Chapter 8 - Complicated

I want nothing to take you from me … .

Zelda!

We can still be together … .

Wait, Link, someone's calling me, I have to go … .

Zelda, please, come back! Help us!

Don't you want to be with me?

Torn between going to her parents and staying with Link, Zelda only stopped when he grabbed her hand, looking back to see a disappointed look in his blue eyes. Her desire to leave and save her parents was the culprit, and she parted her lips to promise she'd return.

Yet, before she could speak a word, Link's lips curved in a malicious smirk, his hair turning white and eyes red.

As he used his grip on her hand to jerk her in, her own eyes opened swiftly, her head lifting from its spot resting against Link's shoulder. Still tucked against his side in the cavern where they'd taken shelter, it was daytime now, early afternoon if the sun's low position in the sky was any indication.

Taking a deep breath, she looked up at Link's face. Seeing he was still resting peacefully, she finally allowed herself to exhale, grateful the nightmare hadn't caused her to make enough noise to rouse him.

To make sure things stayed that way, she sat up slowly, untangling herself from his arms before sitting forward with a low sigh. It seemed recent events had colored her recurring dream, and the troubling imagery was slow to fade.

Until those last few moments when Link's mimicry appeared, the dream had only been confusing. But her heart was now pounding because of the shadow, which she thankfully knew was nothing more than a reflection of her fear over his interference in their affairs.

As for the rest, that would take a more thorough examination to figure out.

During her considerations, Link remained silent, still resting peacefully next to her. His continued slumber served as a testament to just how exhausted they'd been from their long ride, and aside from her dream, she'd rested well. Not only was she ready to continue their journey to Lake Hylia, she could also consider the way they'd expressed their feelings for one another the previous day with more clarity.

It was astonishing just how happy his declaration of love had made her. It was also nice knowing she wouldn't be struggling with confusion over the way she was feeling for him any longer.

Yet her dream had left a sour taste in her mouth.

Being torn between staying with Link and going to Hyrule Palace for the sake of her parents was simply unpleasant. Still, it was difficult to say how unpleasant without knowing the precise reason her parents were beckoning to her from the start. To take the throne? Restore her family name?

Or was it to clear up any misconceptions concerning the circumstances surrounding their deaths?

Without an answer, she couldn't begin to fathom the meaning behind Link's appearance and whether it was just a facet of her worry for their future, or something more prophetic. The thought had her wishing it was possible to consult Impa, but her mentor's fate was still a mystery after they were forced to abandon her at the Temple of Time. Goddesses, please let her be okay.

Still, there was another just as well-versed in such matters as the Sheikah she could consult—Myriad.

At the very least, the Sage of Light could make a few suggestions over the meaning of her dreams, and at the thought, Zelda pushed herself up with intentions of getting their day started.

Yet she regretted abandoning the warmth of the blankets as soon as she stood, shivering over the chill in the air. It seemed each day, the weather was growing colder, and at this rate, it wouldn't be surprising if they saw a little snow soon, making Link's decision to acquire a cloak in Engleton seem like a good idea.

Restarting their fire to warm their temporary camp as well as to cook a bite to eat, she took a moment as the meat cooked to retrieve the dress Kiama had gifted her with the evening before. A deep burgundy color with a scoop neck and long sleeves, it was very pretty. Even better, the material was thick, meaning it would be warm to wear.

So she donned the garment followed by tying the upper half of her hair back, realizing in the process that the neckline of her dress was just low enough to show off her amulet.

It was the first time she'd ever worn the bauble in plain sight, and all things considered, the matter didn't seem like a huge issue anymore. Perhaps someone would identify her because of it, which could spell trouble in certain situations, and yet, a part of her liked the thought of displaying it.

So she left it where it was for now and finished tying the strings lacing the bodice of her dress, then focused on cooking their meals. As for drinks, they had plenty of water—the pool nearby was clean and their canisters were already fully. Yet Shamrock had provided plenty of tea and honey to make her favorite drink before they'd left Kakariko, and she decided to make some if only to get their day started on the right foot.

Once everything was ready, she finally moved over to Link and knelt to gently shake his shoulder while whispering his name. But he only waved his hand as if shooing a fly, causing her to snicker softly.

Ever since they were children, he'd liked to sleep in—she used to stand next to his bed repeating his name and dodging pillows until he finally roused. Thankfully, he didn't have any pillows to swing at her now aside from the blanket roll, not that she intended to employ the same method of waking him.

Instead, she had a new trick in her arsenal to test out, blushing as she leaned in to press her lips against his cheek, then said his name again.

Sadly, it didn't work. Sighing, Zelda wondered if a kiss on the lips might garner better results, and decided it couldn't hurt to try. So she canted her head, but only made it halfway when Link leaned up and kissed her without warning.

Eyes going wide, she jumped just after their lips met, sitting back to stare—and he was grinning from ear to ear.

Spying the mischievous expression, she gasped and exclaimed, "You were awake!"

Snickering, his eyes finally opened to regard her with the words, "Since you said my name and I waved my hand because I didn't want to get up, yeah."

"You're so immature!"

If possible, his grin grew bigger. "I just wanted to see if you'd kiss me or not, and thought I would surprise you."

"Oh!" she groused in frustration, sitting back with her arms folded over her chest—not that she was truly upset. He was simply too playful for his own good … or was it her own good?

Regardless, she wouldn't have changed anything about him. His playfulness kept things interesting—it was just a matter of never admitting her appreciation for it, otherwise he'd probably never stop.

So, to keep herself from smiling, she grabbed some of the food she'd prepared along with a cup of honey tea and handed it over with the words, "There, Mr. Trickster, some breakfast."

"Thanks," he returned, still smirking.

As they got started on their meals, Link knew Zelda wasn't as incensed by his trickery as she tried to appear. There was an amused glint in her eyes as she'd handed his food over, and even now, she looked to be fighting a smile.

Not that he could fully focus on the matter, too distracted by her outfit to pay much attention. A deep, burgundy dress graced her figure, calling to mind the way Kiama had asked if she'd packed a dress before they left Engleton, and this must've been it. With long sleeves and a scoop neck, she looked lovely, though he was surprised to see she hadn't removed her amulet considering the outfit left it in plain sight.

Maybe it was a sign that she was growing more comfortable with her true identity, or she simply hadn't realized it was visible, in which case he felt the need to ask, "Do you know your amulet is showing?"

Looking down after sipping her tea, Zelda nodded and replied, "I know. I just don't see a reason to hide it any longer, but if it becomes a problem, I can store it in my belt pouch."

Nodding, he finished his meal with a smile, glad she was showing it off, and not simply because it was a sign of acceptance. It was also nice to see the amulet he'd kept for ten years around the neck of the girl he'd wanted so desperately to remember, finding it served as a reminder of how important to him she truly was.

Still, as he stood to don the rest of his clothing and gear, he couldn't help thinking he didn't really need the reminder. His feelings for her were too strong to ever forget.

Considering it while buckling his harnesses and belt, he turned around to find Zelda rolling up the blankets and storing them on their horses' saddles. It was the most mundane of tasks, but he felt as if he could've watched her all morning, and found himself recalling all the times he'd denied himself a chance to get closer to her, or more specifically, to kiss her.

Such an urge was rising now, and after their confession the previous day, resisting wasn't as integral to keep things moving smoothly. So, as he approached Epona where Zelda stood packing their belongings, he made up his mind.

As she turned to clear a path and make her way to Frost, he reached over and hooked his fingers into the back of her belt with a gentle tug. Feeling it, she cast a questioning look over her shoulder but didn't resist the way he drew her in, ready to ask what he was doing when her back met his chest and her lips were sealed with a gentle kiss.

Instantly, she sucked in a breath she forgot to release, eyes closing as his arms carefully wound around her sides. The way his lips brushed over hers was slow and very sweet, sweeping every other thought away—not to mention her equilibrium.

By the time it broke, she could only lean against him while resting her forehead against his cheek.

"What was that for?" she whispered.

"Just because I love you," he replied just as softly, adding with a mild shrug, "and I wanted to."

Letting a soft snicker, her fingertips brushed across his opposite cheek, and he smiled, ready to turn his head and kiss her palm as well. But just as he prepared to do so, the sound of water sloshing caught his attention.

Emanating from the pool behind them, Link looked back with narrowed brows, scanning the water's surface for the source. At the same time, he released Zelda when she also turned to see what was making the sounds, and that's when the pair detected movement in the water.

Heading in from a path in the pool that tapered off into a stream, it appeared to be a moving lily pad at first, one which soon stopped near the shallow edge of the rocky shore—and the creature beneath it lifted its head above the water's surface. With wide, white eyes and a snout sporting a mouth formed into a perpetual O shape, it lifted the tip to point in their direction.

Without pause, Link reached for his shield just as a low fwoo sounded with a rock shooting from the octorok's mouth. Flying swiftly, the projectile smacked Link's hip mere seconds before he could use his shield to block it.

"Ow," he drew out, rubbing the sting out of his hip with a glare in the creature's direction. "Rude."

Yet the octorok wasn't done, rearing back as if to spit another rock—this time at Zelda.

"Oh no you don't," Link objected, moving toward the pool while simultaneously blocking his foe's shot.

But as he drew in closer, the creature dove underwater and burrowed into the rocks to hide, causing him to stop with a low, frustrated grumble.

Shaking her head, Zelda remarked, "Come on, let's just get out of here before more of these things come along."

"Right," Link returned, gazing at the lily pad floating on the water's surface for a moment longer as she mounted Frost.

Glancing over to spy him finally turning away from the pool and heading to Epona's saddle, she noticed the octorok resurfacing the moment Link's back was turned. Eyes going wide, she parted her lips to call a warning just as it shot another rock at him.

And her warning turned out to be unnecessary.

Proving he was fully aware of the creature's ploy, he turned and swung his shield around, performing the movement so swiftly she was sure he hadn't actually seen the rock coming. But it pinged against his shield anyway, sending it sailing right back toward the octorok.

Like clockwork, the rock smacked the creature directly in the forehead, knocking it out cold. With a splash of water, the octorok began drifting harmlessly on the pool's surface, and Link grinned, pointing with a loud, "Hah!"

Snickering, Zelda applauded his performance while exclaiming, "Bravo, well done!"

Replacing his shield followed by dusting his hands off, he gave a mock bow with the words, "Thank you, but I won't be here all evening."

Mounting Epona a moment later, he urged the horse over to Frost and stopped next to him, still smiling over their jesting as he remarked more seriously, "Before we go to the lake, we need to find that Myriad Stone Lyonel mentioned so we can ask her about the guardian. There's also something else he mentioned I wanted to ask her about."

"What's that?"

"Do you remember Shamrock's news that a revolt was forming?" At her nod, he continued, "Lyonel said he was joining it, but wouldn't give me the location because he knew it was likely someone like Arden was following him and could've overheard it. But he told Myriad, and I'd like to find out where it's located in case we need to find him again."

Looking ahead with a thoughtful expression, Zelda returned, "I may be able to locate the Myriad Stone now."

"How's that?"

"Just wait," she replied, reaching up to press two fingers against her brow with her eyes closing.

Concentrating, she used her magical abilities to send out a telepathic wave that would ping any Myriad Stones in the area. Sadly, her first attempt didn't provide any information, so she put a little more power into the spell to widen her search, hoping it would be enough. Otherwise, they would have to try again at a different location, and she could only perform so many searches before she'd need to rest.

In the meantime, Link curiously watched as her hand glowed blue, and though she appeared to be diligently focused on her task, she soon related, "I've found something."

"What?"

Within her mind, Zelda could sense the stone on a path leading through a cavern and into a waterfall. Beyond the cascading waters, she could see the pedestal on the plane of her mind, shining as if it was the only thing that existed.

Opening her eyes, she pointed and qualified, "There's a cavern in that direction where a waterfall pours. The stone is hidden within a grotto behind it."

Impressed by her senses, he took Epona's reins and urged her to follow Zelda away from their most recent camp while asking, "How did you find it?"

"Oh, it's a spell Impa taught me to locate missing objects that I modified with telepathy." As if knowing he'd ask, she went on to explain, "I simply need to know precisely what I'm looking for, and she'd get me to practice by hiding items around her home, such as shears or a book. Using the spell she taught me alone, I'd get a sense of the correct direction to take. But I discovered our telepathy can be used to enhance the magic, allowing me to actually see the object in my mind instead of just pointing me in the right direction."

In conclusion, she added, "It's much easier and shows me how to reach it more clearly."

Smiling as she gave such a scholarly description, he mused, "Have I ever told you how clever you are? Because I don't think I have."

Instantly, her cheeks turned pink as she cleared her throat and drew out, "Oh … well, it's not that clever. I just stumbled into it while I was practicing."

Grinning, he remarked, "Who's being modest now?"

Pursing her lips, she asked, "Would you like me to provide a list of all the good things you've done, kind sir? Because we'll be here all day."

Despite his preference for staying out of the spotlight, Link was nearly grinning from ear to ear, and his only regret was being unable to kiss the pout off of her face. Instead, he simply remarked, "No thanks, just lead the way, my lady."

Shaking her head, she rode on with a tiny smirk, leading him toward a path that moved almost directly east. Rocky walls stood on two sides with a few trees stretching up overhead, and the further they moved, the louder the sound of waves became—Lake Hylia was very close.

But Zelda soon turned south at the entrance into a cave. A stream of water traveled from within it, and she directed Frost inside to follow the waters to the same fall she'd mentioned to Link, which was a sizable cascade. Tumbling into the cavern from a cliff hundreds of feet high, the water hit the basin after toppling across several jutting rocks, the crashing roar growing louder the closer they came to it.

Stopping nearby, Zelda scanned the area with a nod and informed Link, "This is it. The stone is behind the waterfall." Pointing, she added, "Just take that ledge and you'll find the entrance into a grotto."

Following the path she pointed out with his eyes, Link quickly noticed the rocky ledge and dismounted Epona, deciding the cavern was safe enough that their mounts would do fine waiting where they were. With Zelda following suit, he did as told and traveled up the short incline, stopping only to make sure his companion didn't slip behind him on her way up, then proceeded onward to find a path hidden behind the streaming waters.

And Zelda was right—the ledge led safely behind the falls and into a small grotto.

As they entered the hidden space, Link couldn't help thinking it looked like a soldier outpost due to the old swords and bits of armor lying on the floor around a few toppled tables and chairs. There were even some bones scattered about, suggesting the area hadn't always been as peaceful as they'd found it.

But the most important aspect of the room was the pedestal standing at the center with a white stone of Myriad perched on top.

Approaching it, Link mused aloud, "I wonder what this place was for. Do you think Hyrule once battled Zora's Domain?"

Gazing about, Zelda suggested, "Perhaps, though I've never heard any tales concerning such a battle. Still, it's obvious something happened here, and this place is well hidden, so it could've been used to store munitions for Hyrule's soldiers."

Seeing a helmet on the floor near his boots, Link leaned down to lift it up, wiping the dust from the silver. Doing so revealed the same symbol on the back of Zelda's amulet, and he turned it so she could see, stating, "This belonged to a royal guard, and it's probably been here since before we were born, but maybe not too long before."

Zelda had to agree with that assessment, taking the item to regard with interest. Anything from the time of her mother and father's reign piqued her curiosity, especially after hearing so many stories throughout her life of how good things had been under their rule compared to now. Of course, not all of it was positive—her parents weren't perfect—but even their shortcomings were of interest, and could help her to learn what worked and what didn't when the time came for her to wear the crown.

But for now, the curiosity of why soldiers had been stationed here would have to wait. They needed to speak with Myriad, and Zelda placed the helmet aside before lifting her hand to the softly glowing stone to initiate contact.

The grotto grew darker around them as Myriad responded to the touch, speaking, "My Princess, it is good to hear from you again. I hope you and Link have found your way to Lake Hylia safely."

The pair exchanged a look just before Zelda answered honestly, "I wouldn't say safely, but we are well, and made some new friends along the way."

"I'm glad for that much at least, and I must commend you for locating the stone you now touch. It was hidden to keep it safe from enemies during the Battle of Misty Falls which took place five years before your births."

Zelda and Link shared a look of enlightenment as the latter supplied, "We thought this looked like an outpost, but we've never heard of any battles being waged here."

"Yes, I believe that is because the tale was eventually overshadowed by Dragmire's treachery. But the short version is that forces from distant eastern lands attempted to invade Hyrule and, as Misty Falls is the quickest, safest route to Hyrule Field from the lake, they attempted to gain control of it. So, as I did not wish for the enemy to find the stone and use it to contact the Palace, I advised the King to have it moved."

Hearing this, Link asked curiously, "Then these stones were originally set up for a different purpose?"

"They were. As the Sage of Light and a royal advisor, I established these stones to keep Hyrule connected to her people, allowing them to contact the Sages for advice if needed. I'd also enchanted the stones to ward off malicious magics as a form of protection for the land. Once I received the Sacred Realm's blessing of light, I used it to strengthen that magic, though by then, Dragmire's treachery had all but eradicated our Sages."

In a more somber voice, she concluded, "I was the last remaining, though Zelda is now taking her place as the seventh."

The comment drew Link's gaze to his friend, and he couldn't help but suggest, "So I could use one of these stones to contact Zelda, too?"

"If she has developed her telepathy to satisfaction, then yes," Myriad related, "she would be able to hear you through the stones as well as I."

Blinking, Zelda cast a surprised look at Link, though she wasn't sure if she'd trained enough for it to work despite knowing Myriad spoke the truth. Still, this wasn't the time to consider it, and Myriad seemed to feel the same, relating, "But I sense more on your minds than questions regarding stories of long ago."

"Yes," Zelda began, explaining, "we came to ask you about a revolt that's forming. We first heard of it in Kakariko after departing Death Mountain, and we recently spoke with Lyonel again, who mentioned his intentions of joining it to Link."

Once she stopped speaking, Link added, "He told me to ask you for the location and also warned me of a guardian the Zora's unleashed in Lake Hylia to protect their domain which will make it dangerous to cross the lake. So we wanted to ask for your guidance on how to proceed."

A moment of thoughtful silence passed before Myriad replied, "I thought the topic of the revolt might come up, and yes, I've heard from Lyonel twice in the past few days. Our first conversation was brief as he was wary of being followed by Ganondorf's soldiers and could spare no time.

"Yet he managed to contact me again only a day later, and provided more information. In essence, my awakening and the stones' return to life has revealed the truth to the citizens—the Sages hadn't abandoned Hyrule as many believed, and there was a true daughter of the former king and queen who was hidden away. So those willing to fight the false king have gathered along the Zora River not far from River Town, and Lyonel intends to join and even lead it if necessary due to his experience as a commanding officer."

As she spoke, Zelda looked to the side in thought. If this were true, then several people already knew exactly who she was—and it was a little unsettling.

But she ignored her discomfort to inquire, "Did he tell you how many had joined the revolt?"

"No, but he did say he'd overheard talk from a number of young people stating their desire to join it, meaning those who are perhaps too young to remember everything clearly. Because of this, Lyonel feared those fighting for the cause may be wary and aggressive to outsiders, and requested I keep its location a secret from you until he'd arrived and discerned the way this operation was running for himself.

"But now that you've spoken with him, I see no reason to keep the location secret from you, though I do suggest avoiding contact with the revolt until you complete your tasks at Lake Hylia, which will require you to visit Zora's Domain."

Link nodded in understanding, thinking it made sense. If most of the members were younger, they'd likely be enthusiastic about their cause, but too inexperienced to have the best judgment despite possibly harboring good intentions.

So he didn't argue with her advice, and asked instead, "Then what about the guardian? How do we cross the lake without running into it, and what can we expect from the Zora when we get there?"

Myriad didn't hesitate to reply, "Despite their positive relationship with Hadinaru and Nissandra, Zora's Domain is shrouded in mystery. Yet they are a proud people, almost solely worshiping the goddess Nayru, and they are protective of their domain. So though you would receive a warm welcome, it's possible their guardian will attack any unknown intruders on sight, and likewise, if the guardian is destroyed, the Zora may not appreciate the loss of their defenses."

Link grumbled, thinking it almost sounded as if they'd simply have to take their chances—a prospect he didn't relish. But Zelda seemed to glean something a bit different from Myriad's description, suggesting, "It sounds as if the guardian is the one who needs to be persuaded that we mean no harm, and not the Zora."

"You would be correct," Myriad agreed, expounding, "and until you reach Zora's Domain, entering the Temple of Water safely will be impossible, making a trip across Lake Hylia necessary before you can advance any further."

In turn, Zelda pursed her lips and Link grumbled—everything had to be complicated, didn't it?

Sighing at the thought, Link asked the next most obvious question. "So how do we persuade this guardian to leave us in peace?"

"This is something I cannot tell you as I sadly possess little knowledge of this guardian," Myriad responded. "I informed Lyonel of it after having a vision, yet the vision was lacking details. Still, I'm certain you'll find the answer with relative ease by simply keeping an open mind. Never forget that even the most complicated problems can have the simplest solutions."

Despite knowing it might be tedious to find the answer, even her advice seemed simple enough to heed. So Link replied easily, "We'll do our best, and hopefully speak with you again soon, my lady."

"I hope so as well, Link."

Thinking their conversation was over, Link nearly turned away from the stone to continue on their journey to Lake Hylia. Yet Myriad spoke once more, addressing Zelda with an unexpected comment.

"I sense you're troubled by something more, my Princess."

With a deep breath, Zelda gave a silent nod, then immediately realized Myriad couldn't see her, and provided a brief, "Yes." But she hesitated to say more, still trying to figure out the best way to request information with Link standing right next to her.

Though frustrating, her dreams weren't a real cause for concern, but she had the feeling Link would worry anyway. Still, there was no other way to shed light on the situation than to ask, so she made her statements as plainly as possible.

"I'm sorry to bother you with a personal issue, but I've been having recurring dreams about my parents. They're always calling to me from Hyrule Palace, and at first, they were only asking me to save the kingdom, but recently, they're always asking me to save them."

Exhaling a soft breath, she added, "Last night, I had the dream again, but recent events have clouded my sight. I believe the dream is just a calling for me to do what I need to, yet I have the feeling there's more involved and I wanted to ask if you could tell me anything about this."

"I see," came Myriad's understanding reply, and she didn't wait to provide information. "Recurring dreams are often thought to be prophetic, but they are just as frequently simple messages regarding things we're aware of but haven't yet acknowledged, either because we lack the necessary information, or simply refuse to see. There is also the problem of daily occurrences which harbor no greater meaning interfering with our clarity of perception as you mentioned with recent events clouding your sight.

"So there's no way for me to know the true meaning behind your dreams, though I can say that if you're certain there's a deeper meaning, then you should trust that instinct. Meditate on the recurring images when you can, and once you're calm and peaceful, the answers will come to you."

It wasn't much, but the response provided a degree of relief Zelda truly appreciated, and she was quick to thank Myriad—as well as offer her sympathies.

"Thank you, my lady. I'll do my best, and before I go, might I relay my sorrows?"

"Whatever for, my Princess?"

"For Lyonel. We learned you were married, and I don't wish to bring up a distressing subject, but I felt I owed you an apology at the very least as I feel this may be our fault in a way."

Myriad was silent for only a moment, but when she spoke again, her voice was filled with fondness. "Yes, Lyonel is my husband, but never believe our situation is in any way your fault. In fact, I met Lyonel through the very stone you now touch. He was one of the soldiers in a cavalry of knights who fought for the falls. Eventually, he was promoted to commander when a number of men were slain, and we had to commune regularly to keep information steady between Hyrule and Misty Falls.

"So I didn't meet him in person until the battle was won and he returned, but I found myself struck by his nobility and good nature long before then. I'll also admit I was pleasantly surprised to learn he was quite winsome as well."

Link and Zelda couldn't help grinning at her admission as she concluded, "He will be a steadfast ally to you throughout your struggles, there for you where I cannot be."

"You're here for us plenty, my lady, and we're appreciative."

As Link spoke the words, he couldn't help feeling a sense of tremendous guilt weighing on him. She obviously cared for Lyonel a great deal, and Link had no idea how the fight with Arden had gone. Would Myriad understand her husband's desire to face the Captain alone?

Would she blame Link for leaving him behind?

Whatever the answer, he refrained from mentioning the engagement if only because an uncertain outcome would burden Myriad—and she had enough to contend with already. So it was definitely better to wait for news before saying anything, though the notion provided little along the lines of comfort for his own concern.

Still, Zelda didn't give him a chance to say more when she concurred, "Yes, we would truly be lost without your help."

"I'm glad it has been of value, and I genuinely look forward to our talks," Myriad's voice sounded on a solemnly humble note. "Now head to Lake Hylia so we might convene again soon."

Zelda smiled, finding she also looked forward to their communications as she removed her hand from the stone with a temporary farewell. Then, with the room's lighting returning to normal, she glanced at Link and asked, "Just to make sure, I didn't worry you with what I asked Myriad, did I?"

"No," he returned as she walked over, and once close enough, he took her hand with the words, "I mean it's strange that you're having dreams of your parents calling to you, but you know if those dreams ever upset you, I'm right here."

Smiling, she squeezed his hand with a nod and motioned toward the exit, asking, "Then are you ready?"

Nodding, he started in that direction as they took a last look around the grotto, mentioning, "I only hope we can figure out how to convince this guardian we mean the Zora's no harm without too much trouble."

"Agreed," Zelda returned, knowing the sooner they could reach the Temple of Water and destroy the dark orb within, the better.

Moving toward the entrance as they considered it, both looked up and exchanged a questioning look when the sound of their horses whinnying hit their ears. The only reason Frost and Epona would be making such a sound was if trouble was lurking nearby, and in turn, Link swiftly moved outside to the rock ledge behind the waterfall with Zelda right behind him.

There, they found a man mounting Frost with Epona's reins clutched in his hand, and he looked back at the sound of the Hylian's rushed footfalls. Upon seeing his face, they realized he was about their own age, with short black hair and vivid blue eyes.

Gasping the moment he saw them, he faced forward again and dug his heels into Frost's sides to take off at a gallop.

"Hey!" Link yelled, grasping Zelda's hand so they could make their way down the slippery rock ledge and follow the thief. But it was no use—by the time they reached the spot where their horses once stood, the young man had already disappeared from the cave.

Watching him turn in the direction of Lake Hylia at the cave's exit, Link slid to a stop, then kicked his foot against the sandy cavern floor in frustration. Even though the thief was heading in the same direction they were traveling, it would take forever to follow on foot, and tracking him down was just going to take time away from more important matters.

At the thought, Zelda sighed low and related, "I wish he'd mounted Epona. She probably would've thrown him."

"That would've been nice. The only upside is knowing how disappointed he's going to be when he finds out she won't let just anyone ride her."

Grumbling, Zelda began following him out of the cave, relating, "Let's just hope we can follow his tracks without too much trouble, but fair warning, if we find him, you're going to have to hold me back because I'd like the chance to throttle him."

Link scoffed as they went, asking, "Why would I hold you back? I'd like to let you."

Exiting the cave, it was then that they heard a loud fwoo, and just a split second later, a rock flew through the air which missed Link's head by mere inches.

Jerking when he noticed, he looked back to see several octoroks creeping into the area.

Rolling his eyes with a heavy sigh of breath, he clasped Zelda's arm and started to run, adding along the way, "I'd really like to let you."