and intended on pleasing her with every ounce of skill he possessed.

Still, as he carelessly tossed the garment aside and started the task of scooting back across the bed to give her room to join him, Zelda shook her head and requested, "Wait, don't move."

"What's wrong?"

"Nothing," she returned with a measure of shyness in her voice he couldn't ignore as she leaned down and whispered, "I just want to kiss you again."

Link certainly had no problems with that, but just before he could lean up to meet her lips with his, she moved lower and pressed her mouth to the center of his chest. Exhaling with his enjoyment of her attention, he reached to sweep his hands along her back, amazed by how even the simplest touch of her lips gave him pleasure such as he'd never experienced it.

As she trailed her lips across one of the scars marring his chest, he lost the ability to think—and it wasn't coming back. Instead, while staring down as she kissed her way across his abdomen, then his navel, the words I want to kiss you again made more sense.

At the same time, his pulse abruptly picked up speed when she freed his erection from his pants—and Link jerked. She's not … serious, is she?

The mere thought of what she intended had moisture beading at the tip of his shaft, his excitement reaching new levels in record time.

Still, he rasped her name, uncertain she was truly prepared for the kind of kiss she intended to give him, but he choked on the words when the heat of her mouth all but seared his aching flesh.

"Zelda, wait! You d-don't need to … nngh!"

At the overwhelmed sound of his voice and the way he jerked against her, Zelda paused but decided not to look up, too worried her gumption would be lost if she removed her focus from her current task. Indeed, it took every ounce of willpower she possessed to perform this activity without shying away, and she wanted to see it through.

Yet it seemed the difficult part was over. Now that she'd gotten past her initial embarrassment, she was no longer nervous, and found herself extremely curious instead—particularly considering the way Link reacted. Groaning loudly in pleasure, he rasped her name again as if unable to believe what she was doing to him, or maybe he couldn't believe how good it felt.

Either way, she didn't intend on stopping until the man she loved more than anything was pleased—and it certainly sounded as if he was on his way.

Taking the tip of him into her mouth with a light suck, she swirled her tongue around it and found Link's hips bucking in response, making it difficult to keep her balance. She had to grasp his belt to stay in one place, and it made her wonder. Was this truly so good for him?

She'd heard this was extremely enjoyable for men, and part of her wished he could describe it, but even if words wouldn't suffice, she did know his responses made it feel so … right.

She was also surprised to find herself so aroused by the way her attention evoked such a passionate response. The sound of his moans and the way he tripped over his words excited her just as much as any kiss or caress, and she wanted more.

So Zelda pressed her tongue into his flesh harder, sucking against him to be rewarded with a low, disbelieving shout.

"Zelda! My love, please … y-you can't know how good that feels!" he started, followed by uttering something incoherent while gripping the bed to prevent himself from grabbing her without warning.

The pleasure was simply too much, and he finally rasped desperately, "I-I can't last this way … !"

"Maybe I don't want you to," she murmured, stopping long enough to say so before going right back to work.

And Link couldn't stand it.

He knew she'd never done this before, and was pretty sure she hadn't even looked at the part of his body she was so erotically tending during their last intimate encounter. But every kiss against his flesh, each hot suck of her lips and stroke of her tongue had him in pleasure so exquisite it might be considered agony.

The sensation left him unable to do anything more than silently promise to return the favor at the earliest opportunity—not to mention stop her before it was too late.

Quickly grasping his tunic in one hand, he gripped her shoulder in the other and pushed her back only to find her latching on, sucking even harder as her mouth slid back and forth over his aching flesh. The motion caused his hips to buck as his seed threatened to spill in her mouth.

Fighting desperately to hold back, the endeavor had him shouting the word no, which thankfully got her attention and allowed him to pull away just as his orgasm erupted.

Covering his lap with his tunic, Link grunted, using his fist to bring himself to completion with Zelda's assistance. Her own soft fingers were still gripping him as she watched, both intrigued and aroused by the sight of him finding release.

The sinew of his chest and arms tightened, his face a mask of agonized pleasure as he cried her name.

It was precisely what she wanted, if not better than.

The moment his body slumped, she released him to wrap her arms around his sides, kissing her way from his shoulder to his neck as he turned to lay back across the bed. His head hit the pillows a moment later with Zelda clutched tight against his side, and she didn't resist the pull, snuggling into him as he buried his face in the crook of her neck with a low groan.

Link's chest continued to heave in the process, and she stroked her hand along his arm, asking softly, "What are you thinking about?"

It took Link a moment to respond, his breathing still evening out. During that time, he took the opportunity to remove his boots by pushing each off at the heel with his opposite foot, then lifted his head to regard her with an honest answer.

"You." With his gaze dipping down across her body, he added, "How beautiful you are, and how I want to make this night last as long as possible for you."

If the notion alone wasn't enough to make Zelda breathless, Link then turned and climbed over her, lowering himself until her breasts flattened against his chest. The sensation of their bodies pressing together had her eyes closing, so overwhelmed she couldn't focus on anything else.

That's when he asked, "What are you thinking?"

"I can't think, Link," she confessed, wrapping her arms around him. "You're so warm."

"Good," he murmured, kissing her lips, then her jaw, working his way across her neck to the opposing side as she clutched him tight. Simultaneously, her hands explored his back, their movements growing more urgent when he reached her ear.

Dizzy as he commenced with his heated attention, one of her hands wandered up to the back of his head, mindlessly attempting to comb her fingers into his hair only to find it tied back. So she tugged the band free and finally opened her eyes, watching the golden blond mass sift down around his neck.

As it came to rest against his jaw with the ends just brushing his shoulders, she wasted no time combing the silken strands and heard herself whispering, "You're so handsome with your hair free."

Lifting his head, he asked, "Do you like it better that way?"

"I don't have a preference," she admitted, still combing it while adding, "but I do enjoy running my fingers through it."

The comment had him smiling down at her, his gaze regarding the high ponytail her own hair was currently tied into, leaving him unable to return the favor. So he cupped her cheek instead, slowly drawing his thumb down until it brushed across her lips. Zelda's eyes closed in response, her soft tiers parting beneath his digit, allowing it to sink into her mouth as her own fingers swept enticing patterns against his body as if to better learn his shape.

And he couldn't wait any longer.

Leaning in, he kissed her hard, fervently, capturing her gasps in his mouth before breaking contact to work his way down across her chest to her breasts. He simply couldn't deny the sense of urgency to give her as much pleasure as he'd already received, cupping one of her breasts while lifting his head to take the tip into his mouth.

"Link!" she rasped, clutching his shoulders tight as he licked and sucked before moving to the opposite breast to give it the same attention, leaving her nipples as hard as they'd ever been.

Just as the first time he'd done the same, she found the pleasure his kisses gave spreading through her body to center between her thighs in a throb that was as enjoyable as it was agonizing. Somehow, that ache redoubled when she felt the sash tied at her hip coming undone, proving Link's intentions of removing her skirt.

Her heart leaped into her throat when he sat back far enough to tug it down, watching in a daze as he lifted her hips to ease it off. As a result, she was left in nothing but the chain around her belly and the cuffs on her arms—certainly not enough to say she wasn't now nude before him for the first time.

And the way he regarded her was enough to set her aflame.

Yet she couldn't find it in herself to be embarrassed. Once again, it somehow felt natural to be with him this way, though she did feel a certain sense of trepidation when he took a moment to remove his pants.

Undressing wasn't necessary to prove that he was aroused yet again, but this was her first time seeing him completely nude, and the sight was a clear reminder of what they were about to do. Something in her grew nervous at the thought, but not in reluctance. Instead, she worried she wouldn't do well enough to please him.

Still, it was difficult to focus on the issue when the sight of him naked left her otherwise … distracted. Between that and the way he covered her again for another intense kiss, she didn't have time to be nervous.

Only overwhelmed.

The way their bodies pressed together as his arms wound around her had her trembling, particularly when one of his thighs pressed between her legs. Moaning into his mouth in response to the sensation, she clutched him tighter, panting when he finally tore his mouth from hers and expressed concern.

"You're shaking, Zelda. Are you okay?"

The sound of his voice was comforting if only because he was just as breathless as she felt. Somehow it helped knowing their intimacies affected him just as profoundly, and truth be told, speech seemed beyond her capabilities just then.

Still, she managed to rasp, "Y-yes … I just … this is so … ."

She would've continued, but he stopped her with another passionate kiss that rattled her even more. It would've left her wondering how in the world people managed to do this without going mad if she had any ability to think, but instead, she latched onto the sound of his voice when he broke their kiss to offer reassurance.

"It's okay, my love. You don't have to worry."

"I'm not worried," she admitted, still finding it difficult to speak. "J-just overwhelmed and … lost. I-I don't know how to … please you, and I want y-you to enjoy this."

She next felt his lips against her chest, trailing a path between her breasts this time. As shivers of sensation spread across her skin from the attention, he related, "You've already pleased me, Zelda. You've given me so much I can barely think straight."

She truly hoped so, not that she could consider it. Instead, the way he dragged his mouth across the flat of her stomach while pressing his hand along her side captured her full attention, particularly when he related in a husky tone, "Now all I can think about is giving back to make this just as good for you."

Giving back? As she questioned it, he pressed a kiss against her navel, taking a moment to swirl his tongue around it while sliding one hand down to her thighs—and whatever concerns Zelda had over her own performance melted in the space of a heartbeat. Her eyes finally opened to stare down at him, lips parted, and she didn't have the sense to move, let alone respond.

All she could do was watch as he took his time kissing her stomach, each press of his lips like a brand on her flesh, the sensation lingering long after he'd moved to the next spot. It was maddening, driving her so far beyond rational thought she asked what he was doing despite knowing the answer.

In response, he pressed a kiss to the top of the v between her legs, and Zelda jerked, crying out, "D-don't, Link!"

Her legs instinctively clamped together, driven by a sense of modesty she couldn't quite get rid of as he kissed her again, then looked up to ask, "You didn't think I'd want to reciprocate?"

Panting, she could barely rasp, "It's not that … it's just … the thought of it … ."

Sucking in another breath, she admitted on a whimper, "I'm aching, Link."

Indeed, the throbbing between her legs was so strong she might call it pain—and he'd barely touched her in any truly sensitive places. Of course, she'd already entertained the possibility that he'd wish to return her erotic kiss, and the mere thought of it stole her breath. But she knew he'd enjoy receiving such attention, and couldn't pass up any chance to please him.

Still, she couldn't deny him now, could she? After all, it wasn't discomfort or reluctance that drove her, just embarrassment, and though she hated to even consider it, how many chances would they truly have? A fight was brewing on the horizon, and while it wasn't the only factor in her decision to give herself to him this night, she'd be foolish to ignore the fact that she may never get another chance to experience such intimacies.

Link wasn't oblivious to the matter either.

Kissing her navel again, he listened as she let a choked whimper, stroking his hand along her hip to relax her as he murmured, "I know you're aching, my love, but I promise you'll enjoy this."

More gently, he asked, "Do you trust me?"

"Of c-course I do. I'm j-just so … I c-can't … !"

Shushing her gently, he kissed the top of her mons once more and whispered, "Let me take care of it, my love. Just relax for me."

Zelda wasn't sure she understood a word he said. She simply knew, somewhere deep down, that she could do precisely as he'd suggested, her head falling back against the pillows as he commenced. What followed was a blur of sensation, from his kisses to the way he parted her thighs. Each moment left her heart beating faster than she thought it could, and he moved so slowly she thought she might scream.

Yet she froze when his breath washed over the sensitive flesh between her legs followed by the heat of his lips against her.

Instantly, a jolt of pleasure moved through her body that left her crying out.

"Link!"

Without realizing it, the fingers of her left hand found their way into his hair while the other gripped his arm now latched around her lower stomach to hold her hips still. The sensations consumed her, violet blue gaze darting down in disbelief. Was he really doing this? Had it actually felt so good when she'd given him the same attention before?

Whatever the case, her head fell back, chest heaving as he kissed the slit between her legs again. She only wished it were possible to think, or to tell him just how maddening this was. But maybe he'd felt the same way, and perhaps he was also enjoying the act of giving her pleasure as much as she'd enjoyed pleasuring him.

Which was precisely the case.

While Zelda was consumed with pleasure, Link was consumed by her responses, and didn't want them to stop. Her gasps and whimpered moans only added to his ardor, not to mention his determination to ensure her enjoyment.

So he took things a little further, gently drawing his tongue against the most sensitive spot on her body—and she gave him exactly what he wanted.

"Ah! Don't, that's too … too much!"

Zelda bucked, back bowing with a deep, ragged breath she forgot to exhale. He'd barely done anything, but she was already out of her mind with pleasure, the hot roll of his tongue against the sensitive bud between her thighs too good to be real.

He repeated the action slowly, pausing long enough to make her think he might stop before doing it again. The act left her wanting him more than anything she'd ever desired in her entire life, Link's name and the word please leaving her lips like a chant.

"I-I can't stand it!" she cried, squirming until he latched both arms around her hips to keep them still—and his grip may as well have been made of iron. As she writhed, his tongue drew slowly back and forth, laving her until she was quaking with her need for release.

That's when he finally stopped, looking up to watch as her chest heaved and her body trembled, knowing it wouldn't be long before she came if he didn't slow down. The way she was begging him and mindlessly crying his name served as proof, and for as much as he wanted her to climax, he also wanted to draw it out, keep her in a state of pleasure for as long as possible.

So he changed tactics, gently pressing his index against her core to push it inside—and the wet heat he found clenching his digit was almost enough to send him over the edge again.

As Zelda's hips bucked with another sweet cry of his name, Link gently thrust in and out before asking breathlessly, "How does that feel?"

She couldn't speak, lifting a hand to grip the headboard of the bed before finally managing to rasp, "I-I can't … it's too … good!"

Her words were punctuated by another impassioned moan when he curled his finger inside her to rub back and forth—and it was driving her crazy.

Somehow, Link was making her so sensitive even the briefest of touches ignited her desires. She'd never been penetrated before, and hadn't known what to expect, but if this was any indication of the kind of pleasure she would experience once they were truly making love, it was questionable whether she'd last.

In and out, Link slowly thrust his fingers inside, bringing her to a point of abandon she hadn't known existed. Whatever shyness had made things more difficult to accomplish at first no longer factored, her inhibitions melting away as quickly as the pleasure bloomed, spreading through her body until she was on the edge of release.

And when he resumed his kiss, using his tongue against her swollen nub, she could no longer stand it.

"Link! Please!" Grasping his arm with her ardent cry, she rasped, "I'm about to … don't stop!"

Zelda thrashed against the pillow, forcing Link to tighten his grip on her hips—and he certainly had no intentions of stopping. The way she writhed and cried his name was like a reward, and he couldn't get enough, particularly when he felt the clench of her inner walls against his thrusting digits with a rush of wetness as she climaxed.

Her cries filled the loft, making him grateful for their location well away from anyone that might overhear them. Yet Zelda didn't even consider it, so consumed by the waves of pleasure crashing over her that the need for censure never crossed her mind. Instead, as her orgasm left her collapsing limply against the bed, she was focused on just one thing—her desperate need for Link.

Vaguely aware of his gentle kisses against her thighs before he lifted himself above her, she could only find enough focus to wrap her arms around him—at first.

"Zelda, are you—mmm!"

Link was surprised when she suddenly leaned up to kiss him hard, having expected to find her too weak to move for at least a few moments after her orgasm. Yet she urgently grabbed him for a kiss followed by raining smaller kisses against his neck as her hands explored his back and chest. Simultaneously, one of her legs lifted against his side as she tugged him down, writhing beneath him in a manner that chased all rational thought away.

"Please, Link," she rasped, her voice as breathless as he was beginning to feel receiving such maddening attention from the woman he loved more than anything. "I need you so badly … !"

Her desperate admission left him gripping the sheets in a bid to keep control. She was driving him to distraction in a moment when he needed to pace himself if only because this was her first time, and he knew from experience that first times could cause women pain if care wasn't taken to make certain they were ready. Perhaps he'd done just that as well, but he had no intentions of taking a chance—and she wasn't making it easy.

"Tell me what I need to do," she whimpered between kisses against his collar. "I just don't know what to … mmf!"

The last came when he captured her mouth with his, kissing her just as hard as she'd done a moment prior. With his arms wrapped around her, he nearly crushed her to him, finding her legs parting wider around his hips like an invitation. In response, he couldn't stop himself from pressing his hips between them, his erection pushing against the slick flesh waiting for him—and she was so hot he thought he might spill that very moment.

A low moan erupted from his throat as a result, matched in tone only by her own surprised whimper, the sound growing louder when she tore her lips from his with her head falling back.

"It's maddening, Link!"

Zelda could barely stand it. The pleasure of having him pressed so thoroughly against her was more than she could stand without tears stinging her eyes over how good it felt. She simply couldn't believe they were together this way, couldn't believe it was so much better than she'd could've ever imagined, and found herself frustrated over her lack of knowledge on what to do next.

"T-tell me what to do," she pleaded, still clutching him tight while rubbing her body into his in the hopes of enticing him.

"Just … just stay still, my love."

His breathless words were punctuated by a loud groan as she began nibbling along the edge of his ear, making her way to the sensitive tip before whimpering, "I-I can't!"

The way she gyrated beneath him served as proof, Link's eyes sliding shut as his own pleasure grew stronger, leaving him unable to wait any longer either. He'd wanted to pace himself, to make this as good as it could possibly be, but holding back to do so was no longer an option.

Instead, he kissed her again, a kiss filled with urgent emotion that she returned in kind. The sound of gasped breaths and shifting sheets filled the room as Link slipped his hand beneath her thigh to draw her leg higher up around his hip. Her grip on him tightened in response, anticipation of what was to come filling her until she could only wonder if this wasn't simply a dream.

Was it even possible to love him so much? She wasn't sure, and had no time—or ability—to think it over before she felt the cap of his erection pressing into her body. Instinctively tensing, her lips broke away from his with a gasp, the sound met by Link's soothing shush as he slowly penetrated her with a low groan she found both comforting and arousing.

"You're so hot … ," he mindlessly rasped, adding after another moment, "I love you so much."

Judging by the sound of his voice, Zelda doubted he even realized he'd spoken, and she didn't care. Burying her face in the crook of his neck, she put her full trust in him to make the next move if only because she was so lost. Even if she'd gained experience before now, she doubted it would make much difference considering her state of arousal, though a jolt of reality washed through her when Link's efforts began to stretch her open.

Zelda's brows drew together in response, eyes squeezed shut with a frown over the curious sensation. It wasn't painful, and the thick, rigid heat of his body inside her felt good, yet she wouldn't call it pleasure exactly. It was just … strange.

At least until he surged deeper.

Suddenly, a sharp pinch shot through her core that seemed to disappear before the startled grunt was out of her mouth. In its wake was a sense of heat and fullness, perhaps some minor discomfort, but even that was quickly fading.

Regardless, Link ceased his movements at the sound of her gasp, lifting his head to gaze at her with concern in his sapphire eyes.

"Zelda?"

"I'm okay," she whispered, and the look on her face left little room for doubt. With her eyes closed and lips parted, her expression could only be described as surprised, though there was a curious glint in her violet blue depths when she opened her eyes to gaze up at him.

"There was a pinch, but it doesn't hurt anymore. Still, it feels a little … I don't know, I can't describe it."

Exhaling a relieved breath, he rasped, "As long as it doesn't hurt, I'd think that's a good thing."

His voice was strained, and Zelda wasn't oblivious to the sweat beading on his brow, making her wonder if he might've been hurting as well, or … was he simply aching to do more?

After everything they'd done to that point, she wouldn't be one bit surprised to learn he was attempting to pace himself for her benefit. His selflessness would certainly extend to matters concerning her comfort, after all, so she did the only thing she could think to do.

Lifting a hand, she cupped his cheek and whispered, "You don't have to hold back, Link. I promise, I'm fine, and if anything bothers me, I'll tell you."

He groaned in response, finding her trust in him heartening, as well as her awareness of his bid to pace himself. But he was quickly losing that battle anyway, finding the tight, hot clench of her body around his aching flesh too much to ignore, chest heaving with the need to move growing so strong he could barely think of anything else.

So he promised, "No matter what, I'll stop if you tell me to, but I'm going to make sure this only gets better for you."

Zelda wanted to respond to tell him she knew, but with those words, he slowly withdrew from her body and pushed back inside again with a low groan of her name. The sensation had her eyes momentarily widening just before going half lidded, watching Link as he moved above her, and the sight alone was maddening. He was evidently experiencing pleasure too good to describe, and no matter how pleasing this might become for her, she wanted him to keep going to find his own enjoyment.

Not that she wasn't experiencing her own already.

Still sensitive from their previous activities, the thrusting of his pelvis between her legs soon sparked a sensation she couldn't put into words. It was as if he'd hit the right spot, each slow drive inside her rekindling whatever excitement she lost from his initial penetration. As a result, her discomfort was forgotten, and she instinctively lifted her legs around him, unwitting to the fact that it would allow him to go deeper.

"Aah!"

Her gasp came with an instinctive clench of her inner muscles against his rigid flesh, the pleasure his movements caused surprising her with its intensity. Was that the way making love was supposed to feel? If so, she was desperate to experience more of it.

Yet Link stopped the moment she tensed against him, opening his eyes to gaze at her in concern.

"Zelda? Did I–"

"No!" she quickly rasped, knowing he was worried about hurting her. So she clutched him tight and added, "Don't stop, please? I-I want to feel you … !"

Zelda buried her face in the crook of his neck again, but Link didn't need to see it to know she was being honest. So he continued, rocking his hips into her a bit harder than before, and when she moaned his name and mindlessly gripped her fingers into his backside to urge him on, he couldn't deny her.

"Zelda!" he groaned out, driving deep inside while clutching her tight in a haze of pleasured disbelief. The sound of her returned moans combined with the slick clench of her body on his aching shaft was too good to be real, leaving his control in shambles. Every movement stole another piece of it, the way she writhed against him and absently pleaded for more maddening.

In turn, there was a sense of connection growing so strong it couldn't be ignored, leaving him desperate for more.

Indeed, he'd never felt closer to another person than he did now. His love for the woman beneath him was so strong it was nearly stifling, and whatever he managed to maintain of his control was lost when she made her own heartfelt declaration.

"Oh! I-I love you, Link!" Her head fell back, the words chanted like a prayer. "It's so … it feels so good!"

Zelda finally opened her eyes to see him watching her with a heat in his sapphire gaze that was staggering. As their eyes locked in turn, the connection between them almost seemed to solidify, the pleasure spiraling to new heights, and she couldn't stop herself from begging, "Go faster!"

Despite the release she'd given him before, Link knew his seed was close to spilling again, and her desperate request didn't help matters. Still, he leaned down and kissed her hard, their arms tangling around each other with loud, broken gasps sounding as he gave in and did precisely as she asked.

Burying his face in the crook of her neck, Link worked his pelvis between her legs at a fast, rhythmic pace. Zelda clung to him in turn, pushing her hips up to meet his thrusts with her nails unwittingly digging into his back. From the way their bodies moved together as he groaned in pleasure against her ear to the clench of his arms around her, she was consumed, barely able to keep up.

"I … love you … so much … ."

Link's utterance wasn't lost on her, though she had no idea which of them spoke the words at that moment. She only knew it was true for them both, crying out in euphoria as his bed rocked from their movements, every plunge between her legs bringing her closer to another climax.

"L-Link, I'm about to … I'm so close!"

Letting a low grunt, Link gritted his teeth, fighting not to lose his seed before she could find release, but the fact that she was so close didn't make it any easier. She was clenching him so tightly he could barely stand it, sweat beading on his brow as he continued thrusting, urging her breathlessly, "That's it … come for me, love."

With her cheek to his, she turned her lips against his ear and pleaded, "Y-you too … !" Tensing beneath him, she rasped desperately, "P-please, Link, please?"

For a moment, Link hesitated, knowing he shouldn't as she could've become pregnant. But then he recalled the fact that she'd taken a potion to prevent it, and as soon as the thought struck, his reluctance faded with the promise, "I will, but not before you do."

Zelda wasn't sure she understood him, her release erupting as she tugged on his shoulders, crying out in desperation, "Please, Link! I'm … Ahhh!"

Instantly, she stiffened beneath him, and if he hadn't been close to finding release before, he couldn't stop himself now. With a shout of pleasure, he drove home inside her, nearly crushing Zelda against him as they came together—and he'd never enjoyed the experience more.

Perhaps it was due to his love for her, an emotion that was absent in his previous engagements, but whatever the reason, he shouted her name, admitting his love with several, ragged pants of breath as his seed spilled in a hot rush. All the while, Zelda was writhing beneath him, her nails dragging across his back until he captured her mouth with his in another passionate kiss.

In those moments, he knew he'd never be able to release her, even if their lives depended on it. A sense of completion overwhelmed him, not to mention immense satisfaction in knowing she'd come for him just as hard as he had for her—and she couldn't have described her enjoyment if someone forced her to try.

It was like a tidal wave crashing down, leaving her swept up in a cascade, and just when she thought it couldn't get any better, Link muffled her cries with the hottest, most loving kiss she'd ever experienced. On and on, it seemed never ending until her body finally went limp beneath him, their kiss breaking as they clung to each other in the aftermath.

Link pressed his face against her throat, his warm breath washing over her skin as the weight of his body settled above her, and Zelda didn't mind it at all. Having him over her, inside her, was both comforting and satisfying, and she didn't want him to move.

Nor did she want the night to end.

The thoughts were so consuming that she was confused when Link lifted his head and asked, "What's wrong?"

"What d-do you mean?"

He slipped a hand up to her cheek and used his thumb to wipe away a tear—and until that moment, she hadn't realized she'd been crying.

"Oh, I … ," trailing, she shook her head and replied simply, "I'm just happy. I didn't think I could love you anymore than I do, but … this is so wonderful, and I just love you so much."

His lips curved ever so slightly, the warmth in his eyes a sign of everything she adored about him as she swept her own fingers across his cheek. In response, he leaned down to kiss her lips, then her brow, each one filled with a gentle type of love that had more tears joining the first.

It made her desperate to stay in the valley for another day at the very least, and quietly, she mentioned it.

"Will we really need to leave tomorrow?"

Gazing into her eyes with the dim flickering of the lamplight reflecting in them, he didn't have to ask to know the reason for her question. They were almost literally standing upon a precipice, and leaving the valley meant taking a dive to finish what they'd started so long ago now. It was a matter he knew they both wanted to finish somewhere deep down, but that didn't mean either of them were eager to leave the safe harbor they'd found in his home, particularly that night.

So, as he rolled to his side and gathered her against him, he was happy to relate, "I spoke with my mother today, and we both agreed it wouldn't hurt for us to stay in the valley for a day or two."

Biting her bottom lip as she held his gaze, Zelda nodded and whispered, "Would it sound silly if I said I don't want to leave this bed at all until then."

Smirking, he leaned in for another kiss and related, "If it does, then we're both silly. But at the very least, we're not leaving this bed until morning."

Snickering softly, Zelda nodded and pressed her face into the crook of his neck with the response, "Good."

As she cuddled against him, Link exhaled a contented sigh and tugged the covers up around them both, his eyes closing when Zelda pressed a few arbitrary kisses against his neck and shoulder. The sensation sent shivers through him, causing him to wonder if anything could be more perfect, and only one thing came to mind—if they'd already restored Hyrule, or at the very least, reclaimed the throne.

But those were concerns for after his door opened to let the world back in again. So for now, he accepted that things were as perfect as they could be, and tightened his hold on her with a kiss to her temple.

That's when Zelda asked shyly, "Link?"

"Yes?"

"Was it … good?"

Opening his eyes, he smiled and whispered against her ear, "It was much better than that."

After another moment passed, she inquired more curiously, "Was it better than before?"

"Very much so."

"Because it was me?"

"Yes," he replied softly, kissing the top of her head. Then his brows furrowed as he inquired, "Why? You're not still worried you don't add up, or … jealous, are you?"

"Not at all," she replied casually enough to put his doubts to rest. "I was never actually jealous of Masita, anyway."

"No?"

Shaking her head, she admitted, "When I saw her kiss you, it just proved how long you and I had been separated, and what I actually wished was that I'd been a part of your life here. I know that probably sounds childish, but I can't help it."

"It doesn't sound childish," he returned, pressing a kiss against her forehead before adding, "It makes perfect sense because I've wished for the same thing."

Hearing this, Zelda turned her face to his with a smile and soon found herself locked in another slow kiss that stole her breath. When it finally broke, they weren't content to stop, brushing their lips across random spots while continuing to explore one another with gentle hands.

And despite her very satisfying experience, it sparked a new wave of desire she couldn't ignore.

That's when Link inquired, "But how was this for you?"

Closing her eyes, she whispered, "I never knew anything was so wonderful and … I was wondering if we might do it again before morning."

Link couldn't help a smile, her interest in another round like a stroke to his ego. He couldn't say he wasn't interested in doing this again either, but he was also reluctant, relating, "I don't know, not that I don't want to. I'm just worried about hurting you."

Canting her head, she pointed out, "But I'm not hurting now."

"Maybe not, but you could be sore tomorrow."

The disappointed frown she gave him made it difficult to deny her, particularly when she returned, "Even so, it would be worth it."

Groaning, Link kissed her one more time, realizing he was going to lose this battle no matter how hard he tried. So his only option was to minimize the possibility of causing her discomfort later, and an idea quickly came to mind.

But before he mentioned it, he had a question.

"Can I ask you something first?"

"What?"

"What gave you the idea to … kiss me like that? You didn't … I mean did you talk about it with Masita?"

Instantly, Zelda felt her cheeks heat in a blush as she hid her face against his neck with a soft snicker, whispering shyly, "No … well, I mean she didn't give me the idea. She just confirmed that what I'd heard was true, and men like it."

Link exhaled quietly, recalling the look on Masita's face as he'd departed her place earlier while looking for Zelda. Evidently the Gerudo had some idea of what Zelda intended for their evening, and a smile finally curved his lips as he thought it all over.

"Can't say I'm not surprised you actually talked to her about it."

Zelda finally lifted her head with a curious expression on her face, asking, "Why not?"

Link shrugged. "I just thought you'd be too shy."

For some reason, the words put a grin on her face. "Well, we are women, Link, and we're almost the same age. So when I found an opportunity to learn more, I took it. She and I got along very well, too, and in fact, she told me some of your secrets."

Link frowned. "What secrets?"

Zelda let a soft giggle, lifting her hand to his chest to brush her thumb across one of his nipples, sending a shiver through him as she remarked, "This, for example."

Instantly, Link groaned in response, his frown deepening to realize Masita had revealed one of his sensitive spots.

Seeing his expression, Zelda laughed and asked, "Why do you look so annoyed?"

"I'm not annoyed, just wishing she hadn't told you because I don't know any of your secret spots yet."

"Aw, I'm sorry," Zelda drew out playfully, leaning up to kiss his cheek before whispering, "but you'll have chances to learn, right?"

Intending to kiss him again, she gasped when Link turned his head at the last moment and caught her mouth with his instead of allowing her to kiss his cheek again.

If that wasn't enough, their contact broke between words as Link suggested, "Maybe … I'll have a chance … to learn tonight."

She was so dizzy by the time he finished she could barely ask, "When?"

Nuzzling her temple, he pointed out on a low tone of voice that didn't help her dizziness, "I was thinking we might actually leave the bed, but just to go to the hot springs. The warm water will keep you from getting so sore later, and I happen to know of a secluded spot where we can be all alone, not that anyone's there this time of night anyway."

She had to admit the idea had merit—not that she'd ever visited a hot spring before. But she was very curious to see what it was about, and couldn't imagine a better time to go than now, while she had the man she loved all to herself.

This was a night full of firsts, after all, and she agreed while lovingly kissing along his throat.

Groaning, Link replied, "If you keep doing that, we'll never get there."

The couple snickered as they finally climbed out of bed, assisting each other with the task of getting dressed before departing his loft—and their horses weren't needed. Instead, the hot springs were located at the summit of a hill just northeast of the valley. Most of the pools were outdoors, and the steam wafting from the surface proved they were warm, a sight Zelda found inviting.

Yet Link led her into a cavern at the base of a mountain in which a few more pools could be found, and he was right. Not only was it secluded, there wasn't a single soul in sight, and they took full advantage of the situation.

Climbing into the water one by one, they took turns cleaning one another while enjoying the relaxation provided by the natural heat of the springs. Once clean, they lounged on a blanket Link brought along and enjoyed the plate of fruit Zelda got from Gepsa while telling stories of their pasts and making wishes for a future in which the outcome of their fight was a positive one.

And they didn't return to Link's loft until morning where they fell into a deep, restful slumber that lasted most of the day.