Chapter 11 - Boundaries

It only took the Zora fifteen minutes to carry Link and Zelda's small boat to the island, but in that short time, the rains had turned into snow.

Shimmering white flakes floated about them that were too light to fall directly to the water's surface. The result made it seem as if the snow was performing a dance in midair, and the environment provided by Zora's Domain was cold enough to fit the weather.

Eventually, their boat drifted into a cavern of rock walls that glistened with ice, and the wind whipped into the natural corridor with low hisses and morose hums. Sadly, it only made the temperature seem colder, and the Hylians could only hope the Zora had some place they could go to warm up soon.

Cuddled together at the back of the boat, Link and Zelda watched the scenery passing by with quiet interest. Torches lit with blue fire lined the rock walls, and after a short distance, the tunnel grew wider until a small harbor came into view. With a number of wooden docks leading to steps connecting with a large archway carved out of the rock walls, it looked as if they'd constructed the area specifically for receiving guests, yet there were no other boats docked.

Still, with the guardian protecting Zora's Domain, the lack of water craft wasn't surprising, and soon enough, their small, broken sailboat became the sole vessel tethered in the harbor.

Wet and cold, the Hylians climbed onto the dock with their satchels in hand and regarded their new surroundings. Tones of blue, white, and gray met their vision with the water's reflection casting intricate patterns on the walls and ceiling while the Zora who'd carried them in swam away, possibly to continue with their normal daily activities.

So they turned their attention to the archway. With two statues of a Zora woman standing on either side, she possessed a spiked dorsal fin along her head that started at one ear and arched over her cranium to the next like a natural crown.

Perhaps the statue was a depiction of one of the Zora's rulers, though they had little time to question it before the doors within the archway opened. Emerging from them was a tall, slender Zora with pale blue skin marked by patterned blotches of a darker blue down his sides, legs, and arms. His head was elongated at the back with a spiked dorsal fin running from the top from his forehead to the back of his neck, and two long whiskers reminiscent of what one might find on a catfish stretched from his upper lip.

Despite the cold, he wore little aside from a sarong of colorful cloth hanging to his knees and fastened with a belt made of seashells. His wide, black eyes were friendly, and he approached them with two white furs on each arm.

As soon as he was within reach, he lifted them in offering and provided a warm greeting.

"Welcome to Zora's Domain. I am Esair, personal servant of Queen Majalyn, at your service."

Gratefully taking the furs to wrap around their shoulders, they thanked him in turn, and Zelda offered a polite introduction.

"We're pleased to meet you. I am Zelda, and this is Link. We've come to–"

Esair interrupted her by lifting his hand, relating once she'd stopped, "Your reason for coming here can wait until you've both been warmed by a fire. So if you would please follow me, I'll take you where this can be done."

They certainly couldn't argue with that, allowing him to turn and lead them through the doors without question. Inside awaited a large chamber like a vestibule sporting a dome carved out of the cavern walls. At the center stood a clear pool being fed by a cascade of water trickling down from the center of the dome above like a liquid curtain.

On the opposing side of the room were more steps leading down to a set of large double doors that Esair politely told them led to the throne room, though at present, the doors were closed. Still, there were several Zora standing about, most regarding the Hylians as they walked by with respectful nods of their heads.

Leading them to a side door left of the fountain, Esair related, "I'd like to take this chance to apologize to you for the damage done to your boat, and assure you it wasn't the guardian's intentions to nearly cause you to capsize."

Following him through the door, Link replied, "There was no real harm done, and the boat can be fixed, so don't worry about it, Esair."

Giving him a smile and nod, Esair commenced with leading them into the domain by taking a set of stairs down to a corridor where several guest rooms waited. Coming to a stop at one, he lifted an arm to silently gesture them inside—and it was inviting to say the least. With a fire burning in an alcove opposite the entryway, two thick pallets were laid out upon the floor before it, both covered by furs and a number of soft pillows.

As they walked inside, Esair qualified, "The Queen has requested an audience with you, one to be held once her current affairs are concluded. In the meantime, she's instructed me to ensure both of you are comfortable. So would you like something to eat? Or have any other needs?"

Looking around, Link shook his head, answering, "I think we'll be fine, but getting something to eat does sound good."

"In that case, we have some fillet bass to cook for you as we know of the human predilection for cooking meat before consumption. So I'll return shortly with your meals."

"Thank you, Esair," Zelda replied, watching as he bowed his head and departed after shutting the door.

Once alone, she immediately adjourned to the fire and settled on the floor before it rather than getting the pallet wet with her damp clothing. Thankfully, the feeling was returning to her fingers as she tugged off her gloves, but her feet were still like ice. So she removed her boots and stretched one leg out toward the warmth of the strange, blue flame while pulling the other up to rub the feeling back into her toes.

At the same time, Link's chainmail began rattling, and she glanced over her shoulder to see him removing it along with his green jerkin so his tunic would dry out more quickly.

Settling the clothing near the fire along with his boots, he finally joined her on the floor, refraining from using the pallets until his pants had dried out a little more.

In doing so, Zelda qualified, "The Zora were very gracious to give us this room, and it's nice to be able to feel most of my extremities again."

"Agreed," Link returned with a smile, then thoughtfully looked her over. Every inch of her burgundy dress was still soaked, and as he reached over to lift a portion of the fabric, he remarked, "I know how this is going to sound, but you really should take this dress off so everything will dry faster."

Zelda pursed her lips, and though his suggestion made sense, she returned, "I can't. We're not precisely alone right now, and if my dress doesn't dry before Esair returns or Queen Majalyn concludes her business, I don't want to be left wandering about in my slip."

Link snorted, relating, "I don't think the Zora would mind it. I mean they hardly wear clothing at all."

"That's different," she retorted. "They're not human, and that's their culture."

Realizing she was going to be stubborn, Link related, "They're also not prone to catching colds from wearing soaked clothing like we are, and if it's me you're worried about, that slip was all you were wearing when we slept together last night and you weren't embarrassed then."

His turn of phrase had her blushing madly if only because he made it sound as if more had happened between them than simply getting rest. So she countered, "Well perhaps I shouldn't have, especially considering how we were kissing in the boat on the way here. I have to remember that things aren't the same between us now, so it wasn't proper for me to do that last night, and it isn't proper here either."

Once she was finished speaking, she glanced over at him in wait of a response only to find his lips curved into a frown.

Confused by the expression, she asked, "What?"

"Are you saying you're uncomfortable with me now?"

Blinking, Zelda rasped, "No! Not at all, I just mean that our relationship has escalated, so I need to remember to exercise modesty."

Relieved to know she wasn't feeling uncomfortable at least, he smiled, and couldn't help thinking she was awfully cute when she was arguing so logically. But if she couldn't be convinced to remove the soaked garment, he had only one thing to say on the matter, and started by shaking his head with a casual shrug.

"Fine then, sit there and be proper in your cold, wet dress," he started, pausing before adding for effect, "my lady."

Zelda sent a glare in his direction only to find him grinning from ear to ear. Rolling her eyes over the victorious look, she muttered under her breath, wishing he wasn't right. Propriety had its place, and it wasn't exactly here. That aside, she was certainly ready to stop the shivers from wracking her body so incessantly, and his tunic already looked half way dry.

So she finally gave in with a muttered, "Oh alright," and reached to untie the strings of her bodice followed by getting onto her knees to slip the dress off completely.

Smiling, Link looked away to give her privacy and listened as she moved to lay the garment not far from the fire while lamenting the way she'd neglected to bring her riding pants with them. A moment passed in silence following the words, and he looked back under the assumption that she was done only to catch the sight of silken skin wrapped in a flimsy, wet slip.

It was in that moment that Link realized he'd won the battle, but lost the war.

Unlike at their camp in Misty Falls, the fact that her slip was wet made it nearly transparent, and as she'd moved, the full swells of her breasts were much easier to see straining against the fabric as she wrapped the fur around herself again.

The sight made him forget where they were. Why is she in just a slip again?

As Link fought his momentary confusion, Zelda grabbed her satchel and opened it to inspect their belongings, sighing to find a lump of soaked bread. Shaking her head, she threw the ruined food into the fire, then proceeded to ensure everything else was still intact.

Thankfully, the jar holding their fairy was fine, and she next opened a vial of potion to check the scent.

By then, Link finally managed to snap himself out of his stupor, but only to find himself watching her work as the fire warmed them over time. He recalled doing something similar in Misty Falls, and briefly wondered why it was so hard to tear his gaze away from her.

"You know, that was a switch back there."

Blinking, it took him a moment to figure out what she'd said, and even then, he had no idea what she was talking about. So, determined not to make a fool of himself, he threw out an arbitrary agreement.

"Yes, it was."

Replacing their belongings in the satchels, she qualified, "I never thought I'd have to save your life that way, and it honestly scared me. I felt like we were back on Death Mountain again and you were about to fall. I'm just glad history didn't repeat itself, though I think the Zora were already there and would've helped if I couldn't reach you in time."

Realizing she was referring to how he'd fallen overboard, Link related, "I'm sorry I scared you like that, but I'd rather you have saved me anyway."

Smiling at him, the thought of jumping into the lake reminded Zelda of what she'd seen beneath the water's surface, and she was quick to point it out. "Oh, I forgot to mention that when we were underwater, I saw the Temple of Water. It's completely submerged in the lake."

"Really?" Considering it for a moment, Link mused, "No wonder Myriad said we'd have to visit Zora's Domain before we could enter it. I wonder how they'll help us with that."

"I suppose we'll find out soon enough," Zelda suggested, adding, "but it means we'll have to get wet again you know?"

"Yeah, I just thought of that," he remarked, wondering if there was any reason to dry out their clothing after all.

As he considered the situation, Zelda watched him drift off into thought. He seemed so focused, as if trying to prepare for whatever hardships awaited them in the temple, or simply wondering what they might be, and she wished she could provide an answer if only because of his somber expression.

The look suggested he had a million things on his mind, but no idea where to start—and why wouldn't he? Not only did they have a temple completely submerged in a lake to fight through, but he also had to ensure her safety until they could find Dragmire's orb and destroy it.

Zelda truly hated that he had to carry such a burden, and reached for his hand while moving to sit closer in the hopes of offering comfort.

The movement caught his attention, and he lifted an arm to place around her shoulders without questioning her motives as she leaned against his side. Still, she got the feeling he already understood her desire to provide support and didn't say a word, allowing her own thoughts to drift over various matters.

Yet for all the problems they faced, she found the foremost thing on her mind to be the kiss they'd shared on the boat, not to mention how much she'd enjoy a repeat session.

And she wasn't certain if she should.

Not that it felt wrong—quite the opposite in fact. The entire time, she could scarcely believe she was kissing him so passionately, the way their tongues met and twined together evoking sensations she'd never experienced. Her entire body tingled, leaving her unable to do anything but cling to him, and the simple memory of it had her breathless even now.

It made her question where they stood with each other emotionally, and what boundaries lie between them, or more specifically, what boundaries should lie between them.

Dismissing the ten years during their separation, they'd always been close friends, adoptive siblings with no family aside from each other and Alma who was taken from them at a very young age. That was how they were used to things being, and growing up together left them comfortable with each other—perhaps too comfortable.

After all, if care wasn't taken, their romantic feelings could easily distract them from more urgent matters, and maybe even cause them to make a few mistakes.

She also knew they were both hesitant because of their futures, unsure what their lives might look like when all was said and done—not that they'd been given much of a chance to talk more about their feelings since admitting them. Instead, they were merely enjoying each others' company in silence, sitting together so close because it simply felt right.

It wasn't awkward, nor did it feel like something they shouldn't be doing, at least, not to her. So it couldn't be completely wrong, could it?

During her thoughts, she unwittingly snuggled closer into his side just as he asked, "Still cold?"

At the question, she gazed up into his eyes, realizing the cold was all but forgotten. Yet she found herself nodding with a small smile in the hopes that he might kiss her again.

Seeing the playful look in her eyes, he knew she was simply looking for another kiss, and would've found it cutely humorous if the prospect hadn't caused his heart to beat five different directions in a single thump.

The sensation had his voice raspy in asking, "Want me to fix it again?"

With a pretty pink hue staining her cheeks, she nodded slowly while leaning up to meet her lips to his—and just like that, nothing else seemed to matter.

If it was wrong for them to harbor feelings for each other, she was in deep trouble. There was no way she could've stemmed the swell of emotion she felt for him as their lips pressed together, any hesitancy toward furthering their romantic involvement fading to a dim memory in those moments.

Instead of backing away, she latched her arms around his sides, allowing her lips to part and their tongues to meet, leaving her just as breathlessly dizzy as before—and it wasn't simply a matter of physical enjoyment feeding her emotions. It was also the affection she could sense in the way he kissed her, the care he took in holding her as his fingers thread through her damp hair and the loving way his mouth slanted over hers.

If she ever questioned the way he felt, the answer was right there, and waiting didn't matter. Modesty didn't matter. Social status didn't matter.

Only he mattered—and she wanted him to know it.

In turn, Link had the same thought, overwhelmed by the response Zelda was giving him. The only difference was that somewhere at the back of his scattered thoughts, he realized no matter how comfortable they were now, and no matter how right it felt to kiss her, she was a princess, and he may eventually have to let her go.

Such thoughts had plagued him the entire while they'd sat in silence by the fire. They were on a perilous journey, and neither of them could guess at how things would end, or how the ending would shape their relationship. Yet he wanted her to know how he felt, even needed her to, all while wanting things to be as easy for her as possible, and he had no idea which way to go.

Still, the possibility that he'd have to let her go weighed heavily, and this could be his only real chance to make his feelings known.

So he made his decision.

Latching an arm around her lower back and the other beneath her knees, he pulled her over so that she was settled between his legs with both of hers crossing his left thigh. The new position made it much easier to reach her neck, and he broke their kiss to take advantage.

Turning his head, he trailed kisses across her jaw to the side of her neck, groaning at the way she clutched him and rasped his name on a hoarse whimper.

Her lips parted, heart quickening its pace as his mouth brushed the smooth skin of her throat, sending shivers of sensation across her entire body. Fingers digging into the back of his damp shirt, she could barely think, particularly when he sought her ear.

Something about the way his lips trailed across the sensitive rim to the pointed tip had her sagging against him, and while thought was momentarily beyond her, she couldn't help noticing just how urgent his attention seemed. Perhaps she was wrong, but it was almost as if he was desperate to keep her right there in that moment.

And she was certainly fine with that—or she would've been if thought was an option.

"Link … !"

At the overwhelmed sound of her voice, he lifted his head and regarded her with concern, worried he'd gone too far. But before he could utter a word, she reached up to his cheeks and yanked him down, kissing him with the same passion he'd yearned to show her.

Letting a low groan, all thought was lost, emotions overpowering his senses until he was returning her kiss in full. Slipping his hands inside of the fur still covering her shoulders, he turned and lay her back across the floor before the fire, letting his fingers skim across the damp material of her slip and up her side as he moved over her.

His chest pressed down into hers in the process, flattening her breasts beneath it. Without his chainmail in the way, he could feel every soft curve, and Zelda hadn't realized until that moment just how intrusive the protective garment was. Instantly, she arched her back upward and gripped him more tightly, a flood of heat passing through her that made the room seem too hot.

The way their bodies pressed together with so little between them was maddening, each stroke of their tongues building the intensity of emotion until her heart wanted to leap out of her throat.

She couldn't get close enough, couldn't kiss him hard enough, completely unprepared for the onslaught of arousal battering her senses.

As a result, she tore her lips from his with a loud whimper, panting from the unexpected potency of her body's response to his attention. Never once had she guessed the act of kissing could cause such excitement, trembling now for an entirely different reason, and the notion provided an answer to her earlier question beyond a doubt.

For as curious as she was to learn more, this was the one boundary she couldn't cross.

Still, she clutched Link tight, burying her face in the crook of his neck in an attempt to collect herself.

The movement sobered Link's own desire in an instant, reality crashing down like a ton of bricks. Realizing precisely where they were and what was going on, he clutched her tight, even as guilt ate at him. What have I done?

"I'm sorry, Zelda, I–"

"No, don't be sorry," she whispered, her voice hoarse with emotion. "I love you, but I just … I wasn't prepared for how intense … ."

As she trailed, Link prevented her from having to explain by supplying softly, "I know, and that's why I'm sorry. I got carried away, didn't think about what I was doing, and the last thing I ever want is to make you uncomfortable."

Still working to catch his breath, he latched an arm around her and sat back again, pulling her up to hold against him with absolutely no problem letting her take however long she needed to recover. After all, his own arousal was still strong, and unlike Zelda, he had a distinct physical sign of it he'd rather she not see just then.

He felt foolish enough as it was due to his lack of self restraint, and really didn't need the extra embarrassment.

Thankfully, Zelda was quick to confirm, "I'm not uncomfortable, so don't be sorry, please? It isn't as if we've really discussed our feelings at length, and I think we're both just afraid we won't have many moments alone like this in the future."

Exhaling low, he admitted, "That's part of it, and I do want moments like these to last, but not at the expense of our friendship, or what we're trying to accomplish for the kingdom. For as strong as my feelings have grown, we have to put those things first, otherwise we could fail."

She finally lifted her head as he spoke, gazing up at him with a mixture of sorrow and understanding in her eyes.

"I know," she whispered, admitting, "and I want to ask you not to speak of it, but I know that if we don't, it could lead to worse problems. So you're absolutely right. Neither of us can afford to think only of each other when so much is at stake. As appealing as it might seem to ignore the problems and head back to Kakariko where we could further our relationship, we won't have a Kakariko or anywhere else to go without fighting for it."

He nodded, knowing her assessment couldn't have been more true—and it actually helped him realize what needed to be done.

As things stood, Hyrule wasn't at its best. The citizens were suffering, and the only two people equipped to stop it happened to be them. Was it fair that they'd been asked to save a kingdom? Perhaps not, and yet he knew their feelings for each other would last through the struggle.

After all, they'd been separated for ten years and neither had truly forgotten the other. Even being unable to remember Zelda clearly while living with the Gerudo, he knew she existed, and his feelings returned with a vengeance the moment they were reunited.

Now would be no different. They'd fight for Hyrule, and for their own futures, and once it was over, somehow, he'd find a way to stay with her no matter what it took.

At the thought, he related, "I think that means we'll just have to go slow, and remain friends to make sure we don't needlessly rock the boat. Then, when things are a little more stable, we can explore our feelings more thoroughly."

His suggestion had a warm smile curving Zelda's lips. "That sounds like a good idea, and besides, with everything that keeps happening to us, we won't have any chances to rush."

"I guess that's the silver lining," he returned with a smirk, then looked over his shoulder when a knock came to the door.

Instantly, Zelda climbed out of his lap to settle on one of the pallets—and Link immediately missed her warmth. But he didn't comment on the matter, waiting until she was seated before providing an invitation, and Esair entered the room with a plate of cooked fish in each hand.

The food was steaming, proving it was fresh out of the oven—or whatever the Zora used to prepare meals—and he handed a plate over to each of them while asking, "I hope everything has been accommodating while you wait."

"Very much so," Zelda confirmed, taking her plate with a polite, "Thank you."

"You're most welcome, and I'm sure you won't be here much longer before Queen Majalyn concludes her affairs."

Taking his own plate, Link remarked, "It's nice and warm in here, so she can take her time. But before you go, Esair, can I ask you something about the guardian?"

Nodding, the Zora replied, "Of course, Link."

Waving a hand, he suggested, "He isn't really aggressive at all, is he?"

A small smile graced Esair's lips as he confirmed, "No, just fearsome to those who know nothing of him, though he will attack if necessary. That aside, he is simply our pet, guarding us from those who might harm our domain."

Zelda smiled, admiring the clever way they'd protected their home as Esair departed with the promise to return as soon as the Queen was free. At the same time, she noticed Link moving to sit on his own pallet while lifting a piece of the fillet bass to place in his mouth.

Curiously, she asked, "How is it?"

After chewing for a moment, he swallowed and replied, "A little bland, but I'm hungry, so it's really good."

Grinning, she started working on her own meal, finding that he was right. Despite the bland flavor, the hot food hit the spot, and thankfully, it was more than enough to fill them up. Additionally, the dinner conversation was just as pleasant, even despite what had happened a few moments prior to Esair's arrival.

Zelda was grateful not to be left feeling awkward, and hoped Link didn't have any lingering regrets for getting so carried away because he wasn't the only one who had. She'd been just as swept up in the moment, and neither of them needed to apologize if only because they'd been open enough to come to a feasible conclusion over how to proceed—and truth be told, she was actually relieved.

It was simply easier to consider Link as a friend, particularly with everything else going on. Of course, that didn't mean she wouldn't end up wishing for more at some point, but as long as they remained honest and worked diligently to win their fight, there would be plenty of time later to explore their feelings.

So, once they were done with their meals, they checked their clothing to find that though the garments were still damp, they were nowhere near as cold or soaked as before.

Proceeding with the task of redressing, Zelda didn't require even half the time to lace up her bodice and replace her belt as Link did to don his gear. By the time she was through, he'd only just finished replacing his gloves and gauntlets, so she walked over to help by fastening the buckles of his weapon harness.

The chore was simple enough, yet she found a blush staining her cheeks as she worked, and couldn't figure out why. There was no reason to be embarrassed, and yet she could barely even look at his face while tugging the leather strap through the buckle.

Having noticed her behavior, Link reached up to cover her hands with his own, asking, "What's wrong?"

Grumbling, she related, "I don't know. I'm just … flustered and I don't know why."

Getting the feeling he knew the answer, Link grinned and suggested, "You just like the sight of me armed and ready to go."

Brows narrowing over her eyes, she met his gaze with the question, "What?"

He shrugged and answered teasingly, "You think I'm handsome and it's embarrassing you. Don't worry, it's not the first time a lady's been flustered because of it."

Pursing her lips at his insinuation that she was fawning over him like a silly girl—no matter how true it was—she took the strap and finished latching the buckle by pulling it through too tightly for comfort.

He cringed in response as she released the strap and turned to sit on the pallet again, asking innocently, "Oh, I'm sorry, was that too tight?"

"A little," he returned, grinning despite his discomfort while readjusting the harness to fit properly.

Looking back over to see her sitting with a pleasant smile on her face, he parted his lips to say he deserved it, but was interrupted by another knock at the door.

"Come in."

Opening the door, Esair stepped inside and remarked, "Queen Majalyn has concluded her affairs and wishes to give you an audience now. So if you're ready, please follow me."

Nodding, Zelda grabbed their satchels and headed toward Esair with Link right beside her, too curious to see how the Zora Queen would assist them in reaching the temple to delay. There was also the added benefit of escaping Link's teasing, and she could only hope he didn't find something else to make fun of later.

Sadly, she already knew hoping was a lost cause.