Note: Bit of a short chapter this week, exams and such coming up again so it's gotten busy. Thanks to all the new followers, hope you all have a good week!

Chapter 16: Spring of Courage Pt. 1

As usual, Link was the first one awake, but there was no way for him to tell what time it was from inside the shrine. Based on his own internal clock it was most likely right before sunrise. Link tried to rouse Zelda from her sleep by nudging her shoulder lightly. It didn't take much, she was also a light sleeper.

"Time to get up" he whispered as he sat up himself.

She rubbed the sleep from her eyes before getting up herself. Link hopped off the pedestal and offered her a hand which she gladly took to help her get down. After retrieving a quick snack from the Sheikah Slates inventory, they retraced their steps through the shrine. As they rose on the platform back to the surface Zelda took one last look down at the contents of the shrine. It wasn't the last time she'd see one, but this one in particular had a bit more sentimental value now.

Link awaited the brightness that would surely blind them as they reached the surface, but it never came. It was still before sunrise but much earlier than he anticipated and it was still somewhat dark outside. He was never opposed to an early start though so he decided they could just cover more ground this way. Their path would take them West of the shrine to the trail that headed Southwards. Link thought that it might be faster to take a raft down Hylia River than to go on foot. If he was right, there would still be a raft on the beach adjacent to the Floret Sandbar. He remembered leaving it there after trying to get away from the crazy flower lady who wouldn't let him get to the shrine. I wonder if she's still there, he thought to himself. As they crossed the remainder of the Lanayru Wetlands, Link told Zelda about his plans to which she agreed.

As they walked, Zelda spent some time trying out the runes on the Sheikah Slate, or just taking photos to add to the compendium. However, it wasn't long before they made it down to the beach and found the raft like Link had hoped. There was still even a Korok leaf tied to it for them to use. Link helped her up on the raft and then pushed it into the water before hopping on himself. Using the Korok leaf, he steered them past the Floret Sandbar and down the West end of the fork in the River. From then on, the raft would steer itself so Link just set the leaf down and sat next to Zelda.

"You know Link, I didn't assume you to be the romantic type but this raft ride is certainly changing my mind." Zelda teased.

Link only blushed as he ran his fingers through his hair. It wasn't his intention for it to be a romantic ride but he wasn't about to deny it.

Zelda decided that this would be a good time for them to get to know each other better. She was already familiar with who he was as now, all his little mannerisms and she could (usually) guess what he was thinking. But she didn't know much about his past. As of late he was talking to her more and more, so she took the opportunity to ask him about it.

"Link?" she asked.

"Hm?" was his response, simple as usual.

"How did you come to join the Royal guard?"

"My father was a captain of the guard and practically raised me in the barracks."

"How old were you when you actually joined?"

"I don't really know, 12 maybe?" Link shrugged, "I couldn't really do much, but my father insisted I start learning anyways."

"Wow, I didn't know you had started so young, I had heard a lot about you around the castle, my father was really impressed by your reputation, but you were still only 15 at that point I believe."

"I'm just glad he trained me so well, if it wasn't for him I wouldn't have been appointed your guard." Link smiled at her.

Zelda smiled back at him and she wordlessly stretched out her hand which he took gladly. They sat there quietly for a little before Zelda spoke up again.

"Was it really true that you were beating the lieutenants and captains when you were only 15?" Zelda asked.

Link chuckled at her question, "Yes, I did."

"Well I only ask because I'm not sure if you are familiar with Hyrule's tradition of courting the Princess. We said we would talk about this eventually and I wanted to make sure you know what comes with it."

Link nodded and motioned for her to continue.

"My father will ask you to prove yourself through a variety of trials he deems fit. While you are Hyrule's chosen hero, he won't take it easy on you. If anything, I expect him to raise the standard."

"What are the trials?" Link asked.

"There are typically 3 trials all meant to represent the parts of the Triforce. First is some form of combat trial to represent Power, then a test of wits and intelligence for Wisdom, and finally a test of courage. My father can decide to change them to whatever he deems fit, so I cannot say for sure what the challenges will entail."

Link thought over the challenges for a moment. They couldn't be any worse than the challenges he had already encountered in his travels could they. He looked into Zelda's eyes which searched his for any kind of reaction. He smiled to her as he squeezed her hand to reassure her.

"I'll do whatever it takes when the time comes, you can trust in that Zelda."

Zelda smiled back with him and she was glad that Link didn't show any signs of backing out of their odd relationship. She didn't doubt Link's abilities either, but her father had always been strict and protective with her so she wasn't sure how hard he would make the trials. Link stood to steer the raft onto the beach on the East side of Proxim Bridge.

He led the way over the Hills of Baumer and to the Popla Foothills. It was a slow walk up the steep hills but it was the fastest way to the Spring of Courage. By early afternoon they made it to the cliffside that overlooked the spring. Link gave her a nod and they both coasted down to the spring. This would be their last spring to visit but their journey was still far from over.