Some actual emotions revealed to Zelda by Lynk in this one and it's not the kind she was expecting. Oof.
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Chapter 6: Travel
Few Days Later
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"Hero of Hyrule, chosen by the sword that seals the darkness…" Zelda began, voice unenthusiastic. "You have shown unflinching bravery and skill in the face of darkness and adversity. And have proven yourself worthy of the blessing of the Goddess Hylia. Whether skyward bound, adrift in time, or steeped in the glowing embers of twilight… the sacred blade is forever bound to the soul of the Hero. We pray for your protection… and we hope that—that the two of you will grow stronger together, as one." Zelda dropped her arm.
Lynk wasn't an idiot—it was obvious to her that the Princess did not like her was so ever. Either because of the Master Sword on her back or because of who she was as a person, it didn't matter. Lynk had seen and knew of the hardship placed upon the Princess's shoulders from a young age but to think she was petty enough to resent her because of the fact she now bore the Master Sword…
Lynk didn't care what reason it was that Zelda disliked her for—pulling the Master Sword was not something just anyone could do, had she found the sword a few years prior and pulled, no doubt she would not have been able to release it.
She worked hard to get where was she. Lynk didn't simply spend her younger years playing every waking moment when she didn't have lessons—no, she spent that time learning other things, she found enjoyment in them and used those enjoyments to make lessons out of them. Her parents were always eager to help assist her, guide her when she needed that extra push.
She put hard work and sweat into what she did, and to think the Princess was petty enough to not think about her own hardships was… unsavoury.
Zelda sighed heavily, and Lynk didn't need to see the Princess's face to know she was frustrated.
"Forged in the long distant past the Sword—"
("Geeze, she's making it sound like we already lost." Daruk rubbed the back of his head.
"Wasn't this your idea?" Revali rebutted. "You're the one who wanted to designate the appointed knight with all the ceremonial pomp, grandeur, and nonsense we could master!" The Rito turned to the scene before them. "And if you ask me, the whole thing does seem to be overkill. I think I'm on the same page as the Princess regarding… this girl."
"Oh, give it a rest." Urbosa scoffed in annoyance. "That girl is a living reminder of her own failures. Well, at least that's how the Princess see her.")
So she was right, Lynk internally scoffed.
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It was two weeks later that Lynk had her first outing with the Princess. They were headed for Rito Village to check up on the Divine Beast Vah Medoh. Lynk was almost dreading the journey with the Princess, the girl hadn't lightened up on her… dislike and it was grating on Lynk's nerves.
But she didn't speak out and instead settled with saying nothing to the girl. She focused her energy on making sure their journey was uninterrupted. It was over half a day's journey to get to the Hebra mountain range, so they arrived as the moon was beginning to make itself known within the sky.
Upon arrival they'd been invited to dinner, to which Lynk declined for herself. She could only take so much until she couldn't stand being around the Princess (and Revali was included in the dinner also, that had a part to play). Lynk knew she'd have to grow accustomed to the way things were now, but she'd need time to fall into that routine.
After dropping Zelda's belongings into the room safely in the inn, Lynk perched beside a cooking pot nearby. It was located on one of the flight decks the Rito had for take-offs. There was an inactive Shrine nearby and Lynk took a moment to examine it. She'd seen them throughout the years, the one in Zora's Domain the most notable one, but never really gave them any mind. It struck her curiosity now, however, especially since apparently, they had been left behind for the next Master Sword wielder.
But if so, why were they inactive?
…Mistress? I feel your curiosity?...
Lynk exhaled and her right ear twitched as she heard the voice. "It's about the Shrines."
The Master Sword shone from within its scabbard and Fi shimmered into existence. The spirit turned to the inactive Shrine. "The Shrines that are scattered throughout the continent were all built by the Sheikah's ancestors ten thousand years ago for you, Mistress."
"Why are they inactive then?"
Fi hummed. "I am… uncertain, Mistress Lynk, your previous carnation was not involved with their creation. All that he had been aware of was that they would be built for you. My apologies for not having an adequate answer."
Lynk shook her head. "Don't worry about it, Fi, really and what did I say about the title?"
Fi's glow dimmed, her head tilting to the side with a slight furrow of her brows. "It would be improper of me to refer to you with anything but Mistress."
"But I'm asking you too, would you do it if I ordered you?" Lynk argued, crossing her legs and tugging her bag closer to grab her pouch of rupees.
"…As you wish… Lynk." Fi hesitated, before returning to the sword.
"Thanks, Fi."
She received no answer and Lynk went ahead to buy some ingredients to make herself food with. Perhaps some fish.
She ended up making Hearty Clam Chowder, having spotted a Hearty Blueshell Snail being sold—a slightly more expensive buy but definitely worth it if cooked correctly. The store also had fresh milk, Tabantha wheat, and goat butter. By the time she'd finished cooking, Zelda was being escorted to her room, Lynk averted her eyes and watched the moon instead.
That ultimately made her unaware of Zelda's eyes as they fell upon the dark blonde haired Hylian. Zelda frowned in confusion—why not just eat with them? She'd been under the impression that Lynk just hadn't been hungry. Either way, Zelda didn't care (at least she tried to convince herself of that) and continued to her room.
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That morning Zelda didn't see Lynk once (didn't even hear her come to bed) but didn't doubt she was around the place somewhere.
She wasn't too far off as Lynk was a deck below with some young female Rito, they awed at her and asked to flower her hair, Lynk happily obliged. They ended up braiding and adding a range of colourful flowers to the braid. Lynk thanked them for the beautiful decoration and they scatted shortly after as Lynk returned to the deck above to watch over her stuff—she forgone sleeping in the inn and instead camped out beside the Shrine—and wait for Zelda to complete her task here.
That was how Revali found her half an hour later, standing at the edge of a deck, looking out over at the mountains. Seeing that the supposed gifted swordswoman was alone, he used that chance to approach; he had wanted to do so when she and the Princess had arrived but knew it would be inappropriate.
He doubted her skills to be truthful—honesty, the sword, the one that supposedly seals the darkness, had been used a countless number of times before, so what made this girl special? He'd heard that she was supposedly a prodigy, the only female knight in recorded history, but he didn't see anything special about her. He was quite sure this girl would have continued being a nobody had she not pulled the sword.
So, it was only sensible to properly size this celebrated knight up and confirm his suspicions before making grievances known aloud to more important people.
So, without a care for tact, Revali wasted not a moment in approaching. He swooped up in a gale of wind and his talons met the wooden railing with ease. For a satisfying moment, he smirked at the bewilderment on this girl's face.
The next moment it was the familiar apathetic stoic.
He raised his beak. "Impressive, I know. Very few can achieve a mastery of the sky. Yet I have made an art of creating an updraft that allows me to soar. It's considered to be quite the masterpiece of aerial techniques, even among the Rito." Revali paused, allowing his words a chance to sink in before continuing with a half-shrug of his wings. "With proper utilization of my superior skills, I see no reason why we couldn't easily dispense with Ganon. Now then…"
Revali hopped down from the railing, wings tucked behind his back in an image of confidence. He paced past the blonde Hylian. "My ability to explore the firmament is certainly of note… but let's not—pardon me for being so blunt—let's not forget the fact I am the most skilled archer of all the Rito. Yet despite these truths, it seems that I have been tasked to merely assist you. All because you happen to have that little darkness-sealing sword on your back." Revali's expression darkened and gave way to a scowl, even if said scowl wasn't too notable with him baring a beak. "I mean, it's just… asinine."
He turned his eyes to Lynk, looking at her for the first time since he started speaking—and he frowned. He had expected some sort of reaction, of defensiveness or something but he was met with silence. Just silence and a blank expression that revealed no indication as to what Lynk was thinking or felt.
It only served to agitate Revali further. Was she mocking him?
"So you won't even grace me with a response? The level of nerve you have is… appalling." Revali leaned closer, looking none too pleased. "Hear me, Hylian. Do not think yourself to above the rest of us. 'Prodigy' or not—"
"You're wrong."
A tense silence fell. It was the first time Lynk had spoken a word to him directly.
"Would you care to repeat that?"
"You called me a prodigy." Lynk titled her head, voice slow as if speaking to a very young hatchling. She was mocking him! "But you're wrong. I'm standing here because I spent my entire childhood training as soon as I was old enough to pick up a stick and playfight. I'm here because my father is an incredibly respected member of the Royal Guard, I also didn't do anything to tarnish my own reputation during my childhood and finally because I happened to be in the right place, at the right time."
It took Revali longer then he'd admit to collect himself, his insides sizzling with anger. "And what do you hope to accomplish by telling me this?" Revali asked tightly. "Expect me to improve my opinion on you?"
"Not in the slightest." Lynk blinked slowly, unbothered by this attitude. "But if you're going to hate me, I'd like for you to have facts and assumptions correct." Never once did Lynk's eyes leave his, even as she continued with a purr in her tone: "Your feathers seem a bit ruffled, Champion Revali, was it something I said?"
Her expression had not shifted from a passive one but Revali had caught the tone all the same and for some reason, it made him angrier as her response had caused something to stir in him. He clamped his beak shut tightly and turned on his feet to leave but knew he'd seem like nothing more than a tantruming hatchling.
He faced her again. "I will not tolerate incompetence, even for a moment."
Then he turned and made his exit, leaving Lynk behind who waited a moment before smiling and having the desire to write to Mipha about her newest development. She liked putting bird-boy in his place, watching his feathers get all ruffled amused her to no end.
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They left not long after Zelda had finished her breakfast. This time headed for Death Mountain. Why not head down to see Urbosa, Lynk wasn't sure because Divine Beast Vah Naboris was also on the list and it would only be another half-day journey to get there, it was only logical to head to the Gerudo city. But no, to Death Mountain they go.
Something that Lynk had noticed was that the Princess liked to talk to herself, perhaps it was easier for her to keep mental notes when she spoke allowed? It didn't bother Lynk all that much because it broke the awkward silence between them.
"From here we'll make our way to Goron City. Then, we'll need some adjustments on that Divine Beast so Daruk can manage it as easily as possible. He's figured out how to get it to move… however, it's apparent that we still have much more to learn… but to think, that Divine Beast was actually built by people… that means we should be able to understand how it works and how to use it to our advantage. These Divine Beasts… so much we don't know. But if we want to turn back the Calamity Ganon, they're our best hope."
Her rambling trailed off and she pulled her horse, Amber, to a stop. Myth stopped short also, Lynk blinked, not understanding why the Princess had stopped.
"Tell me the truth…" Zelda peered partly over her shoulder at Lynk but not enough to make eye contact. Lynk tilted her head. "How… proficient are you right now, wielding that sword on your back? Legend says that an ancient voice resonates inside it. Can you hear it yet… hero?"
She's talking about Fi, Lynk blinked and didn't say a word.
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From Rito Village, I set out for Goron City to make some adjustments to Divine Beast Vah Rudania. I still recall feeling her eyes on me as I rode Amber ahead. The feeling stayed with me so long, I grew anxious and weary. It is the same feeling I've felt before in her company... And still, not a word passes her lips aimed towards me. I never know what she's thinking! It makes my imagination run wild, guessing at what she is thinking but will not say. What does the girl chosen by the sword that seals the darkness think of me? Will I ever truly know? Then, I suppose it's simple. A daughter of Hyrule's royal family yet unable to use sealing magic... She must despise me.
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They arrived at Death Mountain early evening, the sun had yet to set, leaving the mountain covered in the golden and orange hues of the sunset. The Hylian's were greeted by Daruk once they were escorted into Goron City after leaving their horses at a stable for their safety.
With daylight left, the Princess was eager to head up to Rudania. Daruk, being the friendly Goron that he is, merrily agreed to take the Hylians up. While Zelda went ahead and wandered inside, Lynk and Daruk lingered outside, awaiting the Princess' return.
Daruk's attention was on controlling Rudania, who he had climbing alongside the upper part of Death Mountain. It was hot, Lynk was sweating a lot more than when she'd just been in Goron City—especially with her chest piece being made of metal—but it was expected, considering how close they were to the volcano.
"I think I'm finally getting the hang of controlling this Divine Beast!" Daruk grinned as Rudania let out a rumbling muted roar. "I tell you what… sure is a blast piloting a toy like this around."
Lynk turned her gaze back onto Daruk from admiring her surroundings, her lashes flicked with amusement, but she kept it from her face.
Daruk turned to face her also. "Let those other Champions know they better eat their gravel if they wanna keep you with Daruk."
Lynk allowed a small smile to curl onto her lips, it was impossible to not enjoy Daruk's company.
Daruk examined the large outcrops around them with this happiness that Lynk couldn't quite place.
"Speaking of which, can you believe this view? Just look at all those delectable rocks sprinkled on those mountains… Mighty tasty."
Ah, so that explains it, Lynk mused, eyes turning back to the red rocks. She'd forgotten that Goron's ate rock, and well, Death Mountain was made of rocks. She withheld the snort at her idiocy.
"I may not know a whole lot about this Calamity Ganon thing, but mark my words, I'll protect this land of ours to the death!" Daruk declared, he turned to Lynk. "Right, lil' gal?" And proceeded to slap Lynk across the back. It sent her stumbling forward, the power from the pat leaving her entire back aching.
"Hey, by the way, congrats on becoming the Princess' Appointed Knight." Daruk started anew. "That's a really big deal! Protecting the King's daughter. No pressure!" He lightly pat her on the back this time.
Lynk withheld a sigh.
"Seriously, though. This Princess is a strong personality—so strong she can't quite see the range for the peaks. Remember that, and you'll be fine."
The rumbling cut off whatever Daruk was going to add. An earthquake? Lynk frowned, her body shaking from the rumbling of the earth.
"What the—?"
Lynk's eyes widened as rock broke free from atop of an outcrop and came hailing down at them. Daruk acted instinctively, his orange protective shell forming just as the rocks hit it. The magic within the shield blasted the rocks back, breaking them into pieces and throwing them away. Only small, tiny, harmless pieces flew over the shield and Lynk easily shielded her face from the debris.
The hum of Daruk's shell faded away with the shield, leaving behind a slightly bewildered Goron. He turned back to Lynk. "All right, so what was I saying?" Then he thought better of just ignoring whatever had just happened, turning back to the outcrop with a frown. "That was a little strange… as far as I know, Death Mountain has been quiet for decades. But if the mountain is shivering enough to send down a bunch of boulders that size, then—" He cut himself off and shook his head. "Never mind. Forget I said anything."
Lynk wouldn't, but she wouldn't say anything to protest. Instead, she just frowned up at the outcrop, her stomach twisting with unease—Daruk didn't need to finish his sentence for Lynk to know what he'd meant. It left a worry gnawing on her insides.
Before either could start a new conversation, Zelda came rushing out, eyes wide with worry. "What happened? Are you all right?"
"We're both complete fine, Princess." Daruk waved off. "Just a bit of an earthquake."
"Earthquake?" Zelda expression was of bewilderment but shook her head. "Anyway, I think I'm done for today. Should we head back down?"
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"Your places at the inn have been reserved for you both, your bag's will be there too." Daruk said as they finally entered Goron City. "There's a food place that sells Hylian stuff just outside."
"Thank you for your help, Daruk." Zelda smiled. "Have a good evening."
"Eh, it was no problem, your highness." He sheepishly rubbed the back of his head. "But you two have a good evening also."
Lynk gave him a nod when Daruk's gaze shifted to her. Once Daruk had taken his leave, Lynk took lead and headed for the inn. It was only them staying there, Goron city wasn't one most could spend the night in. Lynk wordlessly handed Zelda her elixir, Zelda didn't say anything in return, just a soft huff of air escaped. It didn't pass Lynk's knowledge that the huff was fed by Zelda's annoyance. Lynk didn't rise to the Princess's attitude.
Lynk grabbed her rupee pouch and went to buy food, it was a simple meat skewer with mushrooms. Once they'd eaten, Lynk shrugged off her gear and climbed onto the bed, back turned to Zelda.
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Her eyes were heavy when she awoke the next morning. She rolled onto her back and peered at Zelda's bed but paused when she found it empty.
Lynk just sighed and sat up. She eyed it more, the bed was made, and Zelda's own gear was gone. Lynk hissed under her breath and stood. She turned to the female Goron behind the counter. "When did the Princess leave this morning?"
"About an hour ago?" The Goron answered. "I'm not too sure, sorry."
"Thank you." Lynk nodded stiffy and began to hurriedly pull on her breastplate and belt on. She pulled her backpack on and rushed out the door within a what could have been seconds—she'd had plenty of time over the years to perfect her dressing skills.
Without bothering to say goodbye to Daruk, Lynk hurried out of Goron City. Lynk knew the Princess wasn't in the city anymore, and so she wasn't going to waste the time.
Goddesses, how stupid was the Princess? Lynk hissed and she shifted into a sprint. For someone who claims to be smart, she sure doesn't think about her actions! The Yiga Chan's activity had skyrocketed within the last year; to go out on her own, knowing there were people out for her blood was... foolish, dim-witted—Lynk wanted to screech to the heavens for Nayru to install some of her wisdom onto her!
She reached the stable and asked if Zelda had passed through. She received yes and Lynk climbed onto Myth and started racing for the Zora's Domain. Myth, sensing his riders sizzling anger, cantered without stop.
It was another ten minutes before Lynk even found a hint of Zelda—it was her startled shout. Myth immediately turned off the path and into the woods towards the voice. Myth broke through a series of bushes and Lynk saw Zelda running from three black Bokoblins.
The Master Sword was drawn, and one was taken down. Lynk leapt from Myth's back and slew the other two in seconds. She came to a stop, her body pumping with adrenaline. She didn't turn to face Zelda for several long and agonising seconds, her arms trembling from the adrenaline, as she tried to collect herself enough not to shout at the Princess. How Lynk wanted to shout, yell and just, scream at the idiotic girl she was the appointed knight off.
Zelda was nothing more than a brat who didn't even put her own safety before her dislike of Lynk. It was pathetic.
Finally, Lynk exhaled heavily via her nose and partly turned to look at Zelda. Zelda who was sat on the floor, eyes wide in shock at the sudden appearance and response time Lynk had demonstrated.
Zelda met Lynk's eyes and her mouth closed—blue eyes burned with an anger Zelda had never seen before. It was annoyance, anger, frustration and most of all—disappointment.
The last one hit Zelda like an arrow piercing her chest.
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Revali's Flap scene was inspired by a shot one called Impressions by Sidonian. I tried to keep it original but it's heavily inspired by it. It's definitely worth the read.
Also, yeah, Lynk thinks Zelda's nothing more than a bratty Princess atm, that'll change but damn does Lynk hate Zelda and her stupid actions.