In the morning following Mipha's departure into the afterlife, and the subsequent tearful awakening, Link found that some of his more minor injuries had healed over. A small paper-cut on his finger was now just a thin white line against his skin. It appeared that Mipha's Grace was a passive ability which continuously worked over his body, but it was much slower than it used to be. He didn't want to risk a life threatening injury only to find that he would no longer have the sudden burst of healing magic he was once accustomed to.
In the comfort and solitude of their bed, Link also divulged Mipha's feelings regarding Zelda. He told of her of how the Zora Princess viewed her in life and how she wished for her continued happiness. Of how Mipha had grown to care for her well-being as much as she cared for Links, only she had never been able to express it.
He had expected Zelda to look surprised, but instead a look of comprehension swept over her face, her mouth opening into a small 'oh'. She buried herself deeper into their bed.
"That's what she had wanted to say," she whispered, almost to herself, recalling a moment in time unbeknownst to Link. She sniffed, rubbing her eyes against the fabric of her pillow as Link laced their fingers together but she was smiling, unable to stop the heartfelt grin from taking over her face.
They ended up spending more time in bed than they had planned on, especially as just the previous day Link had been saying he needed to get back into regular training. However, it had been an emotionally exhausting night, so they felt justified in taking a couple of days to spend either nestled under their shared blanket or pottering about the house.
The time was spent productively, regardless, as they formed a plan of action to release the spirits of the former Champions from their duties to their Divine Beasts. It was decided that Rudania would be tackled next, before moving west towards Medoh, and then finish with Naboris. Sat together in bed one morning, they drew out their route on a paper map, using the Sheikah Slate as a reference. They marked down the Trial locations and planned to fill in the map with each new revealed shrine as they received more information.
Despite their eagerness to set their ethereal friends free, the Hylian pair were still vigilant in their preparations to travel across Death Mountain and took care to make sure they were ready. Link's hoarding instincts once again proved useful as Zelda produced some very potent elixirs with the fireproof lizards he had caught during his travels.
"This should prevent us from having to stop every ten minutes to reapply the elixir. Honestly, it's the worst part about visiting a live volcano," Zelda bemoaned, sealing the bottle stopper with melted wax before letting them be sucked into the Slate.
"Yeah, those elixirs do not taste great, if I'm honest," Link said off-handedly, checking through the Slate inventory to make sure that they had everything they would need. He was about to ask Zelda to fetch her flame proof researchers jacket, but when he glanced up it was to find her looking at him in pure befuddlement. "What?"
"Taste? Link do- do you drink these elixirs?"
Her tone made it very clear that drinking fireproof elixirs was not the proper way to utilise their magical effects, and suddenly Link was feeling very self conscious.
"Yes?" He answered, uncertainly.
"And it works?!"
After assuring her that ingesting the elixir did indeed still provide him with its protective properties, he had then been forced to admit all the other elixirs he drank - which was all of them. Turns out other elixirs that were traditionally used topically included Hearty and Tough elixirs, but really how was he supposed to know that only some were supposed to be drunk and others were applied to the skin? Additionally, according to Zelda, Hearty Elixirs had always been considered rare as the ingredients were incredibly hard to find and extremely expensive, so they were used sparingly on the damaged area as a poultice.
Link simply sat there with a barely restrained desire to laugh as he thought of all the blue lizards still in his possession and the times he had chugged back entire bottles of Hearty elixir. Zelda didn't even have to ask as she heaved a huge sigh and prompted him to show her just how many Hearty ingredients he had stashed away.
Therefore, it was of no surprise to either of them that it was well past their estimated start date before they teleported to the Shrine that looked down upon the Foothill Stables.
"This is where I got Fireproof elixirs before I knew how to make them. A woman here sold them to me," Link told Zelda as they climbed down from the Shrine to the footpath.
"I'm guessing you never drank one in front of her or that would have been interesting for you to explain," Zelda said, dryly, and she giggled when Link groaned audibly.
"Can we just be grateful that I contributed to science?"
"Accidentally contributed."
"Still, you now know drinking fireproof elixirs is an option. A much quicker option," he defended as they strolled past the stables. Or they would have strolled straight past had Link not suddenly noticed the small balls of fluff milling around the legs of the Hylian Retriever standing outside.
Zelda noticed that he had stopped mid-stride, leg still raised in the air, and followed his line of sight. She realised what had caught his attention as her own became thoroughly captured too. "Oh no, those puppies are so cute."
Link made a strange sort of whining noise in the back of his throat in agreement as they moved closer. Upon approaching, the small pups turned around and dashed over to them, tiny legs working furiously in order to cover ground quickly, and Link flopped down onto the floor to greet them. The adult retriever merely watched them go, perfectly relaxed in their company as its offspring clambered all over the Hylian Champion.
"Let me guess, you bribed this one too?" Zelda asked, nodding at the older dog as she bent down to accept a lot of small cuddles.
"You're joking, right? I don't think there's a single dog in Hyrule he hasn't bribed!"
Both of them turned their heads to see a stable hand approaching, who Link recognised immediately as Gaile; the provider of fireproof elixirs. She raised a hand in greeting, and Link gently dislodged the insistent pups off of his chest so he could stand. He returned the greeting with an accompanied clap on the shoulder as she came within range.
"How are you doing, Link, need any more elixirs? Hey, nice work in Hyrule field by the way - we all got a good view going up the mountain." She jerked her head back towards the foot path snaking up out of sight, "got quite the light show, that Princess packs a punch. Now, I know that it'll never be enough, but seriously, thank you, and to the Princess too when you next see her."
[You're welcome] Link's hands relaxed a little, lips quirking up, as he looked down at Zelda who had been watching their conversation with bemusement. [Feel free to tell her yourself]
He nodded his head towards his companion, and it was at this point that Gaile actually concentrated on Zelda still crouched on the floor, surrounded by several excitable cotton balls on legs. She gave a full body jerk as she realised that she had been talking about the Princess directly in front of her, who, for lack of any other response, simply waved.
"Oh! My apologies Princess, I didn't realise. Then again, I suppose it's to expected, I hear you two have been travelling all around Hyrule together since the Calamity shifted. But, word has it that it's actually former Princess, now?"
Zelda nodded from the floor, unwilling to leave her spot, "yes, that's correct. It became apparent on my travels that trying to reinstate a monarchy would not be well received as each province seems to be managing themselves quite adequately. Besides, I was raised with the sole objective of sealing away Calamity Ganon, I have no experience in running a country." She caught Link's eye before continuing, "we've decided to stay in an academic and advisory role. Collecting and compiling knowledge from across the country which we can share, and handling any problematic fallout from the ancient Sheikah technology."
[She's very good at making elixirs too] Link added, ignoring the shrewd look his partner gave him from below.
"Well now, a conscientious Princess who knows her potions, too? It's actually a shame you're not going for the Throne. I can see why you like her," Gaile smirked, giving Link a nudge which prompted a rosy tint to start spreading over the bridge of his nose. "You sure you don't need a fireproof elixir there, Link?"
As the knight began resolutely shaking his head, trying to get his face to stop burning, the stable hand returned her attention to Zelda, and her many fluffy admirers.
"You know, we're actually a little worried, because I'm pretty sure we had seven pups, but I could only count six this morning. I was hoping one was just being lazy and still in the dog bed inside, but it's empty." She took a deep breath and let it out in a rush, "I hope it hasn't gone far. It's only tiny, I mean, how far could it even go?"
"Well, we're heading up the mountain anyway. I'm sure we can have a look for a lost puppy at the same time," Zelda assured, absent-mindedly burying her hands into the cluster of fur around her.
"Really? I don't want to get in the way of whatever you two are doing..."
"Nonsense, we get to look for a puppy at the same time. I'd never turn down such an opportunity," Zelda said, quietly thinking to herself how Daruk would react to that statement. She wondered if Link knew about the Goron Champion's particular aversion to domestic canines, and made a mental note to ask about it later.
Despite the fact that the trial location required them to travel into the inhospitable zone of the Mountain, where the temperatures where far too hot for a dog, they continued to take the foot path. They remained vigilant up the winding path through volcanic rock, taking easy shots at the unsuspecting Keese that still lived in the crags of the mountain - Zelda's accuracy was a force to be reckoned with.
Just as they were about to reach the last safety marker, that warned travellers to have the proper protective equipment before continuing, they both heard a loud 'yip'. Peering around a boulder on the side of the path that glittered with un-mined ore deposits, they found a lightly tanned Hylian Retriever puppy dancing about underneath a fluttering, and clearly stressed, Smotherwing butterfly.
The small pup gave another bark as the flying insect evaded the hunters jaws once again and eventually alighted on a cliff face high above the determined animal.
"I'm going to assume that this is the dog we are looking for," Zelda said, marvelling at how far such a tiny being had managed to travel since this morning. It seemed utterly without fear, prowling beneath its target as it waited for a moment to strike, reminding her of someone else she knew. She cast a sidelong glance at Link who was now crouched low and holding a cooked drumstick, peeling off chunks of meat from the bone.
Carefully, he slinked toward the dog, holding out the scraps in one open hand before him. The scent of cooked bird caught the pups attention almost immediately, and it left the butterfly alone to approach Link and sniff the proffered food. It's pale blue eyes were centred solely on Link's hand and once it had assessed that the offering was acceptable it inhaled all the food. The pup then began sniffing him thoroughly for any more hidden treats, becoming very interested in the digits of his prosthetic.
"Food centred too," Zelda muttered, rolling her eyes before she too shuffled toward the dog.
The puppy didn't seem threatened by either of them, quite happy to roll over and accept belly rubs from the pair of them. They also learned that the puppy was female.
"Whose a fearless precious girl, is it you? Is it?"
While Zelda was very enthusiastically giving the small canine all the fuss it could possibly handle, ruffling its floppy ears this way and that, Link was watching the whole scene in stunned silence.
What is happening? He had never seen this sort of behaviour from her before, but he couldn't deny the sight of it made something in chest melt. He was therefore a little slow to respond once he realised that she was speaking to him. "Sorry?"
"I asked if Daruk had ever told you of his … opinion on dogs," Zelda repeated, patiently, accepting a few puppy kisses.
Link shook his head. While he had known Daruk well, both of them preferred to keep their worries and concerns to themselves. No point dragging down everyone else's mood with their negative thoughts.
"Daruk was absolutely terrified of dogs. When I came here to tell him that he was to be the chosen pilot of Vah Rudania, he sent a group of bokoblins packing. But his reaction upon seeing what the fiends had been terrorising was … unexpected."
She went on to detail the trip; how the group of bokoblins had been blocking their path, and how, with no hesitation at all, Daruk had charged in and sent those nasty beasts flying, wielding the Boulder Breaker as if it weighed nothing. Once the dust had settled, the ruffled canine had come out of hiding, very enthusiastic to greet her. She paused as the memory started to make her giggle, raising a hand up to cover her mouth as she continued.
"He was so thrilled to see people, bounding up to me and covering me in kisses, I could barely keep him away, but as I turned to thank Daruk he was standing a long way away actually quivering, if you can imagine such a thing. Gone was the steadfast and unshakable Champion, he even activated his shield and curled up when the dog barked."
"Daruk was afraid of dogs?" Link asked, unable to picture it in his head but somehow the knowledge just made him smile, the rocky giant had a gentle soul after all.
"Yes, exactly! I could barely believe it. Apparently, he had a bad encounter with one as a child and it stayed with him. Poor Daruk. He even asked if Ganon was some sort of dog monster, I assured him it wasn't of course, but I can't say that seeing that side of him affected my decision. Every great warrior has a fear, and knowing this I then felt closer to one of my Champions."
The comment wasn't intended to make Link start entertaining introspective thoughts, and Zelda herself was busy trying to take a picture of the puppy as it snuffled along the floor, yet he found himself thinking back. Back one hundred years to his time as her appointed knight; what had his fear been back then? The obvious answer was the Calamity, but disregarding that he was having trouble defining his personal fear. It wasn't a physical thing that he feared, but a situation he found himself in more and more after his appointment.
"People," he said a loud, unable to define it any better.
"Excuse me?" Zelda asked, looking away from the Slate, completely unaware of his inner turmoil.
"I think that was my fear. People."
The slate was placed down into her lap, and even as the dog started to inspect the device Zelda's attention was fixed on Link. "You feared … people?"
"It's hard to explain," he started, frowning slightly at his inability to articulate the sensation he felt when in crowds, especially if they were staring at him. "Being … surrounded by people, being looked at, I wanted to flee. But I couldn't, I needed to be a figurehead for them."
"It's a sad state of affairs when an entire kingdom relies on two adolescents to assuage their own fears," she noted before her eyes widened and she reached out for his shoulder. "Oh! I think I understand, that's also why you didn't speak, isn't it? You physically couldn't... that's why you knew sign language. It was a work around."
She leaned back, sudden clarity shining in her eyes as she observed him and Link realised that despite her intense scrutiny, he didn't feel uncomfortable. So, he sat there, both of them kneeling down on the ochre rock of Death Mountain, happy to let her review this new insight for as long as she wanted. Unfortunately, their furry companion was less patient and barked when it became apparent she wasn't getting any attention.
"Yes, right, we should return this little adventurer back to the Stables," Zelda said, startling out of her reverie and standing up.
She dusted off the rust coloured powder that was covering her similarly coloured coat while Link tried to corral the puppy.
As he wrangled the squirming pup into his arms like a baby, Zelda was having an idea. She still had the rupees that she'd acquired from in the sunken metal chest in the river by Link's house. 'Their' house now, but when he had been teaching her how to use the Magnesis rune it had still been Link's house. She palmed the pouch strapped to her belt, knowing that not a single rupee had actually been spent from it as Link kept buying all of their supplies. It was understood that his amassed fortune was now hers as well, but the idea of actually buying something with money she had earned – that term was used loosely – made her feel accomplished.
"I'm going to ask to buy the dog," she announced.
Both Link and the puppy turned their heads to her, ears pricked up and eyes focused. The scene made Zelda want to laugh, recalling the tail end of a conversation she had heard between her partner and Prince Sidon.
"You did promise me a dog, remember?"
"Uh," a sound of confusion escaped Link as he tried to catch up with this turn of events while the dog in his arms turned her muzzle back to him.
"Unless, of course," Zelda continued, "you just want to admit that the dog you and Sidon were talking about was, in fact, you."
Link jaw shut with a click, and he ignored the way a small, warm, wet nose was now inspecting his face as he tried very hard to think of a way to deflect. But this was Zelda, and she knew him far too well, it was useless to even try. The tension in his body dropped in defeat and he shrugged one shoulder with a sheepish smile.
"It's even a Hylian Retriever too," she added, mercilessly, a truly smug grin developing on her face. He didn't deserve to be teased like this, but there was an innate desire within her to fluster him as much as possible.
"Well, you did say they make loyal guards," he reminded her, a bashful grin forming. Zelda responded by placing her hand over his face and pushing him away, despite her own smile.
It was half way back down the mountain path, when Link decided to make a candid comment that nearly caused Zelda to swallow her tongue.
"We should name our daughter."
"Our-" Zelda paused as she concluded that the comment probably didn't mean the same for her as it did for him, the oblivious dork. So, she decided to drop it and instead said, "we are not referring to this puppy as our daughter."
"Why not? Don't you love her?"
Link held up the caramel coloured Retriever pup as if daring her to suggest otherwise. As ridiculous as he was being about the situation, Zelda couldn't help but agree. She was very cute and had already displayed a personality that they both found endearing, but there was no guarantee that they would even be allowed to buy the dog.
"We don't even know if the pups are for sale. If we can buy her, then she will need a name," Zelda pointed out.
"I already have one," Link said looking proud of himself, but considering his track record with naming animals, Zelda was already having reservations.
"...What?"
"She looks like a toasted marshmallow."
"We're not calling her 'Marshmallow'..."
"No, even better. We'll call her Toast."
It took her a second to fathom how he figured 'Toast' was a better name than 'Marshmallow', despite how accurate those names were. "We are not calling our daughter 'Toast'!"
Link tilted his head to look at her and his eyes were practically shining, "you said daughter."
Zelda placed her palms together in front of her face, as if praying for patience, before remembering that praying had done absolutely nothing for her. She sighed, if you can't beat them join them.
"I suppose I can agree that the name is appropriate, considering where we are."
Judging by the look on Link's face, if he had a tail it would be wagging just as hard as the puppy's.
By the time they reached the base of the mountain, and stood before the Foothill Stable once more, both Link and Zelda had become completely besotted with their new potential family member. However, they didn't even get to ask whether they could buy the dog before the stable master informed them that the pups were indeed up for sale and would they like the one they had found.
"They're fully weaned, people-friendly, and already show signs of independence. That one especially," Ozunda said, pointing to Toast, who barked guiltlessly.
Zelda had never exchanged money for something faster in her life, and doubted she ever would again. They did have to ask that Toast be kept safe here for now until they could pick her up once they had completed their quest up on Death Mountain. After that, they desperately hoped Paya was not allergic to dogs. Bringing a small puppy on their journey was perhaps not the best idea - maybe when Toast had grown up she could accompany them. But for now, she would have to be puppy-sat.
After saying their goodbyes, and giving their new puppy one of Link's tunics to sleep on and get used to their scent, they managed to tear themselves away. With Gaile's assurance that she would watch her like a hawk while they were away, the Hylian pair downed their elixirs, winced and then teleported to the top of Death Mountain.
The platform for Rudania's trials was a little tricky to get to, involving a very daunting glide over flowing lava to reach the outer edges of the old caldera. Watching Zelda glide across, the crimson fabric of her coat providing her with additional flameproof resistance, Link amended his earlier conclusion concerning his personal fears.
Previously, people in large numbers had prompted a flight response but now, as he watched his partner scramble to gain a foothold on the unforgiving cliffs of the mountain, he realised that fear was no longer an issue for him. He had been around people a lot since waking in the Shrine and he had become accustomed to it over time. His current fear was the idea of having to live his life without Zelda. He had already lost Mipha, losing the other person he loved with his whole being would destroy him.
Leaping over the edge of the mountain, he berated himself for not having flown over first just as he saw Zelda successfully pull herself up over the ridge. By the time he had climbed up the other side, she was already striding ahead towards their destination. He reminded himself yet again to reign in his protective instincts as he jogged to catch up - she was fully capable of being independent and didn't need him hovering over her. It didn't stop him from fretting internally though, as he tangled their fingers together when he drew level. She gave his hand a squeeze back.
Cresting another outcrop of rock, they heard the distinct sound of an accordion before they saw the Trial Platform and, sharing a grin, they hurried towards the sound.
Kass was facing away from the platform, lost in thought as he idly played chords looking out over Great Hyrule Forest. It gave both Hylians the opportunity to activate the Ancient Sheikah structure and note down the locations of the new challenges before the Rito noticed them.
"Oh! I'm sorry, I was so deeply lost in thought there I hadn't noticed you arriving. I was worried I might miss you actually as I think I've finally finished the song to honour the Goron Champion and was soon to take my leave. Would you like to hear it?"
After receiving a pair of enthusiastic nods and words of encouragement, he began to play the Ballad of Daruk. Most of his information came from the notes left behind from his Sheikah tutor but he had supplemented it with stories told to him by the Gorons. Inspired by tales of the Champions gentle heart and tough exterior, the Rito bard had wanted to add his own contribution to the song.
"Bludo introduced me to a young man by the name of Yunobo, who happens to be Daruks descendant. I was able to learn a great many things from them but they also showed me words written by the Champions own hands, or I should say carved." Kass gave a small trill of a laugh as he amended his words.
"Daruk left writing behind?" Zelda asked, her eagerness blindingly obvious. Meanwhile, Link was wondering how the hell a Goron had enough dexterity to write. 'Carve' makes sense, they must write on stone.
"Indeed he did, I'm sure if you were to take a wander over there they would be most happy to assist you. You were dear friends of his."
It was absurdly gratifying to know that the Goron Champion had thought of them positively outside of their company, enough so to actually write about them. It was with that positive feeling that they took Kass' advice, making their way to the Town after watching the Rito sail away.
"Now that I think about it, how was Kass able to withstand the heat up here?" Link wondered, preparing to teleport them both.
"He probably worked Fireproof elixir into his feathers. You know, by applying it on the outside, like a normal person."
The withering look he gave her as they both dissolved into blue particles would fuel her for days.
Zelda had already met Yunobo before, back when she had been struck by nostalgia and needed to visit the homes of her former Champions. The bulky frame of Daruks descendant was at complete odds with his shy nature, but his determination to do right by his people and watch out for those who could not do so themselves was familiar. As was his blue scarf.
"Ah! Princess, you're back, goro. Oh! Hello, Link!" Yunobo's nervous demeanour was still present, but he pushed himself through it regardless to welcome them.
They had managed to catch him walking through the town, instead of having to track him down on his outer patrol route. The young Goron was pleased to see them, enveloping them both in a very controlled hug; he was one of the few of his race who was acutely aware that their natural strength was a bit much for a Hylian. Still, he couldn't keep the excitable tremor out of his voice whenever he addressed Zelda, meeting the legendary Princess of old was just too much for him.
"What brings you to our Town? It takes a lot to get up here, I doubt it's a casual visit, goro."
"I'm sorry, Yunobo," Zelda said regretfully, "I guess visitors are rare, hopefully we can organise a meeting point that would suit all of us in the near future. As for why we're here, we came to ask Bludo if we could see the accounts left behind by Daruk. I'm told your chief found some writing of his?"
"Oh, Daruk's journal? Yeah, I'm sure Bludo wouldn't mind you looking. We actually had a Rito asking about him too, never seen one before, can't have been very pleasant for him up here though..." Yunobo drifted off and seemed to be thinking along the same lines as Link had before he focused again. "A meeting point would be a good idea though, goro. I'd like to meet the others at some point."
"Others?" Zelda asked, a perplexed frown forming.
"The others who helped Link during his quest. We've been dubbed Neo Champions, although Riju keeps trying to call us the Neo Crew, not that Teba's gonna go with that, goro."
There was a stunned silence before Link took up the conversation, "you know of Riju...and Teba?"
"Oh yeah! A woman called Impa has been keeping us all in a communication circle for ages. She sent us all letters soon after Link had reclaimed our Divine Beasts, and we've been talking to each other ever since. Imagine my surprise when I realised I was talking to the Gerudo Chief and the Zora Prince, goro!"
It was a lot to take in, and it was obvious that Zelda was working through several different questions simultaneously, so once again Link went with his most prominent query.
"How do you write up here? Wouldn't paper just ...catch fire?"
"You know, I have no idea, goro, but whatever Impa sent me seems to work."
"Safflina Parchment," Zelda interjected, still looked preoccupied in her thoughts. When two sets of confused eyes fixed upon her, she paused her internal musings to explain, "Cool Safflina leaves are worked into the pulp that's pressed into paper which gives it heat resistance. To make it flame proof, as I'm sure it is to survive this high up Death Mountain, Impa has no doubt acquired paper that also contains Smotherwing butterfly wing powder. Even in my time it was rare, but then again Impa currently holds a lot of the Castles old assets. Flameproof correspondence included."
Both Yunobo and Link blinked at her, before looking at each other.
"I had no idea those fluttery things could be so useful, did you, Brother?"
Link shook his head. He really had not been using his materials to their full potential, and no doubt Zelda would do even better when her research started.
"Well, I think a trip to see Impa will be next on the agenda once we complete business here," Zelda concluded, surfacing from her reveries. "Thank you, Yunobo, I'm glad you have already been forming contacts with the other races. It will make things a lot easier..."
"Make what easier?" Yunobo whispered as he leaned down toward Link, but the Hylian simply tapped his nose. "Aww, but I wanna know."
"You will in time," Zelda assured, coming forward to pat him on the arm, "but for now, could you lead us to Bludo?"
Bludo happened to be indisposed due to back pain again, but he was quick to give them directions to Daruk's journal which was, as Link predicted, written on stone. Slate specifically, each page tile bound together by metal rings.
"Shall we?" Zelda prompted, turning the tiles to reach the beginning.
It was mostly filled with anecdotes that related to eating in some form, and she had a good laugh over the mental image of Link trying to eat a rock roast.
"I was being polite," he insisted, all while Zelda continued to wheeze, clutching the bench beneath the journal.
However, what surprised her the most was a conversation between Link and Daruk that described an odd phenomenon that sometimes occurred to the Hylian. Link had spoken of time seeming to slow down whenever he focused on an attack, as if the world around him and his opponent moved at a speed half of his own. While it was mentioned in Daruk's writing as a passing comment, it struck Zelda as something far more significant.
It resonated with her even after they had finished and as they thanked Bludo for allowing them to read it. It remained as a primary thought as they promised Yunobo that he would understand their cryptic plans soon enough and to expect another letter from Impa soon. As they left the town, it was still ringing inside her head, demanding attention, so she decided she just had to ask.
"Link?" He hummed to show she had his attention, "do you have time magic?"
Whatever response she had expected it was not for her partner to come to a complete stop so he could dissolve into laughter. When it became apparent that waiting for his hysteria to pass was going to take a while, she decided to prompt him out of it.
"I'm serious! Link, what you told Daruk, I don't think it's just your perception. When I watch you fight, sometimes the way you use weapons and move should be impossible under the constraints of physics. Yet, you are able to do these things. Some other past Heroes were also associated with the manipulation of time, not just the Hero of Time, so it's not completely unfounded that you could have an innate ability that's been ignored so far."
It took the Hylian Champion a couple of more minutes to finally calm down, straightening back up from his hunched over posture to see Zelda waiting for him with one eyebrow raised.
"Sorry," Link started with, "but, me? Having magic? That's your thing. I just swing a sword."
"You swing a sword very well, and that is precisely my point. Even with your years of training and practice to hone muscles, the speed with which you move sometimes goes beyond the realm of possibility. Unless, of course, you were bending the rules with magic, however unintentionally."
This time, he didn't laugh. Instead, his brows knit together and his eyes drifted away from her face to fix on a point far in the distance. What if it isn't just my focus? If Zelda says she's noticed it herself, from her point of view, that means there is something different happening. But time magic? That's a bit of a stretch... isn't it?
Unable to think of any other explanation that came close to explaining the phenomenon, Link had to begin accepting the idea that he could, possibly, have been using magic. The idea didn't make him feel particularly comfortable, but he was reassured to know that at least it only seemed to happen when he was most focused.
When Link looked to Zelda again, she could see the uncertainty and vulnerability in his eyes and sympathy washed over her. The world never seems to stop throwing curveballs at him. A small spark of guilt came to life and tried to consume her but she refused to entertain it this time. Link needed to be made aware of this, she was not going to keep her suspicions from him.
"Link, it's ok," she said, coming forward to take his hands, one textured like stone and the other worn by years of harsh activity. "We can work on this together. Just like you supported me with harnessing my powers, I'm going to help you with yours."
The sentiment brought a genuine smile to his face, and he gave her hands a small tug in agreement.
"So," Link said, no longer frowning as a small smirk grew over his face instead, "you'll teach me magic while I teach you how to fight?"
"Seems like a fair trade to me."
Magic lessons – as Link so adeptly named them – would have to wait as they crossed the vast expanse of red rock that was Death Mountain. They had started with the map location furthest from them, which happened to end up being the first verse of Daruk's challenges. Upon seeing the 'titan', however, Zelda had immediately applied the brakes saying:
"Lets just see what and where the others are first, then we can teleport to them in a specific order."
She was, as always, his voice of reason that he trusted so they skirted back around the volcano to it's south side.
Both had agreed to traverse the mountain the old fashioned way, in an equal effort to not overly abuse the Sheikah Slates abilities and also to simply explore. Link had never been able to make fireproof elixirs that were as potent and long lasting as the ones Zelda had made for them, so his time on Death Mountain had been scarce. Coming up only for specific business and then leaving again for the safer temperatures below. Zelda herself had never been given such free reign with her travels, nor had she had the proper equipment to investigate such harsh environments.
Watching lava flow in sticky rivulets down the sides of rocks as she climbed barely three feet away was both fascinating and awe inspiring. The glow from the heat of the molten rocks illuminated her face but she could only feel a comfortable warmth, like an open fire. Still, she was careful where she placed her hands at all times. No enchantment would prevent her flesh from melting if she touched the liquid heat directly.
Out of the various regions, Eldin was one of the least explored. Then again, Zelda had only been able to explore Central Hyrule in any great detail, with a cursory expedition out into the Gerudo Desert and around Zora's Domain. To think, I used to see Link as a type of confinement. Now he's enabling my freedom.
As she looked back down below her, she could see him clinging to the cliff side watching a pair of lizards bask in the heat of the mountain. No doubt, he was waiting for her to continue climbing but he did not try to rush her. I must find something that I can do for him, too. But what does a person, who practically embodies the wild, need? She was left to wonder as she scaled the rest of the climb.
Overall, their adventure to cover all of the Trial locations lasted them around four days and within that time they had discovered the specifics of each challenge and how to best approach them. The large amounts of activity and strain had taken a toll on Zelda's unaccustomed body and even Link moved slower than he usually did.
"All this work has caused my muscles to seize up. I vaguely recall that there used to be some hot springs nearby, I assume that they are still there. Shall we go for a swim?"
After climbing all over an active volcano, not only were they physically exhausted, they were also both sweaty and dusty. Link thought the idea of hot water sounded heavenly right about now. There was something about soaking that made him feel protected and at peace - probably lingering sensations from his extensive time in Zora's Domain. As it was, he knew of some hot springs that were hidden away from the main travel route, and separate from the pools that the Gorons visited as they were too small. Thankfully, getting there required very little climbing and it was evident by their surroundings that only they had made the effort to get there.
Coiling up his many belts and pulling his tunic up over his head, Link planned to leave his under shorts on. However, as he looked over at the sound of rippling water, he spotted the red fabric of Zelda's flameproof jacket pooled on the floor, along with her white shirt and underwear folded on top of the pile. Blinking, he turned to see Zelda's bare, freckled shoulders sinking into the steaming water.
Oh.
Since being reunited with her, and then spending nearly every day together since, Link felt as if a part of him had slowly been waking up. After stumbling out of the Shrine of Resurrection, many things had been confusing for him but some things he had been sure of. He did not like speaking extensively, and he did not bugs crawling on him. He also had absolutely no desire to return the amorous attentions from interested individuals. Not that he necessarily found them to be unpleasant, though some had been a rather condescending, he just couldn't find it within him to do so. That had been steadily changing since he and Zelda started living together, and now, seeing her skin gain a pink hue from the warm water, the distance between them was far too much.
He padded over to sit down on the edge of the hot spring, placing a leg into the water on either side of Zelda's shoulders, which prompted her to twist around and face him.
"Scooch forward a bit," Link said, desperately ignoring how her face was level with his hips.
She did as she was asked, which allowed him to slide into the water behind her, his back pressed against the rocky edge of the pool. He was about to pull her back into his lap, but the growing tension in his boxers made him think better of it, instead pulling her back to sit beside him.
Zelda, on the other hand, clearly had other ideas and wanted to be closer. In one graceful movement, she swung a thigh over his legs and pulled herself up to settle herself on top of him. It was only then did she realise why he had placed her to the side. She looked down through the sparkling, crystal clear water and Link felt his face burn, glancing away quickly before his partner could catch his eye.
An insistent tap on his cheek got him to turn his head back to her slowly, and through his fringe he was able to see her soft expression as her hands come up to cradle the back of his head.
"You know, you needn't be ashamed of the way your body reacts to me," Zelda said, leaning back to see his face and shifting her hips forward. He sucked in a gasp. "It's actually rather pleasing to know that I can illicit that sort of reaction from you."
With that, she came forward again to move her lips against Links, coaxing stronger responses from him as she went and his body relaxed under her touch. He grasped at her thighs, mindful of the strength he possessed, and cinched them up against him more tightly. Zelda's smile could be felt against his mouth.
One of the hands she had pressed against the back of his head started to trail down south, sliding over his shoulder, across the front his chest and then coasted down his stomach to his hips. Link lifted a hand away from one of her thighs in a move to stop her but he paused. Drawing back barely an inch, Zelda took a moment to gauge his body language.
"Let me," she whispered.
It took Link a moment to try and work out what his misgivings about this situation were and upon finding that he had none, besides an automatic sense of propriety, he returned his hand to her skin. He gave himself over, letting his head fall back against the rocks as she slipped her hand into his boxers and his mouth fell open in a drawn out groan.
Once he'd become a flushed and panting mess, slowly getting his breath back as Zelda trailed kisses up his neck, Link wanted to return the favour with his mouth. Unfortunately, his lung capacity was abysmal and doing so in hot water was perhaps not the wisest idea. So, while they were both submerged in the spring, he had to settle for pleasuring her with his hands. She certainly didn't seem to complain if the way she curled around him to breath heavily against his shoulder was any indication.
Skin flushed and body sated, Zelda had her head propped against his chest as she went limp in his lap. She was idly tracing the luminous patterns of his prosthetic that were burning fiercely, and she wondered whether it was because of the heat or her actions. A small kiss to the top of her head made her forget her train of thought and she nudged his collarbone in response.
"You know, I can't help but feel that I've been a bad influence on your work ethic." Link made a confused noise in reply that Zelda felt reverberate from his chest. "Or should I say Quest ethic?"
That made him laugh and she propped herself up to watch him fondly.
"After all, you used to do any task given to you as quickly and efficiently as possible. Yes, even saving me, I believe that," she pre-empted. "Yet, here I am tempting you into hot springs and taking the long scenic routes."
"I don't mind. I think it's good. You make me slow down so I don't burn out."
It seemed odd to Zelda that she was the one to slow him down, when she used to be feverishly active at all times and he would stand calmly behind her. But, if he was taking her requests as good things then she saw no reason to stop.
This, this is what I can do for him, she realised and settled against him once more.
Hot spring shenanigans.
PSA: Just as an aside, if this story hadn't already been posted on Ao3 and completed, I would have stopped updating this story on this site due to the lack of feedback. Feedback is very important to writers because it lets us know that the readers are actually engaging with the story. If we don't see feedback we assume there's no interest, so there's no point uploading.
Please remember to actually INTERACT with fics you have read, or those stories won't happen anymore.
