Note: Alright, last one for this weekend before I'm back to the old grind. Hopefully, you all enjoy this, but feedback is appreciated as always. Have a good one!
CHAPTER 13: Confessions
Their breakfast was eaten in silence except for Link's compliments for Zelda's cooking. It was a simple breakfast, but he still really enjoyed it and his compliment put a smile on her face, which was a bonus. They left early, the sun was still rising and they put their backs to it as they made their way to the path through Akkala Highlands. The path eventually led them to the bridge over the Akkala Span from which Link suggested jumping off of. It would save them the time from walking around the body of water and would put them right at the Maw of Death Mountain. So they glided down and found themselves making their way through the Eldin region in no time. Pretty soon, the air started to feel dry around them and Zelda retrieved a couple of fireproof elixirs for them which worked almost instantly.
Sooner or later, they found themselves walking through Goron City making their way up to Daruk's home, which was the highest up the hill in the city. As they neared the home, they saw the champions figure towering over everything else. He was incredibly large, even for a Goron. Link waved to the Gorons as they neared and a huge smile formed on Daruks face.
"Ah, Princess, little guy!" His gravelly voice thundered over them, "How are ya?"
"We are doing well, Daruk, how are things in Goron City?" Zelda smiled.
"Fantastic! All the delicious rocks we could ask for and less monsters ever since you two defeated Calamity Ganon."
"Well Daruk, you know we couldn't have done it without you or Vah Rudania," Zelda replied, to which he only chuckled.
"Speaking of which," she continued, "how has Vah Rudania been? That's actually why we're here."
Daruk raised up one hand to scratch the back of his head, "Well, the big guys been getting more tired lately and doesn't want to work as much anymore. Maybe he's just tired after doing his part with the calamity. I'm a little busy with some of the miners right now but I could have Yunobo take you up if you'd like to head up there now."
"Yes, our work may take a long time and we would like to have it done before nightfall if possible." Replied Zelda
He looked over to Link as he spoke again, "You know the way up to the Bridge of Eldin right little guy? Why don't ya head up there and I'll have Yunobo meet you there."
Link smiled and nodded as they began to make their way up the path and they waved back to Daruk.
It didn't take long for Yunobo to arrive and greet them in his usual awkward demeanor. He now led them up the mountain making small talk with Zelda.
"So, uh… How do you like Goron City Princess? I know it's a little hotter than you might be used to." Yunobo asked.
"With these fireproof elixirs the heat is no trouble. I actually rather like visiting the Eldin region, there is something amazing about how different life is here on the mountain especially with the climate. Not to mention the hot springs are incredible." Zelda replied with a smile.
Link, however, was lost in his own thoughts trying to think of how he would talk to Zelda. He promised himself he would talk to her tonight but he wasn't sure how. The trio continued like this until they reached the top where they found Vah Rudania immobile on Death Mountain. As they stood before the divine beast, Yunobo turned back to them.
"I'm going to head back, Uncle Daruk probably needs my help down at the mines. Um, you do remember the way back right?" he asked.
Link nodded back in response.
"Ok, I'll leave you to it then, you're welcome to stay with me and my uncle if you'd like."
After saying their thanks, Link led the way to the main terminal of the beast and Zelda began to run diagnostics with the Sheikah Slate. Link, still lost in thought, wondered how it was already late afternoon, time seemed to fly by and gave him no chance to really think. Zelda spoke up after a bit, forcing him to focus again.
"It seems as if Vah Rudania suffers from the same issue, so it's safe to assume that we can proceed with cleansing it." She said mostly to herself.
Link knew she had already shifted into her scholarly mode and didn't bother to answer. He reveled in her beauty as she placed her hand on the terminal and closed her eyes. Similar to what happened in Vah Ruta, the blue lights in Vah Rudania began to fill with golden tendrils. She finished her work in no time and the Sheikah Slate confirmed that her job was finished. In response, the beast began to shake as it started to turn on top of Death Mountain. It eventually stopped and Zelda received another message from the Sheikah Slate, Vah Rudania positioning complete. 2/4 Divine Beasts remain for access.
"Our work here is done, I'm glad that its simple compared to what we've dealt with before." Zelda said and Link smiled back.
"Link, do you think we could stay here for the night?" She continued, "I am feeling rather tired from the hike up and would rather wait to make it down tomorrow. I imagine sleeping in our bedrolls here won't be any different from the stone beds down in Goron city."
Link laughed at her comment, "Of course princess." It was cooler inside the divine beast anyways which would make it easier to sleep.
At that, Link began to set up their bedrolls as Zelda retrieved some food for them from the slate. The stress was catching up to Link, he was getting nervous just thinking about how to start. He felt more nervous about this than when he fought Ganon and Link couldn't help but chide himself for it. Ultimately, he decided that he would just dive into the deep end and hope for the best. He turned to look at her, currently sitting on her bedroll, and mustered all the courage he could as he called her name.
"Zelda." He said, almost too quiet for her to hear.
"What… What is it Link?" Zelda was pleasantly shocked to hear him call her by just her name, but she was worried what caused Link to drop the formalities he always clung to.
"With your permission, there is something I want to say you, it may not be appropriate for me to say it but I need to get this off my chest." Link said.
Zelda's curiosity piqued, he never really initiated personal conversations but she wasn't about to stop him now. "Of course Link, what's on your mind."
He let out a long sigh and gathered his thoughts. It was now or never, "Zelda, travelling across Hyrule has a been a blessing from the goddesses and I've enjoyed every minute of it. I you're your kindness and intelligence and I could not ask for a more beautiful companion. It may not be proper for me to say, especially not for a person in my position, but protecting you has become more than work for me… I love you Zelda."