AN: Gosh, I apologise for another delay. This story is proving to be quite a challenge for some reason or another. I actually considered putting it on hiatus, but I think this is the penultimate chapter (as far as my planning goes) and so I refused to fall at the last hurdle. But still, thank you to those who favourited, followed, read this story, the support means a lot! As always, big thanks to silverheartlugia2000, ScarlettAlexandra, meladi1, TMNT Redneck, Guest, Twilight16 and The Reader for your reviews!
To Guest: Thank you so much for your review, and I think you may well be right about Link. But we shall see... :D
To Twilight16: I'm glad you're still enjoying it, sorry for the delay in updating!
To The Reader: Thank you for another lovely review, I fully understand the pains of using a smartphone for things like this. I'm happy chapter 4 managed to be thought-provoking, and I hope you'll continue to speculate right up to the end, where, y'know, I'll hopefully tie everything up :3
And now, on with the chapter. Enjoy!

Five:

The next morning dawned slowly, gradually filling the room with muted grey light as Zelda struggled to keep her eyes open. She and Link were lying side by side, facing each other, but while her eyes were open his were shut. It had taken some time but he had finally calmed enough to drift off to sleep again, though never for longer than a few hours. Every so often he would wake again, though always in a calmer manner than the first time. It meant Zelda could simply comfort him with her presence, not her words.

As tired as she felt she was fairly sure she herself had dozed off a few times, so she was unsure if Link had woken any more times than those she was aware of. If he had then he had not disturbed her, though she was not sure if she was grateful or sorry for it.

Eventually, though, the sunlight became a brighter yellow, telling Zelda it was time to rise for good. Sitting up slowly she rubbed a hand across her face, her eyelids feeling scratchy and heavy, smoothing her hair gently as she clamped down on a yawn. Thankfully her schedule for the day ahead was not terribly busy, consisting of a survey of the castle and surrounding city as well as a few more trivial meetings with some of her advisors. It did not seem like it would be a particularly taxing day, for which she was exceedingly grateful.

Beside her Link stirred, drawing her thoughts back to the present, his eyelids fluttering sleepily before opening fully.

'Good morning,' Zelda said carefully, wondering when or even if she should bring up the events of the night. 'How did you sleep?'

Link blinked once before suddenly shooting upright, looking distinctly bashful as he looked about him in confusion until his eyes finally settled on her. Hiding a slight smile behind a hand Zelda met his gaze, tilting her head slightly in a silent question.

'Um, fine th- thank you,' he managed after a moment, the faint pink of his cheeks only serving to widen Zelda's smile even as he told a blatant lie. 'And- and yourself?'

'Fine thank you,' Zelda returned, aware that her somewhat dishevelled appearance said otherwise. 'Do you remember anything of last night?'

'I do,' Link replied, but only after a minute of heavy silence as his cheeks returned to their familiar unhealthy pallor. Casting his eyes downwards his stared at his hands, which were tangled in the sheets. Following his gaze Zelda watched his knuckles whiten briefly before he flexed his fingers, letting them lie flat again.

'Link, I will not ask you tell me anything unless I deem it absolutely necessary,' Zelda said slowly, drawing his eyes once more onto her face. 'But know that I am here, should you wish to talk.'

Once he had nodded silently Zelda rose from the bed, adjusting her nightgown swiftly. 'I will leave you to dress, and I ask that you join me for breakfast,' she said as she waited for him to nod in acquiescence before leaving to prepare herself, hurrying up the stairs and praying fervently that no one would see her stealing up to her chambers in nothing but her nightgown.

She could only begin to image the scandal it would cause. Hylians were renowned for being terrible gossips and secrets were not an easy thing to keep secret in the city.

Thankfully there was no sign of life other than herself, and not long after she was ushering Link into her chambers, bidding him sit while breakfast was prepared. She had arranged for some new clothes to be set out for him, should he wish to bid his worn Hero's garb farewell for a time, and she was pleased to discover he had opted to change. The new clothes suited him, looking a sight more comfortable than the old tunic, however well it had fitted him.

As they sat he was quiet, but that was hardly unusual, simply observing the room in silence. Not minding the silence, and still unsure as to whether or not she should bring up the events of the night, Zelda simply ate quietly, struggling to keep her heavy eyelids open. She would not fall asleep.

'Thank you.' Link suddenly broke the prolonged silence, dragging his eyes away from the food he was pushing listlessly around his plate to look at her. 'For last night.'

'It was no trouble,' Zelda said, glad she had not breached the subject but also having a little trouble getting her bleary mind to work. When she smiled gently at him he returned the sentiment briefly before once more dropping his eyes back onto the cutlery in his hands.

'Are you not hungry?' Zelda asked hesitantly, seeing him start just slightly at the question. Setting the silverware down gingerly Link scratched his cheek almost self-consciously, refusing to meet her eyes.

'When- when I was a wolf I… I didn't eat that much and, well, it was mostly all raw meat.' He gave a sheepish little huff of laughter, squirming for some reason or another. Did he think somehow that she would judge him in some way? That perhaps she would be offended if he did not eat?

On the contrary, she had gained some insight into the cause behind his almost emaciated appearance.

'I suppose this must all be overwhelming to your tongue, then,' she said softly, gesturing to the food slightly. 'I can have something simpler prepared, if you would like?'

'No, no it's fine.' Immediately shooting down her offer Link hitched a borderline painful smile onto his face. 'It's really fine.' His expression turned a little bewildered when she frowned at him, though she made an effort to smooth her own expression before replying.

'Link, you are my guest. It is my duty to ensure you are as comfortable as possible, so please do not hesitate to ask for anything. You need not hold back.' She stared at him seriously, until his eyes once more dropped away from hers.

'It's really fine,' he mumbled, twirling his knife between his fingers in a restless gesture. 'But thank you.'

'Keep it in mind,' Zelda instructed, earning herself a little half smile that was a hundred times more genuine than the last.

'I will,' he said, before they lapsed into silence once again. Zelda finished eating in better spirits than before, glad that he had not retreated back into his shell since awakening. Perhaps he would be willing to talk to her freely soon.

Telling herself not to let her hopes rise too high she instead invited him to accompany her on her tour of the castle and surrounding city. He protested at first but she was adamant, refusing to take no for an answer. Now that he was not an overly large wolf and could therefore walk about the city unhindered she had no plans to let him stay cooped up in his room for the duration of his stay. Especially when she had absolutely no idea as to just how long he was going to stay.

But while he was still a guest in her castle he needed sunlight, fresh air, interaction with people other than herself. The thought of him cooped up in his room was unpleasant, the image not fitting him at all.

Upon managing to convince him to accompany her she led him out of the castle past the stables, wondering what had happened to his own trusty steed, Epona, as they passed. When she asked he told her that Rusl and his family were looking after the mare, the faint sorrow that danced in his eyes as the thought of it making her chest tighten slightly.

Intent on distracting him Zelda continued on her way, Link not far behind. They passed out of the great gates at an ambling pace, the faint sounds of the bustling city beyond growing louder with each step. As they walked there was a series of clatters before a soldier had jogged up to her, explaining that he had been asked to act as a guard of sorts while she toured the city.

For a moment Zelda considered protesting, as she was stood beside the young man who had more or less single-handedly saved Hyrule, and she was perfectly capable of looking after herself, but then common sense won out. One could never be too cautious; the tide could turn before they even realised, as she and her soldiers were well aware. Besides, it would not only be for herself. She knew her soldiers were determined to prove their capabilities, so she would not deny them the opportunity. Of all the many long-lasting effects Ganondorf's coup had caused, this one at least she knew how to fix. Or at the very least start to fix.

Bidding the soldier, and Link, follow, Zelda set off down the stone path, resuming her ambling pace. After a few metres Link fell into step beside her, while the rattle of the soldier's armour told her he was not far behind.

'How long has it been since you last visited the city?' Zelda asked, extending her arm for Link to take. He did so gingerly, carefully as if he thought she might break, his arm warm against hers.

'Not since Ganondorf… died,' Link said, tripping over the word in such a way that it made Zelda glance at him. He stayed facing forward, despite all appearances being the one led as she steered them down the path towards the heart of the city.

'Well, the city welcomes you with open arms,' Zelda said, realising as she thought about it that Link had vanished not long after the battle's conclusion. After Midna's departure. Glancing at his drawn face from the corner of her eye Zelda tightened her grip on his arm just slightly, hoping her presence could reassure him as it had the night before. She saw his lips tilt up at the corners vaguely before he looked at her briefly.

'Has it changed much?' He asked, for once asking a question instead of replying to one he had been asked.

'The city?' Zelda confirmed, earning a slight nod. 'No, not particularly. The soldiers are more diligent, and the civilians are a little more wary, but thankfully nothing was damaged or particularly disturbed during the attack. The castle is the only thing that has required rebuilding.'

'That's good,' Link said softly, his eyes darting around as they reached the fountain that trickled merrily at the heart of the city. The area surrounding it was busy, full of colourful people going about their daily business, though Zelda attracted more than a few curious glances. If truth be told she had not left the castle very often prior to the attack, so she had to wonder how many of her citizens even recognised her face.

'It's as busy as ever,' Link said with a slight breath of laughter, looking around slowly. 'Even when it was covered in twilight it was always so busy.'

'We are nothing if not a stoic community,' Zelda agreed, also looking about. There were so many people wandering around, children darting through the crowds as they pursued the many small creatures that patrolled the streets day and night while adults carried their wares to and from the various stalls that lined the streets. Across the fountain from where they stood a small group of musicians were playing a sweet tune, the singer's voice undulating out across the courtyard above the many voices that were all talking at once. There was the faint smell of perfume in the air, as well as that of cooking food, and Zelda inhaled deeply as she took in everything, fondness swelling in her chest.

It could not have been more different from the castle. Both were busy, it was true, but in the castle no one ever stopped for casual conversation, and barely anyone knew the names of more than a few of those they passed in the hallways.

Somehow it was much more detached, despite being barely fifty metres from such a bustling place as the city centre. Underneath the swell of fondness Zelda felt a twinge of melancholy. How had she ended up so detached from her citizens?

'Your Highness?' Link's voice drew her eyes up from the rippling water of the fountain, which they had fallen onto as she had become lost in thought. He was looking at her with a brow slightly creased with concern, though for a moment Zelda was distracted by just how blue his eyes looked in the sunlight.

'Just Zelda, please,' she said after a pause, drawing in a deep breath while she hurriedly collected her thoughts. Link gave a wan smile that told her he was not going to take her up on that offer, or at least not without difficulty, but she did hope he would at least try. Shaking herself Zelda turned her thoughts to her survey of the city, tearing herself away from the city centre's bustle in favour of following the many winding side streets as she observed her city closely. She was determined to make sure all was as well as it could be before her trip was over.

In the end Link did actually take charge, guiding her through the streets she had no doubt he had wandered many times, pointing out various attractions and stalls she would never had guessed lay hidden in those narrow stone corridors.

Despite herself Zelda forced their little trio to stop on multiple occasions. All under the pretence of the observations, of course, but there was a certain childish glee to entering the brightly coloured tent full of acrobats or discovering his unusual friendship with a young girl obsessed with insects. She had to wonder why she had never explored the city she lived in so extensively before this. Not even as a child had she ventured far from the main roads.

But this was not a time for regrets. This was a time to make sure her city was healing, moving on from the attack. It was an opportunity to spend some time with Link away from dull, dusty rooms or bloodstained caves. Their conversations were short, fleeting, but enjoyable nonetheless. Link did not offer any further explanations of his recent behaviour and Zelda did not press him for them, their small talk casual but decidedly pleasant. It made a nice change to the constant discussions with counsellors or advisors, the constant talk of business she was subjected to at the castle.

Not that she would complain. It was to be expected. She was the princess, it was her duty. She would bear the ups, the downs, everything, for her country.

Somehow the end of her tour of the city came about terribly fast, and upon realising she had no desire to return the castle, as well as no real need to, she managed to convince Link to escort her to the fields beyond the South Road. As she wandered down the street she purchased a number of food items, having managed to spend enough time traversing the city that it was already noon. Unwilling to return to the castle for food she turned to the stalls that lined the road, dismissing the soldier who had been following them before allowing Link to lead her out of the gates to the fields beyond.

The glare of the sun on the pale stone that made the foundations of Castle Town seemed brighter as she passed out of the shade beneath the large gates, forcing her to lift a hand to shield her eyes. She had also purchased a handy basket somewhere along the road, which she swung absently at her side as Link made his way further from the tall walls that encircled the city, heading for the grass the stone gave way to some fifty metres or so from the wall.

Once he had chosen a good spot, perhaps a little too close to the edge of an unnaturally large, deep hole in the ground for comfort, they folded themselves onto the grass. Setting down the basket Zelda looked towards the lip of the gap, wondering how such a thing had occurred.

'I jumped down there once,' Link said suddenly, apparently catching the focus of her gaze. Blinking in surprise Zelda looked back to him, startled. There was a hint of a smile on his face as he drew one knee up to his chest, wrapping his arms around it.

'You… what?' Zelda did not believe she had heard correctly, but as an impish smile curled Link's mouth she realised she had. 'Why would you do that?'

'Midna dared me,' Link said quietly after hesitating for a moment. 'I had to drink a bottle of red potion after.'

'I can imagine,' Zelda practically exclaimed, amazed that he would do something so irresponsible. Just what kind of influence had the Twilight Princess had on him? Link remained quiet, something sad darkening his expression, which was the brightest she had seen it since he had reverted to his human form.

'You miss her, do you not?' Zelda asked, impulsively, keeping her tone gentle as she breached what she knew was a sensitive subject. Could this be classed as a question she did not need to ask? Did it count as breaking the promise she had made him earlier that day?

'I do,' Link replied simply, shrugging a shoulder slightly. 'Don't you?'

'Yes, I do,' Zelda agreed, not sure if he was attempting to steer the conversation away from himself or not. Whatever the case, she had little doubt he missed Midna much more than she did. True, they had grown fairly close over the weeks of Zant's rule, and they had even become irrevocably connected for a time, but she did not believe her connection to the Twili ruler had been anywhere near as deep as Link's. There were times when she recalled faint sensations from the time she had sacrificed her own life force to heal Midna, becoming filled with a heart wrenching sense of loss as if some part of her were missing, but it was not the same as losing a good friend. At least, she did not believe so.

They lapsed into silence for a moment before Zelda dragged the basket to her side, sharing her purchases out between them. She had made sure to look for simpler, plainer foods so that Link's unaccustomed taste buds would not be accosted, as well as indulging her desire for simple ingredients as it had been some time since she had had anything other than the heavier meals served at the castle.

They ate in silence, Zelda tipping her head back to watch the clouds roll by as she let the sun warm her face. A soft breeze rustled the grass around them and tugged at her hair gently, cooling the glare of the light.

'It has been too long since I have simply let myself relax like this,' Zelda said, watching another large white cloud drift in front of the sun, casting a faint shadow on the world below.

'Yeah,' Link said softly in agreement. 'I can't remember the last time.' Glancing over at him Zelda could not help the slight heavy feeling in her chest at the thought. How long had he been silently suffering, alone in some cave in Faron Woods?

Sighing softly she let herself fall back, lying down to watch the clouds drift by for a little longer. She did not want to return to the castle. She did not want to return to its formal confines, at least for a little while. But she was sure it would not be long before the guilt of abandoning her post crept up on her.

There came the soft sound of movement before Link had laid down beside her, his head resting not far from hers.

'Thank you for bringing me here,' he said. 'I spent so long in that cave… I'd forgotten what this was like.'

'You are very welcome,' Zelda replied with a smile. 'It was my pleasure.' He gave a small amused huff at that, before allowing them to lapse back into silence. Despite their proximity to a bustling city the small field was quiet, the wind the only real sound that Zelda could identify.

It was only when her eyelids began to droop, reminding her again of the sleepless night she had had, that she forced herself upright. When she looked at him she found Link laying quietly, his hands folded on his stomach as he stared up at the bright sky through half closed eyelids. His fringe covered his face haphazardly; as she watched a breath of wind stirred it so that it fell into his eyes, prompting him to brush it away lazily. For a moment Zelda looked down at him fondly before sighing softly.

'As much as it pains me, I must return to the castle soon,' she said, which made him open his eyes fully to squint up at her. 'If you wish to stay here, please do.'

'No, it's fine,' he said, sitting up slowly as he stretched his arms above his head. 'I'll come.' Zelda smiled slightly, watching him rub his eyes sleepily before climbing to his feet where he offered her a hand. Taking it carefully she let him pull her to her feet, murmuring soft thanks as she smoothed her skirts and gathered up the basket. She would have to put it away somewhere to use again someday, should such a day ever come. She sincerely hoped it would, though she doubted her royal duties would make it easy

Once they were both ready they set off again, arms interlinked as Link took the lead, drawing her gently in the direction she wished to go. It made quite a difference from their earlier journey, where she had been the one steering them, and she took it as a sign that he was feeling at least a little better. There was a slight heightened colour in his cheeks, too, which Zelda also took as a good sign. Perhaps it would only be temporary, but she was glad to see him in better spirits. She had been worried he would resent her for all but forcing him to accompany her, but now she was glad she had convinced him to get some fresh air. Keeping him cooped up inside would never do him any good. After all he was in spirit, and perhaps at heart, a wild beast.

As they made their way back up the South Road, shrouded in companionable silence, Link suddenly halted, his gaze dropping to the flagstones paving the street.

'Louise?' Following his gaze as he said the name softly Zelda found herself looking at a sleek white cat that was pressing itself against his legs. 'Hey, it's been a while.' Link reached down briefly to stroke the cat's head before glancing at Zelda in a sheepish kind of way. 'Louise helped me get to you when Midna was… hurt,' he explained, smiling fondly down at the white feline.

'I had always wondered how exactly you reached me,' Zelda said, amused at the thought of a cat giving Link instructions. She had always assumed Midna, even in her weakened state, had led Link back to her chambers, but apparently not.

'Well if it isn't Link!' A sudden new voice spoke nearby, drawing Zelda's eyes to the somewhat hidden staircase branching away off of the road. There was a woman stood there, hands on her hips as she stared at Link with a wide smile.

'Telma?' Link sounded surprised as he returned the smile, though his was much smaller, stepping towards the woman. Zelda followed, her arm still interlinked with his, watching the newcomer with interest. She struck quite an impressive figure, with her piercing eyes and full curves, and Zelda had to wonder just how Link had become acquainted with her.

'How've you been?' Telma asked as the cat brushed against her legs in an affectionate kind of way.

'Oh, you know…' Link shrugged, giving an apathetic half answer that obviously did not pass unnoticed by the woman.

'But aren't you looking dashing?' Telma continued, pointedly changing the subject as her smile stretched even wider. 'Where'd you get those fancy clothes?'

'Uh…' Link glanced at Zelda, hesitating for a heartbeat or two. 'The pr- Zelda gave them to me.' As Telma's expression turned suddenly shocked, her eyes falling Zelda, Zelda herself could not help a smile as he dropped the honorifics as she had asked.

'Your Highness…!' Telma looked almost flustered, though she hid it well. 'Forgive me, I didn't recognise you.'

'It is fine,' Zelda said with a smile, brushing the apology away. 'I am pleased to make your acquaintance, Telma.' She extended a hand, which after a moment's hesitation Telma reached out to shake with a firm grip. As she let her hand drop Zelda turned to Link, who had been the exchange watching in patient silence. 'Link, I really must return to the castle, but if you wish to follow later then by all means please do.'

'Are- are you sure?' Link asked, glancing around swiftly. 'Will you be all right?'

'It is little more than a five minute walk,' Zelda assured him with a laugh. 'I will be perfectly fine, and I will see you later. It was nice meeting you, Telma.'

'Yeah, you too,' Telma said, looking as if she had something more to say but holding her tongue. Disentangling herself from Link Zelda bid them a final farewell before turning to walk away. When she glanced back the pair were gone, apparently vanished down the staircase, though the cat remained on the top step as if to watch her departure.

Lifting a hand slightly in a half-hearted acknowledgment Zelda made her way back to the castle, finding the journey somehow more intimidating now that her quiet companion had vanished. Still, she was glad he was not with her and was instead with Telma, whom she could only assume was an old friend. They had seemed to be on good terms, so Zelda had no qualms with leaving him with the woman. Link needed to reconnect with his human roots if he wished to resist the temptation of the strange shard he had given Zelda.

As content as she was, however, she still could not resist sending a brief prayer to the goddesses as she walked. Those same old insecurities had arisen and it was all she could do to pray he would return, and return safely.