What was the line Zelda had used with him so many years ago? "There's a fine line between courage and recklessness. As brave as you are, that does not make you immortal!"
Azalea's words were different but conveyed the same thought. "Link, charging into danger is reckless! What if I wasn't there to heal you?"
She had a point, but Link wasn't keen to admit it.
Clouds blotted out the midday sun over the coliseum, shrouding the dismal stones in a darker, eeriness that sent a shiver down the couple's spines. The corpse of the freshly slain Silver-Maned Lynel on the bloodstained floor did little to help the atmosphere.
The blond Champion of Hyrule's blue eyes narrowed at his girlfriend. "I managed just fine on my own when freeing the Divine Beasts," he countered.
Az huffed, her platinum hair swaying as she pulled away from him, cutting off the healing magic flowing through her hands. "Maybe next time I'll leave you bloodied from the lynel then," she snapped, her pink eyes flashing with hurt and anger. "See if I care."
Link flexed his newly repaired arm, rolling his shoulder to remove the stiffness. A brief touch confirmed that the gash on his head and ear from the lynel's arrow remained, though the bleeding had stopped. He scowled at her back as she stomped away. Why did girls have to be so stubborn?!
Az fumed and stooped to pick up her bag and pull it over her shoulder, recalling the fight while she left the arena and set herself back on the path to the mountains. It was his idea to stop and remove the lynel from the coliseum on their way to Satori Mountain to visit her parents' grave. She had no objections, providing Link promised to be careful while fighting the beast. He made his vow… then promptly broke it, running straight at the lynel when it made its initial charge with a wild whoop.
Somehow, he managed to avoid severe injury, at least at first. Az's hand covered her mouth, her breath coming in fearful pants as she watched him dance around the hooved monster, striking blows where he could while dodging the sword that was nearly the size of the Hero himself.
Link's first mistake came when he took his eyes off the lynel while he switched from the Master Sword to his Great Eagle Bow while the beast was thirty paces away. Az's scream was the only thing that saved him from death, giving him an alert the instant before the arrow struck, grazing the side of his head rather than landing the killing blow intended.
Blood dripped into his eyes. Nothing pissed Link off more than his eyesight being obscured during a fight. He let out a feral yell and shot three bomb arrows at the lynel in rapid succession, filling the arena in a cloud of dust from the explosion.
Az coughed, losing sight of both the monster and her boyfriend. The roar of the beast filled her eyes, sending her spiraling back into memories. Only it wasn't her blond lover fighting the lynel. No…
"Run!" she heard her mother scream at her. The thunder of the lynel's hooves approaches with every passing second. She couldn't move. Couldn't scream. The whizzing sound of an arrow flying by, too close for comfort. The lynel roared, finally spurring Az's feet into motion. She turned and fled, stumbling in her haste to get away.
"Run, Azalea! Never… forget…. We love you!"
Tears blinded her, making it impossible to run. Behind her, the sickening sounds of the monster's weapons making impact with frail flesh filled her ears. Az screamed and curled around herself, willing it all to be a nightmare. A horrible dream that she would surely wake up from at any moment.
Link's howl of pain brought her back to the present. Az straightened, tears still filling her eyes as she frantically searched for her idiot boyfriend.
His left arm holding his shield dangled lifelessly at his side, disfigured and bloodied from the shoulder down. His chest heaving, he tightened his grip on the Master Sword. "You're going to pay for that!" he spat.
The lynel simply roared and leaped out of range, gearing up for another rush at the wounded Hero.
Az could no longer sit idly by and watch Link fight the same kind of brute that killed her parents. Her bag was quickly discarded, her bow came off her back and was quickly nocked with a bomb arrow. It took only a fraction of a second to activate her sight skill, cutting through the remaining dust and honing in on the lynel. The arrow flew and exploded on the monster's face, a second one following before it had the chance to recover.
Link darted forward and drove the Master Sword up into the lynel's chest, wrenching it back towards himself hard. The blade carved through the monster's heart and lungs, finally downing it with a guttural groan of finality. Blood splashed across the arena, dousing the tips of Link's boots as the body fell heavily in front of him. He leaned heavily on his blade, panting from exertion and pain.
"Link!" Az slid the bow back over her shoulder and ran to him. She quickly assessed his injuries, laying her hands on his left arm and activating her healing magic. "Azalea's Grace" as he had jokingly referred to it, flowed through her, knitting together the broken bones, rended flesh, and torn skin.
Sharp blue eyes narrowed as they met her worried pink ones. "Why'd you interfere? I had it handled just fine."
"Link, charging into danger is reckless! What if I wasn't here to heal you?"
This argument again. Link fought the urge to roll his eyes, choosing to narrow them at her instead. "I managed just fine on my own when freeing the Divine Beasts," he pointed out. You weren't with me then, and I still survived. I don't need help. I'm the Champion of Hyrule!
Az huffed, her platinum hair swaying as she pulled away from him, cutting off the healing magic flowing through her hands. "Maybe next time I'll leave you injured from the lynel then," she snapped, her pink eyes flashing with hurt and anger. "See if I care."
See if you care, she says… And there she goes away, stomping away. Just like the Princess in that regard. Link scowled at her back as she walked away. He rolled his shoulder to remove the residual stiffness from it. He did have to admit, having a healer for a girlfriend was pretty handy at times. But his pride forbade him from acknowledging that he had needed her assistance in taking down the lynel.
His gaze turned to the bloodied corpse in front of him. He had no real need for any of the weapons the lynel had carried, but they would fetch a good amount of rupees if sold, so he swallowed his revulsion and retrieved the lynel's sword, shield, and bow. The arrows from the monster's quiver were the only thing he slid into his own pack before shouldering the remainder for the short walk to the Outskirt Stable.
Az reached the stable and took a seat under a tree with her waterskin and an apple. She wasn't especially hungry, but they still had a decent way to reach Satori, and she needed something to pass the time until Link came to his senses and talked to her again. Anger burned in her veins as she remembered his cutting words. He had it handled?! What kind of monster guts was that? If she hadn't hit the lynel with the bomb arrows, he easily could have died!
It didn't take long for Link to catch up. She felt his piercing gaze on her for a moment before his attention turned to finding Beedle and selling the weapons from the lynel. She couldn't hide the irritation from her face when Link made his way over to her, choosing to look away from him.
"Let's go," was all he said before turning on his heel and walking back to the path.
Az felt her blood boil. "Let's go"?! That was ALL he would say after all that? She rose and brushed the leaves off her skirt, slipping her bow and bag onto her back. She waited until the two had crossed the Manhala Bridge before she laid into him.
"Link. What did you mean you had it handled?" She raised a hand to stop him so she could continue. "You broke your promise! You vowed you'd be careful but you ran headfirst at the same kind of monster that k-killed my parents! How is that being careful?!"
Her blond boyfriend stopped and faced her, irritation growing by the second. "I meant what I said. I had it handled. I've faced and killed dozens of lynels, without help, I might add. You might think you were doing me a service, but you were doing it for the pride of saying you took down a fearsome monster that almost killed the Hero of Hyrule, weren't you?"
Az recoiled as if she'd been slapped. Hot tears filled her eyes, and the anger from before burned hotter than ever. "That… I.. You…" She tried to form a sentence but was too hurt to convey the emotions swirling through her. Casting him a glower that showed only a fraction of the pain he'd caused, she activated her haste and ran, bolting for the mountain and the sanctuary of the cherry blossom tree, leaving the blond alone on the path.
Az's feet barely touched the ground as she sped up the mountain, slowing only when she neared the pond. If Satori was present, she didn't want to scare him, though her heart was pained at the time.
The pond was empty, save for the light breeze that rustled through the cherry blossom tree, sending petals dancing across the surface of the water. Her knees gave out and she collapsed below the tree trunk, weeping into her hands. Does he really think that? It's all for attention? He doesn't need me. He doesn't want me. I'm just a nuisance. I'm in his way, and he regretted making that promise to me.
She cried harder, the tears streaming down her face. Memories of their time together flooded through her mind unbidden. Their first interaction, when he saved her from a guardian's blast on Hyrule Field not long after he'd awoken from the Shrine of Resurrection. Seeing him again in Zora's Domain while she strengthened her healing powers, he quested to free Vah Ruta from Waterblight Ganon. The light joking he made before taking the time to train her how to use the daggers she obtained to defend herself when their paths crossed at the Dueling Peaks Stable. Whispers of how it wasn't a coincidence when she showed up to find him weak and battered at the base of Mount Lanayru after freeing Naydra then facing the lynel there. Their hesitant first kiss the night they found each other in the camp at Castle Town after he defeated Calamity Ganon. That sparked the awkward conversation she initiated about his relationship with the Princess. And the precious night two short weeks ago where he took her to his house in Hateno, upstairs to his bed, where the two tenderly crossed the threshold of simply being friends and became lovers.
Az's heart ached, and she sniffled, whispering to the graves of her parents nearby. "Mama, Papa… I don't know what to do. He… he said such hurtful things. He accused me of trying to save him out of pride! I… I can't lose him. I can't lose anyone else. I love him, but Goddess, it hurts so much!" She curled around herself, sobs wracking her lithe frame.
The light breeze picked up and blew through Az's hair, distracting her from her tears. She listened intently with her heart before responding. "I know, Mama, but he didn't wait to listen. He was quick to assume my motives. To judge my character when I tried to help."
The wind rustled through the blossoms and tousled her hair from the other direction, and Az bowed her head low in respect. "No, Papa. I wanted to speak out in anger, but instead, I… I ran. I know I need to talk to him, but I can't. Not yet."
A cherry blossom petal floated off the tree and landed in the palm of her hand. She bent her lips down and kissed the petal.
"He's supposed to join me. He promised he'd come to pay his respects." Az's face softened. "I should talk to him before he does though."
A second petal danced on the wind, brushing her cheek before settling in her lap. "Thank you, Mama and Papa. I'll be back." Wiping the last of the tears from her face, she arose quietly. Setting her bag and bow beside the tree, she gave a slight bow and made her way back down the mountain. Halfway down, she caught sight of the familiar tousled blond hair, and her heart skipped a beat. Even when fighting, he was still incredibly handsome, this young man she had fallen for. Skidding to a stop, she called to him. "Link!"
His head came up and their eyes met. Link wore an inscrutable expression as he studied her, taking in her red-rimmed eyes.
Az swallowed down the lump in her throat. "C-can we talk? P-please?"
Her blond Hero gave a single nod, jogging effortlessly up the steep terrain to meet her. He stopped several paces away, hesitant to approach further.
"I… I was s-scared of losing you." Her pink eyes were downcast, reluctant to meet his striking stare. "I didn't mean for y-you to think I was doing it f-for attention. I-I, I just… I wanted to help."
She heard Link softly exhale, then his arms were around her, pulling her against his chest in a warm hug. His calloused fingers stroked through her wavy platinum hair the way she loved. "I know," was all he murmured in her ear, holding her close.
The tears returned. "I c-can't lose a-anyone else. E-especially not y-you."
"You won't. I'm here," he soothed. Soft lips pressed a kiss onto her forehead.
Az melted into his embrace, her fingers wrapping into the blue of his Champion's tunic. It didn't escape her notice that he'd failed to apologize, but it wasn't worth an argument for her to mention it. She'd hold her tongue if it meant keeping the peace, for the time being at least.
There was a pause and silence while he simply held her before he murmured "Thanks, blossom."
Her heart swelled. Blossom. The nickname he had given her while they were bantering at the Dueling Peaks Stables. When questioned about it, he simply said 'cherry blossoms'. Her eyes reminded him of the tree on Satori Mountain. The same tree where she conversed with the spirits of her parents.
She pulled back, drying the last of her tears with the hem of her shirt, showing a hint of the pale curve of her stomach. "Will you come visit Mama and Papa with me now?"
Link gave a short nod, affectionately ruffling the hair on the top of her head in spite of her protest.
Az slipped her hand into his and led him back up the mountain to the cherry blossom tree. "I haven't seen Satori today, but I know that he usually shows up later in the evening."
"Satori?" Link asked, raising an eyebrow at her.
"The Lord of the Mountain," she replied with a giggle. "You know who I'm talking about, don't you?"
Link rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly. "I didn't know his name when I was here before."
"Have you spoken to him?" Az inquired, her eyes shining as she looked up at him.
He chuckled softly. "Something like that."
She cocked her head to the side in confusion. "What do you mean?"
Link shook his head, clamming up. "It's nothing," he insisted.
Az had a dozen questions, but a light breeze ruffling her hair distracted her from pursuing it further. "I'm back, Mama and Papa. And this is Link."
The blond Champion dropped to one knee in front of the tree, bowing his head in respect. He didn't speak for a long minute, simply listening to the wind rustling through the leaves and cherry blossoms.
Az knelt beside him, her attention more on her blond boyfriend than on the breeze swirling around them. A single petal danced between the two, settling on Link's knee. He glanced down at the delicate pink object, then over at Az.
"I think they like you," Az said with a soft smile.
Link rubbed the back of his neck again, clearly feeling ill at ease despite his effort to hide it.
She slipped her hand into his, intertwining their fingers. "We talked, and we're okay. I love him, so very much."
The tips of Link's ears turned red, and a slight flush crept over his neck. "You told them we fought?" he whispered.
Az hummed in acknowledgement. "They may be gone, but their spirits remain. They like hearing about what's going on when I visit." Her face fell. "I can't visit as often as I want, but I always feel better when I'm here."
"Do they know we've… y'know." The blush on Link's face intensified.
A blush rose to match on Az's face. "Well, I suppose they do now." She gulped softly, reminding herself to kick his ass later for bringing up that in front of her parents.
Link bowed his head nearly to his knee. "I have no desire to take advantage of your daughter. I love her. And… I hope to receive your blessings to continue doing so."
Az felt her heart in her throat. D-did he really just tell my p-parents he l-loved me? But he wanted to keep us a s-secret.
The breeze went still. Az's pink eyes widened and she stared up at the tree, hardly daring to breathe. It had rarely been still when she was there, and never for more than a moment.
Link sensed her tension and squeezed her hand, silently asking with his eyes if she was okay. She shook her head, gesturing with a slight motion of her head toward the tree. He lifted his head to look at the branches. A faint stirring started in the upper branches, then spread down in spirals around the tree trunk. The breeze picked up in speed and intensity, encircling the couple and tousling their hair. A pair of cherry blossoms caught the wind then landed on the couple's joined hands.
A lump formed in Az's throat, and she blinked back the tears that rose in her eyes. "Thank you, Mama and Papa. We… we won't let you down."
"I'll take care of her. I promise," Link vowed, looking up into the cherry blossom tree.
Az leaned over and kissed his cheek, earning a faint blush from the typically stoic Hero. "They gave us their blessing, Link." She pulled herself up to her feet and into his arms for a tight hug.
Link was quiet, as usual, but she heard a soft hum of contentment from his chest while she snuggled against him. "I love you, Link," she whispered.
"Love you too. Can I make up for this morning?"
Her head lifted up and she cocked her head at him. "Make up for it?"
The blond nodded. "We haven't had much time together since… y'know. There's somewhere I want to take you."
Az was confused but trusting. "Long as it's not too hot. I don't want to melt," she giggled.
"Guess that means a vacation for the Eldin hot springs is out," Link teased. "And I was so looking forward to seeing you coated in sweat."
Az's mouth fell open. "I-I would melt immediately!" she squeaked.
"Potions help, blossom." Seeing her face, he quickly added. "But I'm not taking you to Eldin Canyon."
She breathed a sigh of relief. "Where are you taking me?"
Link hummed. "Let's keep it a surprise for now." He shot her a wink. "But you'll enjoy it."
A thought occurred to her and she froze. "It's not… Hebra, is it?"
"What? No!" Link took one look at her petrified face and pulled her back in for a hug. "I know how you feel about Hebra. So why would I take you there?"
She shrugged, her emotions too jumbled to put into words.
Link tilted her chin up to look at him. "You'll like it, blossom. Trust me."
Az's heart pounded in her chest, her breath catching from his closeness. "I...I trust you, Link," she stammered.
It didn't take much for him to close the few remaining inches between them and claim her lips in a gentle kiss. Az made a soft keening sound in the back of her throat at the tender embrace, her face flaming.
Link pulled away before it could do more than offer her a momentary reminder of a night spent together several weeks prior. Her lips felt swollen and her fingertips touched them while Link bent to gather up her bag and bow. The familiar sound of him pulling up the Sheikah Slate and selecting a shrine brought a smile to her face.
He angled the slate so she couldn't see the destination. "Are you ready?"
Az nodded happily and slipped her arm into his. "Yes." She looked back at the cherry blossom tree, and gave a half bow with pink eyes sparkling. "Thank you, Mama and Papa. I'll visit again as soon as I can."
Sheikah runes wrapped around the couple and transported them away, leaving the serenity of Satori Mountain behind.
A cool wind through her hair welcomed Azalea to their destination. The runes maintained their disorienting effect for several moments, leaving her to cling onto Link's arm to keep from falling.
He chuckled beside her. "Still not used to traveling by Sheikah Slate?" he teased.
"How could I be when I've only done it a handful of times?" she pouted.
"You'll adjust quickly." He steadied her then offered a hand off the shrine's platform and onto the grass. "Welcome to Tabantha. And Rito Village." He pointed with two fingers across from them to the towering rock pillar jutting from the lake on which the village rested.
"Oh, it looks so beautiful!" Az breathed, staring across at the village. Twilight had begun to fall and the lights in the village were beginning to flicker on.
"Not as beautiful as you." The words were spoken just above a whisper in her ear.
She blushed deeply, feeling like her entire body was catching fire. She wasn't used to the compliments, especially not from Link.
He squeezed her hand. "Come on. I'll show you the village."
"O-okay." Az tried to keep up as he excitedly pulled her down the path around the lake. His legs were a few inches longer than his, forcing her to almost run to keep up. "W-what's the h-hurry?"
He realized he was going too fast for her and he slowed down, rubbing the back of his neck. "Oops. Guess I'm excited for you to see the village."
"I'm excited too," she assured him with a warm smile while she fought to catch her breath. She tucked a strand of platinum hair that blew in her face back behind her ear. "Do you have a lot of friends here?"
Link gave a slight nod but didn't elaborate. He paused to give her a chance to take in the sights. Her shining eyes while she took it all in put a faint smile on his face.
"So, these bridges lead up to Rito Village?" Az asked, looking at him for confirmation.
"Yes." He waved at the Rito guard on the first bridge beside the stable, pausing to converse with him for a few moments.
Az took the opportunity to glance around the outside of the Rito Stables. Beedle was making his way down the hill, and a couple of old Hylian men sat by the cooking pot, conversing while stew bubbled in the pot. A brunet teen stepped out of the stables, stopping short when he saw Az. She could make out green eyes behind his glasses, eyes that caught hers for an instant. They widened, then flickered away as he scowled and looked away.
Az blinked in confusion, trying to make sense of why the boy seemed upset. Link's hand rested on her shoulder, and she turned back to her boyfriend.
"Everything okay?" he asked, his brow furrowed as he studied her.
She nodded. "Do you know who that is?" she gestured toward the frowning teen.
Link's keen blue eyes followed where she discreetly pointed. "Oh. That's Cami. His family used to own the chalet at the top of the hill, on the edge of the Hebran Mountains. I've encountered him a few times. Apparently he's become less friendly since his parents died."
A pang went through Az's chest. So he was orphaned like she was. She couldn't fault him for being upset, but she didn't understand why he was scowling at a stranger. She shrugged it off, slipping her hand back in Link's and followed him across the bridge and up the path to the village.
Fireflies danced in clusters above a small pond. Crickets chirped and hopped across the path, fluttering away when the couple approached. The night air was cool but not frigid. Az looked straight up and froze. "Has Vah Medoh always been so… big?"
Link chuckled. "Yes. More up close. The Rito like it protecting them though."
A shiver went down her spine as she stared up at it again. "I don't think I would feel safe living here. It's so… precarious."
"Only by appearance, blossom. It's safe."
Of course he would know. He'd been on Vah Medoh before. He was the Hero of Hyrule. She felt him squeeze her hand tighter. She was in good hands.
He flashed a reassuring smile. "C'mon. There's a shop I think you'll love."
"Oh?" Curiosity piqued, she let him guide them up the wooden steps into Rito Village. They passed by a clothing shop and a general store before Link stopped them in front of the third building.
"See anything you like?" Link asked, gesturing to the table laid out with delicately crafted jewelry.
Az's breath caught in her throat as she gazed over the array. Gemstones ranging from amber to diamond, and everything in between decorated the necklaces, earrings, bracelets, and diadems. "Well, I dunno…"
Link picked up a pendant and turned to the Rito woman running the shop. He conversed with her in a low voice so Az couldn't hear what was being said.
Az studied the floral designs on several of the necklaces. Silent Princess. Nightshade. Swift Violet. Hylian Wildflower. All of them were pretty, but not quite right for her.
"What about this one?" The blond Hero handed her a necklace.
"Ohhhh," was all Az could say. She was too busy admiring the pink of the cherry blossom pendant. It perfectly fit the center of her palm, hanging delicately from a golden chain. "It's beautiful."
"It's yours."
Pink eyes flew to his face. "You mean it?"
He nodded, offering a shy smile. "Already paid for and everything."
Az threw her arms around Link's neck in a tight hug. "Thank you, Link!" she gushed, pressing a kiss against his cheek.
He flushed but returned the hug. "You're welcome, blossom," he murmured back. "Want me to put it on?"
"Yes, please." She turned around so he could slip it around her neck. Her breath hitched when soft fingers pulled her hair out of the way so he could fasten the clasp. A moment later, he stepped back and slowly twirled her to face him so he could admire his handiwork.
Az touched the pendant where it rested just above the swell of her breasts. "Do you like it?"
He swallowed hard, his attention torn between the necklace and what laid below, but he nodded. "Yes. It's beautiful. Just like you."
Her face flushed deeply. "Y-you think so?"
"I know so, Az," he replied. He stepped toward her, and for a moment, she was certain he was going to kiss her.
But the Rito clearing her throat broke the spell. The woman mumbled that the shop was closing, and if they had no further purchases to make, she suggested they might be on their way. Link apologized and gave her an additional twenty rupees for her trouble before guiding Az back outside.
The girl blushed deeply, whispering an apology to both Link and the Rito.
"Why are you apologizing?" Link asked as they made their way back down the stairs.
"W-well, she was getting upset-"
Link pressed a finger against her lips. "Shhhh. She wasn't upset. It's getting late and she was a little gruff, but don't blame yourself."
She looked up at him. "Are you sure it's not our fault?"
"Quite. Relax, blossom." He brushed a kiss against her forehead. "You hungry?"
Az hummed, nodding. "Are you going to cook for me?" she hoped.
"If you'd like." Link shot her a playful wink. "Can you wait that long?"
"For your cooking, yes!"
"Is there anything specific you'd like?" he asked, watching her out of the corner of his eye while they walked.
Az had to think about it. She wasn't really picky about any foods, and liked a good many of them. "Hmmm. What about mushroom risotto? You made that the first time you cooked for me, and it was really good!"
"Easy enough. I'll make something to go with it too. You're allergic to nuts and acorns right?"
"Yes," she hummed happily. "You remembered."
"Of course. I have to protect the girl I love."
Her heart pounded faster in her chest. The girl he loves. Link doesn't love the princess. He loves ME! It was still a lot to wrap her head around.
Warm lips on the back of her hand interrupted her. Her face blazed from the attention. "Rupee for your thoughts?" she heard him ask.
Az scrambled to come up with something that made sense for her to be thinking of. "I-I was, wondering, if, uhm, where we would be staying for the night?" she stammered.
Link smiled to put her at ease. "Remember the few buildings by the shrine?" At her nod, he continued. "Those are hot springs. The largest one is a public bath. The smaller ones are private cottages with the springs inside. It's become quite a destination for those wishing to avoid the heat of Eldin."
"Hot springs?" Az bit her lower lip, mulling over what this would mean. "I don't have bathing clothes though."
"We'll be in a private cottage. You won't need one." He cast a glance at her direction. "If that's agreeable to you."
"Yes." The word slipped off her tongue before she stopped to consider it. "Yes, Link." She reached over and kissed his cheek, her own flaming.
"Have a seat. I'll have dinner for us shortly." He gestured to the now-open seats by the cooking pot.
Az adjusted her skirt as she sat, making sure it tucked over her backside. "What are you preparing with the risotto?" she asked, watching him clean the mushrooms for the dish.
"I was thinking of something light. Perhaps simmered fruit or fried wild greens."
"Both are good." Az bent over and pulled out her sketchbook and a pencil.
"What are you planning on drawing?" Link asked, barely looking up from the board where he was swiftly mincing mushrooms and an onion.
"Hmmm. Maybe my new necklace. Or the view of Rito Village."
"It is a lovely view," he remarked. She didn't have to look up from her book to feel his eyes on her. She flushed under the intensity of her stare but kept her head bent over her work nonetheless. Her tongue slipped to the edge of her lips as she concentrated on the sketch in the dim light of the fire and torches surrounding the stables.
He stole a peek over her shoulder as he slipped around her to stoke the fire. "That doesn't look like Rito Village or a cherry blossom," he teased.
Az let out a slight squeak, tipping the book towards her. "I-it was supposed to be a surprise," she protested.
"Oh, it is a surprise. It's not every day I see my own likeness without a tunic." Link touched the tip of her nose with a finger. "Why a surprise?"
"W-well, I like surprising you." Her head came up with the affectionate touch. "I hadn't decided what tunic yet."
"Is that so?" Az could hear the smirk in his voice even without seeing his face. She focused on the details of his hair, perfecting it so not a lock was out of place, choosing not to reply to his baiting.
Link hummed softly while he cooked, barely audible over the sound of the food bubbling in the cooking pot. He interrupted himself. "Would it help to know which tunic is my favorite?"
"Is it the Champion's tunic?" Az guessed. "You wear that one a lot."
"Mmm. I do wear it often. But it's not my favorite."
She tapped the end of her pencil against her chin, thinking through the outfits she'd seen Link in. "Well…"
"I'll give you a kiss if you can guess." Link glanced up from the risotto.
Az blushed. "N-no pressure." Think, Az, think! Obviously it's not the Champion's tunic because that was made by the Princess, nor the Royal Guard outfit that's reserved for formal occasions. Not the Zora armor or Flamebreaker.
"You've gone quiet." Link handed her a bowl of the finished food.
"I was thinking about which tunic it could be," she replied offhand. "I'm narrowing it down."
"Do you need a hint?" He took a seat beside her with a heaping portion of the rice dish.
Az shook her head. "No, thanks. I want to figure it out on my own."
"As you wish." The two ate in a companionable silence for a few short minutes before Az set aside her dish.
"I think I figured it out."
Link looked up from his bowl. "What's your guess?"
"Is it…" she bit her lower lip, not wanting to get it wrong. "Is it the tunic of the wilds?"
He kept his face unreadable for a moment before breaking into a smile. "I think I owe my girl a kiss."
"R-really?" Az squeaked, hardly believing her luck. "I got it right?"
Link's smoldering look was the only response she got before he leaned over and claimed her lips in a gentle kiss. She melted in his embrace, returning the kiss with needy, breathless ones of her own.
"Easy, there. I know you missed me, but let's save it for when we get to the cottage," he quietly encouraged, hugging her against his chest. "Did you get enough to eat?"
She nodded, her blush evident even in the firelight. "Sorry," she whispered.
"Don't be sorry." Link reluctantly pulled away to clean up the leftover food, including the untouched simmered fruit. "I want you. But not everyone needs to see that."
Az let out a soft eep and buried her face in her hands. It felt awkward to hear him say that aloud. She took a couple of deep breaths, then slipped her sketchbook back in her bag.
"You ready?" He asked, taking her bag from her before she had a chance to process it.
"Yes, but I can carry my own bag," she said stubbornly, trying to take it from him.
He dodged her attempts to snatch it from her, chuckling at the pout settling on her face. "Let me be chivalrous. Please."
Az crossed her arms under her chest and sighed, not realizing how much this accentuated her chest. "Oh, very well."
"You'll have it back when we get to the cottage," he assured her. His fingers intertwined with hers, and he brought the back of her hand up for a soft kiss. "I'm looking forward to it."
She tucked her hair behind her ear, smiling shyly up at him. "Me too."
Link led them back to the hot springs, conversing with the sleepy man at the office. Rupees were exchanged for a small key, then he turned to Az. "Cottage number three. We have it until noon tomorrow, longer if we want."
"Noon should give us plenty of time to rest, don't you think?" she said innocently, following the dozen paces over to the cottages.
He didn't answer while he turned the key in the lock then pushed the door open, ushering her inside first.
An oil lamp was quickly lit by the doorway, illuminating the interior of the cottage. The main room where they found themselves housed the large, sunken tub. A basket with a stack of fresh towels sat against the wall on the right. A row of candles lined the back of the tub, overlooking a high window into the forest outside, out of view from curious eyes.
"Bed is to the right, toilet to the left," Link informed her after a quick peek at the two other rooms.
Az was too busy staring at the tub, running her fingers over the edge of the polished stones. "It's so smooth… bigger than any tub I've seen," she breathed.
"Shall we fill it then?" Link slipped up behind her, wrapping his arms gently around her waist.
Her face burned but she didn't pull away. "Please. Please, Link. I… I want to share it. With you."
"As you wish," he breathed in her ear, sending a shiver down her spine. His lips lingered a moment longer to press a kiss on her sensitive earlobe before pulling away. With two twists of the knobs, steaming hot water poured into the bottom of the tub, carrying a sulphuric scent with it.
"It'll take a few minutes to fill to the depth we'll want," Link explained, returning to where he'd left his girlfriend. His breath caught as he watched her peel the oversized sweater she wore over her head and discard it on the floor. "Goddess…"
Her cheeks flamed, but she reached for him anyway. "H-hold me, please. I w-want you in my-y arms."
Link didn't need a second invitation, now that they were out of the public eye. In an instant, her breasts were spilling out of the top of her bra, tightly pressed against his hot chest.
"When did you remove your tunic?"
"You were distracted by the steaming water," he replied easily, reaching behind her to unhook her bra. Clad only from the waist down, the breeches he wore did nothing to hide how badly he wanted her.
Az whimpered in the back of her throat, kissing his neck and clinging to him. Her entire body felt like it was on fire. She couldn't get enough of his touch. His fingers slipped up under her skirt, following the curve of her backside up til he found the waistband. With two gentle tugs, the fabric was pooling around her ankles.
Link's eyes glanced over her shoulder at the tub and he eased her back against the wall. "Wait here," he instructed. His warm touch left her so he could turn off the water before it filled too high.
Az shivered from cold and lust, missing his arms around her. She knelt and undid her boots, kicking them aside with her socks.
"Are you getting ready for me?" Link asked, his voice husky as he rejoined her.
She blushed but nodded. "A-and the tub."
Link's arms were back around her waist, holding her close. "Good," he murmured in her ear. His lips found hers and he kissed her, gently at first, then slowly pouring more of his arousal into the embrace.
Az moaned against his mouth, feeling his hardness pressed against her waist through the pants he still wore. Link had been so gentle, so tender on their first night together, as if he was afraid of breaking her. But she wasn't that fragile, and now she knew how good being intimate with him could be and she wanted him.
It was her hands that found the front button on his trousers, and fumbled to undo it. Her fingers brushed over his erection, earning a sharp inhalation from the blond. She hadn't gotten to undress him their first time. He had undressed silently while she waited, naked under the covers for him to join her in bed. It sent a thrill down her spine to hear his reactions to her touch. She freed his cock from his pants and underwear, both he pushed down and kicked aside.
Her back was pressed against the cool wall of the cottage as he kissed his way down her neck and over her breasts. Az felt as though she could catch fire any moment from the heat of her blush, but she didn't fight it. Her fingers threaded through his thick, blond hair and she moaned when he took her firm, supple nipple into his mouth.
"Y-yes," she whimpered, arching her back into his caress.
"Tub?" he huskily asked, finally pulling back to breathe.
She nodded, not trusting her voice. His fingers tugged her underwear free, leaving her fully naked for his perusal. She didn't miss the faint groan of approval or his lingering hand on her back as they descended into the hot, bubbling water and sat half-submerged against the back of the tub.
The scent of sulphur filled her nostrils but she paid it no mind. Not when Link's hands were back exploring over her sensitive skin, his mouth never far from hers. She shifted onto his lap, all shyness gone. She wanted him.
Link put a hand on her chest to momentarily halt the frantic, needy kisses. "Hang on, blossom," he rasped, his voice hoarse from need. "Are you sure you're ready?"
"Link…" Az rested her forehead against his. "P-please. D-don't make me beg."
He groaned and adjusted her hips so she could sink down over his aching cock. Az's arms wrapped around his neck and she moaned as she adjusted to the fullness. There was no pain this time, not like the first night. Only Link, her strong, handsome Hero. The water only aided in the situation, creating a softness to the skin that heightened sensation. She rolled her hips experimentally, earning a deep groan ending in her name from her blond lover.
Link's hands came to her hips and helped guide her while she rode him. Her eyes closed in pleasure and she kept her fingers interlocked tightly behind his head, brushing through the steam-dampened strands of his hair. Breath was hard to come by as her pleasure built up, keening sounds combined with his name.
Her lover fared no better, his nickname for her, the shortened version of her name slipping off his tongue as a prayer. Az panted, her climax nearly reached, whimpering his name. "Link… Link! Oh, Goddess!" she cried out, her orgasm rippling through her.
Link followed moments later, withdrawing from her at the last instant and spilling his seed into the water with a shudder. His head rested on her chest, his own heaving from the intensity of the release.
"W-why did you pull away like that?" she asked when she'd regained her breath.
"Didn't have a sheath. Wasn't ready to risk impregnating you… not on our second night together," Link explained, cuddling her head against his chest.
She leaned back to look at him, a faint smile on her lips. "Link. I had a potion before we left this morning, when I knew we'd be together all day."
He blinked, processing for a moment before kissing her tenderly. "I guess I should've asked," he said sheepishly.
Az hummed and cuddled back on his lap, hearing the bubbling of the water in the tub for the first time. "Just means we'll have to do it again," she murmured in contentment.
"Your riding skills have improved," he whispered, pressing a gentle kiss against her forehead. "Never would know it was only your second time."
"I had the best teacher."
It didn't take long for the couple to regain their stamina, though it was Link who initiated and swiftly had her writhing under his sensitive touch and crying out his name in ecstasy.
Az had very little energy left by the end of their second round, her voice gone from the impassioned lovemaking. Link easily gathered her in his arms and carried her out of the tub, only pausing to wrap a towel around her before bringing her to the bed. With a promise of a swift return, he ducked back into the main room, draining the tub and gathering a second towel to wrap around his waist.
Az laid back against the pillows on the bed, her damp platinum locks creating an ethereal look behind her. Pink eyes blinked sleepily as Link joined her on the bed, pulling the sheets over their naked bodies.
"Did I wear you out too much?" he asked softly.
"No," she whispered back, snuggling her head into the crook of his arm, her lithe body curled around his strong legs. "I always want more with you. I can't get enough."
Link's breath caught, and he chuckled deep in his chest. "I feel the same. I want you the way Zelda wants me… how she'll never have me."
The sleepiness was gone in a blink. Az peered at Link. "You mean it? Y-you'd choose me over the princess?"
"I already have," he pointed out. "She doesn't love me. Not the way you love me. You see the real me. Not the idolized version of the Hero people conjured up." His fingers found the soft skin of her stomach and breasts.
A nearly inaudible sound escaped her lips. "I… I can't believe you'd choose me over the… the princess."
"Always." Warm, wild lips covered hers, reminding her once more of the facets within the personality of her beloved Hero. "Always, Azalea. My lover. My cherry blossom."
A thought crossed her mind briefly before she was lost and entangled again in Link's embrace. We may not have a story destined for history, but we have a love built within Hyrule. And that's enough for me.