Chapter 24 - Recovery

As late evening rolled around and most people were winding down, Zelda remained at Link's side.

The only times she ever moved was when the shaman or one of his assistants came by to clean and redress his wounds. Otherwise, she continued sitting in the chair next to his bed, eventually falling asleep for a few hours. Her ability to do so undisturbed proved his nightmares hadn't returned, though he did begin panting and groaning again late in the day.

Thankfully, that was the extent of it.

The rest of the time, he remained still, resting soundly within a cocoon of blankets as the sun drew down outside. It was a blissfully peaceful evening, and as Zelda slumbered in the chair next to him, their hands remained clasped together upon the mattress of the bed.

It wasn't until the door opened and Lyonel entered the room that she finally lifted her head. Watching the soldier with a groggy gaze, she rubbed her eyes with her free hand and mentioned, "I didn't realize I'd fallen asleep again. What time is it?"

"It's late," Lyonel replied simply, walking over to hold a plate of food out to her. "I know you haven't eaten, so I've brought you something."

Reaching for the plate, she settled it in her lap and offered a small smile along with her gratitude. "Thank you, though I'm not sure how hungry I actually am."

"No?" Taking a position next to the wall on the opposing side of Link's bed, he asked, "Are you too concerned for Link to eat?"

"Yes," she admitted. "He's moved around a bit, and hasn't had anymore nightmares, which is good. But I suppose I just need him to wake up, at least once. I want to see him look at something, anything, so I can know he's going to be alright, and maybe then I can stop blaming myself for everything, though … I doubt I will."

With a nod, Lyonel regarded his son and replied, "Believe me, I know all too well what it is you want. The pain of blaming yourself is difficult to alleviate, even when you've been forgiven. Yet I also know he'd want you to eat and maintain your strength."

Knowing he was right, Zelda gazed down at the plate of roasted meat and mashed potatoes in her lap and took the fork to gather a bite. Forcing herself to eat it, she couldn't help but recall the way Nissa had told her the same thing after Link's fall when they were children, and how she'd had to force herself to eat then as well.

It was a story she hadn't related to Lyonel, and now seemed like as good a time as any. So she started with the night the soldiers arrived in Kakariko, speaking softly between bites of her food before eventually ending the tale with the words, "After that, I didn't see Link again until he came to Kakariko with the Gerudo for a delivery, and he's told me several times that his fall wasn't my fault. It's gotten easier to believe as well, but there's still a part of me deep down that wants to make up for it, and I know there always will be."

As Lyonel listened to her story, his gaze drifted from Zelda to Link, and then at their joined hands. He hadn't known Link fell from a mountain ledge, and his survival proved beyond all doubt that he had divine favor.

Yet he found himself more focused on thoughts of his son's relationship with the Princess. The memory of the kiss they'd shared in Misty Falls coupled with the way she spoke of him now had him asking softly, "You love him completely, don't you?"

A blush lit Zelda's cheeks as she turned a hesitant gaze in his direction. Yet she gave an honest reply by first nodding, and then admitting, "Maybe I shouldn't, but … I couldn't help it."

As she prepared to be chastised, or at least warned that a relationship with Link would never work, Lyonel surprised her with a small smile as he related, "Whether you shouldn't have or not, love is love, and no one actually decides who they give it to. Besides, the two of you were fated with heavy responsibility from a young age, and being put through so many trials together would allow you both to see the truth of the other's person with extreme clarity, which is a deep basis for that kind of emotion."

Somehow, his understanding response alleviated a tremendous amount of emotional weight from her chest. She'd been so worried no one would accept her feelings for Link that it was simply nice to know at least one person understood. It almost seemed strange that the person in question was Link's own father, but he was also right about the way people fell in love.

She'd never made a conscious decision to love Link, she simply did, and came to realize the extent of her feelings over time. Of course, she didn't want to recall the situation where she'd discovered the true depth of her love, nor would she ever thank Link's mimicry for bringing the truth to light, but it didn't change the way her feelings had come about.

Regarding Link during her thoughts, she admitted it. "I've loved him for a long time, and you're right. I didn't ask to love him, I just do. But things became difficult once we learned our true paths, and I'm afraid our stations will keep us apart."

Her statements seemed to pique Lyonel's curiosity as he asked, "Because you're royalty and he's not?"

"Yes," she confirmed, admitting, "though … I'd give up my crown for him if I had to."

Questionably, her remark had Lyonel chuckling softly as he stated, "I don't think that will be an issue, Your Highness."

"No?"

Shaking his head, he explained, "To start, I doubt anyone would disagree if you pursued a relationship with Link, and since your parents never arranged any betrothals, it's largely up to you whether you marry for love or political alliance. That aside, I truly doubt your parents would've arranged any marriages for you to begin with, though … ."

When he trailed, Zelda urged, "What?"

Lyonel looked between her and Link, admitting, "I can't say for certain, but had your father known Myriad bore a son, he may have considered betrothing you to Link simply to unite our families. Either way, I do know he would've supported your relationship."

Zelda stared at him in surprise, asking, "Really?"

Lyonel nodded. "Hadinaru and Myriad were good friends. They studied together in school, and their families were closely acquainted."

It was difficult not to stare in disbelief, but not over the fact that her father was friends with Link's mother. Instead, she was having trouble imagining what kind of relationship she would've had with Link if they'd been raised in the palace together. Would they have been friends? Being so close to the same age, it was possible, and yet she couldn't help thinking they may not have bonded the way they had in Kakariko.

The notion of it had her mind entertaining all sorts of things, from how well she might know Link now to the question of how often royal marriages were arranged.

At the thought, she inquired, "Lyonel, did my parents have an arranged marriage?"

Lyonel nodded. "Yes, Nissandra was the daughter of Lanayru Province's Premiere, and she wed your father when she was fifteen years old."

"Fifteen?"

Lyonel smiled at Zelda's astonishment, realizing that though such things were common among royalty, commoners typically waited to wed. So her reaction served as yet another reminder that Zelda hadn't been raised in the palace—and in his opinion, her lack of royal decorum was refreshing.

So he answered with a nod and added, "Your father was only seventeen, but they didn't take the throne right away. Instead, your Grandfather, King Edayus, ruled for five more years before his passing, and as I understand it, your parents spent most of that time getting to know one another."

Zelda hung on every word, so enthralled by his story that she didn't realize she'd finished off the food on her plate until she stuck an empty fork in her mouth. Blinking, she stared at the fork in surprise, then smirked in amusement over her obliviousness. At least I finished it all.

At the thought, she placed the utensil down and set her plate aside while considering his stories. Somehow, it was comforting knowing that though she'd never meet her parents, there were several people around who could answer her questions and tell her just about anything she wanted to know.

Sadly, there wouldn't be anymore stories to tell as long as Ganondorf sat upon the throne, and considering Link's current condition, it was going to be a while before they could continue with their quest to destroy Dragmire's dark orbs and remove him.

Softly, she mentioned it.

"I want Hyrule to become a place where families can create such memories again, but I fear we have a long way to go if Ganondorf could do this to Link. He'll need time to mend, and there are still three temples needing to have their power unleashed before we'll be a true threat to Ganondorf."

Looking up, she spied a contemplative look on Lyonel's face before he shook his head and countered, "Actually, only one other temple remains. Though you've only visited two of six, you've unleashed four essences. Otherwise, Link would've likely perished during his confrontation with Ganondorf, Master Sword or not."

"What?" Zelda asked incredulously. "How is it that we've unleashed four?"

Turning to grab one of the stools the shaman's assistants had been using when dressing Link's wounds, Lyonel sat and asked, "You've seen the scholars' diagrams representing the six Sages and their powers, haven't you?"

Zelda nodded—Impa had provided numerous books and scrolls for her to read that were written by Hyrule's most distinguished scholars, and more than one displayed the diagram he'd mentioned.

At her nod, he continued, "On all of the diagrams, there's a set of lines connecting the powers of the different Sages together. Myriad taught me a good bit about the topic not long after we first met, and of the six, three are essential powers, and three are connecting. The adage goes Fire gives Light, Water grows Forest, Spirit exudes Shadow. Between them all is Time and around them is Space, one in the same which contains them."

With that said, he motioned between them and related, "You've had the Essence of Light enforcing you from the beginning as Dragmire could never have touched Myriad's power, otherwise he would've exposed himself before his goals were accomplished. But the other five essences were more than enough to summon what he wanted."

Taking a moment to allow his explanation to settle in, Lyonel then concluded, "So the orbs he used were all placed within the temples housing the essential powers, which allowed him to draw from their connecting energies, Forest and Shadow. This means with Fire and Light, you unleashed Water and Forest. Now, all that remains are Spirit and Shadow."

Zelda considered the entire explanation before she tilted her head and spoke, "Intriguing, and it makes sense. Drawing on the essential powers would definitely give him influence on the rest, so the last temple we need to visit is the Temple of Spirit."

Nodding, Lyonel looked in Link's direction and qualified, "Ganondorf now has control of only two Sage essences along with the Dark Power of the Sacred Realm backed by the Triforce of Power. That power was pitted against the four essences you unleashed and the Triforce of Courage, as well as one other factor Ganondorf wasn't privy to."

Hearing this, Zelda gazed at Lyonel curiously. "Another factor? What would that be?"

Wasting no time, Lyonel explained, "When Link was born, Myriad gave to him a portion of her power to use, determined to provide him with every advantage possible if she couldn't be there whenever he needed her. That power would've certainly provided an edge against Ganondorf yesterday."

Regarding Link's sleeping face, Zelda asked, "But does he even know he has it?"

"He probably feels it like any other magic. So whether he knows it or not, it's there being used regardless."

How revealing, Zelda considered. She'd been teaching him to use magic, meaning Lyonel was right and it probably had given him an advantage against Ganondorf. She was also truly grateful Myriad had been so supportive of her son, otherwise he would very likely be in much worse shape now—saying he survived the fight at all.

During her considerations, Link turned his head—and she almost thought she heard her name spoken on a raspy voice.

Uncertain, she leaned forward and asked, "Link?"

There was no response, but Link turned his head again, his breathing picking up. At the same time, Lyonel moved closer to crouch next to his son just across from Zelda, and they both heard a low groan as his eyes darted behind his lids.

"Link? I'm here."

As his lips parted with several deep breaths, he asked her name again, and though his voice was still weak, it was much clearer now.

Instantly, Zelda gave his hand a gentle squeeze and remarked, "Link, it's me, open your eyes. You can do it."

His brows drew together as if experiencing pain, making it hard to tell if he was actually waking up, or simply reliving his torment again. Zelda bit her lip at the sight of it, unable to recall a time when he'd shown such discomfort. Even after breaking a few bones in the Temple of Water, he'd barely complained, and the thought had her wondering if the potion was wearing off.

"Lyonel, do you think he needs another dose of the potion to help with the pain?"

"I'm not sure," he admitted, watching as Link jerked his head to the side with another groan.

So he leaned in and urged, "Link, open your eyes." Though his voice was stern, it grew softer as he brushed Link's hair back and added, "Son, listen to me. Do as we say."

His eyes remained closed, and yet he rasped, "Ly—Lyonel?" proving that he'd at least recognized the voice.

"Yes, Link, it's me, and Zelda's right here. So open your eyes."

It was difficult to tell if his subsequent groan of the word no was related to Lyonel's direction, or if he was dreaming, but a sheen of sweat developed on his forehead as he tensed again, then cringed and suddenly shouted, "No!"

Punctuating the word, he abruptly sat forward, eyes wide open.

The movement startled Zelda, but she didn't back away, clasping Link's shoulder as he panted with a wild look in his sapphire eyes that he slowly turned on her. Additionally, his expression almost suggested he didn't even know who she was, but as she asked his name softly, the fog of sleep seemed to clear.

"Zelda?"

Her name came as he slowly lifted a hand to her cheek as if unconvinced she was really there. So she quickly nodded and covered his hand with her own.

"It's me, Link. You're with the revolt near River Town."

Before she could ask how he was feeling, his expression turned to one of anguished relief as he abruptly grabbed her to pull in and buried his face in the crook of her neck.

Drawing her arms up around him, Zelda's eyes watered as she glanced over his shoulder at Lyonel to see the soldier's own remorseful gaze. They both knew Link's emotional display was borne of both relief to be free of his torment, and also happiness to see Zelda again. Yet the reasons behind it weren't easy to swallow.

Still, Zelda couldn't let herself focus on it for now. Instead, she could feel Link trembling, and when he let a pained groan, she gently urged him back with the words, "You need to lie down. You're not in the best physical condition right now."

Lyonel assisted her, and Link didn't resist—saying he even could in his weakened state. Still, he clutched her hand more tightly than she'd believed him capable while looking up to realize they weren't alone.

"Lyonel?"

Smiling warmly, the soldier nodded. "Yes. It's good to see you awake again."

Link looked between them, and for a moment, he seemed confused, finally asking, "How long was I asleep?"

"Ever since you arrived at midday, though Impa said you've been unconscious since early morning." Using her free hand stroke the back of his, she inquired, "Are you hurting? The shaman gave you something for pain earlier, but it could've worn off."

His eyes drifting shut, Link admitted, "I thought there was a funny taste in my mouth. But I don't … ."

As he trailed, Lyonel remarked, "Link, if you're in pain, there's no shame in admitting it to us."

In response, Link exhaled a weary sigh, knowing Lyonel was right. Yet he was still hesitant to admit the truth if only because it was so dire. He wasn't simply in pain—he felt as if he'd never been pulled out of those barbs from the start. Every wound on his body felt as if something sharp was sticking in it, but saying so almost seemed like admitting Ganondorf had won.

Still, he finally remarked, "I could use something if you have it."

"I'll go get the shaman, then," Lyonel qualified, and Zelda thanked him as he turned to go.

Once the door shut, she looked back down at Link when his hand landed against her arm.

Reaching for it, she couldn't ignore the way he gazed up at her. His eyes were dull, but filled with an emotion she couldn't quite ignore, his expression suggesting there was something he needed to say.

Yet he remained silent, prompting her to ask, "What's wrong?"

Lips parting, he took a deep, shaky breath and rasped, "You're just a nice sight to wake up to, especially after … ."

Trailing, he shuddered and finally related, "I kept dreaming that you were right there, just standing there near those barbs all night long. Sometimes, it looked like you were walking away, and I begged you not to leave me, but couldn't reach you. So I just … I wanted to touch you where I couldn't last night."

"Oh Link," Zelda whispered as a tear rolled down her cheek. "I'm so sorry. I shouldn't have sent you off alone."

"No," he rasped, and though his voice was weak, she could easily detect the vehemence in his tone. "This isn't your fault. Someone had to look for survivors, and if anyone went with me … let's just say they could've easily been killed."

His phrasing suggested his fight was no ordinary engagement, though she already knew that going by what she'd heard from Impa. Still, she wiped her eyes and related, "Whether it's my fault or not, I'm still sorry this happened to you."

"Don't be," he replied gently, giving her a look so full of love it was staggering. "I don't want to see sorrow on your face. I want to see you smiling because it's beautiful and makes everything seem worthwhile."

The words were so sweetly sincere that she couldn't resist the smile tugging at the corners of her mouth. Seeing it, his own lips curved as he playfully remarked, "That's better."

"Link," she drew out chidingly, exhaling as more tears joined the first. "I'm supposed to be comforting you now, not the other way around."

"Keep smiling then. I'll be better in no time."

The sentiment had her emotions for him overflowing, and with a deep, shaky breath, she leaned in to press her lips against his cheek.

Link leaned into it, sighing as she nuzzled her nose against his temple and whispered, "I know we agreed to keep our relationship platonic for now, but I don't think it's going to work. I love you far too much to ignore it, or not to kiss you whenever I have the chance."

Liking the sound of that, Link's smile grew a little bigger as he returned, "I love you more, and likewise. I'd kiss you now if I were a little stronger."

Smiling, Zelda canted her head to press a gentle kiss to his lips, the tips of their noses brushing as she drew back and asked, "Does this mean we're officially rocking the boat?"

Eyes closed and still smiling, Link recalled telling her they shouldn't needlessly do that very thing in Zora's Domain. But over the days to follow, they continued stealing kisses and treating each other in a manner befitting two people who were more than friends.

The thought had him qualifying, "I don't think we ever stopped."

The comment elicited a laugh, and Zelda kissed him once more before sitting back. In the process, Link lowered his hand from her arm and she wasn't oblivious to the way he cringed with a pained grunt he tried to mask by turning his head away.

Seeing it, she reached for his cheek and gently turned his face back to hers.

The moment their eyes met again, she whispered, "Please don't hide your pain from me now. I know you don't want to worry me, but I'm already worried, and I need to know how you feel so I can help you."

Holding her gaze, Link's lips parted with a deep breath, realizing she was right and it would make no difference where her worry was concerned. So he finally gave in, frowning with the words, "It's getting worse, Zelda. It feels like I'm still … trapped in those barbs."

He hated how weak he'd sounded, hated being unable to fully mask the pain. He also knew Zelda didn't like hearing of his discomfort as she leaned forward and fluffed the pillow behind his head to make him more comfortable. But her reassurance that the shaman would be there soon followed by promising not to leave his side was precisely what he needed to hear.

Almost as soon as she'd spoken, the door opened and Lyonel entered with the shaman right behind him. Seeing them, Zelda sighed in relief and related, "You got here just in time. His pain's getting worse."

Nodding as if he'd expected no less, the shaman qualified, "I was just on my way here from having a bite to eat because I thought he could use another dose when Lyonel found me. Still, I have to admit I'm surprised he's already awake."

"Who could sleep through this?" Link grumbled out, adding sarcastically, "Try giving me a double this time."

"If only that would double the effects," the old man remarked with a smile, admitting, "and if it did, considering your current state, I'd give you a triple."

Pouring a precise amount of the green liquid into a measuring cup sitting on a table near the bed, he passed the item to Zelda since she was seated next to him.

Taking it, she turned and lifted the cup to Link's lips, helping him swallow the painkiller by cupping the back of his head to tilt forward. Sadly, the bitter taste left much to be desired, but the chance to dull his pain had him gulping the medicine down as quickly as possible despite it.

Exhaling a deep breath after swallowing the last, he gladly took a swig of juice from Zelda before she laid his head back against the pillows again. In the process, the room's lighting shifted around them as the shaman brought a lit candelabra over to the bed and sat it on the table to better see during his examination.

Taking a seat on the same stool Lyonel had sat in earlier, he started by lifting Link's arm and using a pair of shears to remove the bandage.

Link jerked as the white cloth was pulled away from the wound there, taking several breaths before asking, "Can you wait until the potion kicks in?"

"Hmm," the shaman drew out thoughtfully, "I didn't think they'd be causing you that much pain. Still, I believe the poison is the cause of the tenderness and the infection, and it will probably take a while longer to wear off."

"Poison?"

Narrowing his brows, Link thought back, remembering how his blood had started to feel as if it were on fire in his veins while looking down at the wounds on his arm. A set of three holes ran across his bicep, not as large as he knew some were, but still big enough to need a bandage.

Regarding them, he asked, "They were poisoned?"

"That's what Arden told us," Zelda replied.

"Arden?"

At his confused question, she placed her hands upon his shoulders before he could attempt to sit forward and shushed him, shaking her head.

"Just rest, Link, I'll tell you everything later."

Lying back, Link supposed he didn't really have a choice but to let it go for now. Still, how Arden tied into this he couldn't imagine—not that he had the ability to even consider it once the shaman placed a cloth soaked in medicine used to cleanse wounds on his arm.

Instantly, steam began to rise from beneath the surface of the material, and Link let a sharp yell of pain, tensing against the bed. In turn, Zelda cradled his head while letting him squeeze her hand, promising it would be over soon against his ear.

Her voice was a soothing murmur, and Link latched onto it, wanting her to keep talking as he unwittingly buried his face in the crook of her neck. Thankfully, she didn't disappoint, helping him through each wound the shaman cleaned—and the largest one on his chest several inches below his left shoulder was the worst.

That was, the worst on the upper half of his body.

Zelda could barely stand the agony in his voice without crying, and when the worst of his wounds were tended, she thought he might've been loud enough to wake the people in River Town. Yet she stood strong, knowing he needed her support, and only left his side once the shaman moved onto the lower half of his body.

Because his pants had to be removed, she stepped out, allowing Lyonel to take over. Still, it was difficult not to return to him when she heard his agonized shouts from the corridor outside, and the wounds on his legs must've been much worse because he seemed to be even louder than before. The thought had her eyes closing as she tried to remind herself that Lyonel was his father and would do everything he could to comfort his son.

She also recalled Jada's account of the battle between Link and Ganondorf. She'd said they'd come to a draw, meaning it was possible that Ganondorf had sustained his own injuries.

If so, she hoped they hurt just as badly, if not even worse.

An hour later, Link had passed out once again, and Zelda slept in his room that night, knowing that if she returned to her own quarters, she'd only worry. She also wasn't surprised by Lyonel's decision to stay close by—having to watch his son enduring so much pain couldn't have been easy for him, especially knowing that Link had no clue his own father was right there with him the entire while.

Yet Lyonel promised himself that soon, very soon now, he'd know everything. There was just no way to keep the pretense going any longer. Besides, he knew in his heart that deep down, Myriad was also anxious to tell Link the truth, but her fear that he'd believe she'd abandoned him was simply too great to say a word.

So Lyonel would speak for her.