Chapter 6 – Heartache
Rusl was sitting at Link's bedside, watching over him. He looked down at the opened letter in his hand, frowning deeply. He looked once more at Link worriedly. He still hadn't woken up since he collapsed outside a few hours before, and the color in his skin hadn't returned. He placed the back of his hand against Link's forehead and felt that his fever was still present. He didn't understand what caused Link's condition so suddenly.
Ilia returned with a bowl of cool water and a washcloth. She set the bowl down on the nightstand and dipped the washcloth into the water. She wrung out the excess water and dabbed Link's face and chest with it lightly. She then placed the washcloth on his forehead, frowning.
"He's been working himself too hard," stated Ilia. "He needs to learn to not push himself too much, otherwise he'll end up getting sick like this again."
"He's been through so much," sighed Rusl. "He probably doesn't want to show weakness in front of us." Ilia looked at Rusl.
"What happened to him?" asked Ilia worriedly. Maybe she'd be able to find out what had been bothering Link for so long.
"I can't say," explained Rusl. "But whatever happened, it's caused him a lot of suffering, and it's finally catching up to him." A few moments later, Link groaned and opened his eyes. Rusl and Ilia looked on and smiled.
"You're finally awake, Link," exclaimed Ilia. "How do you feel?"
"Terrible," answered Link quietly. Ilia frowned.
"You're still running a fever," she explained. "You'll be staying here until your fever has gone down. Try to get some rest, okay?" Link nodded slightly, then turned his head away. Ilia picked up the bowl and walked out of the room. Rusl looked around to make sure that nobody was listening, then looked back at Link, frowning.
"I got a letter from Auru today," confessed Rusl. Link turned onto his side, burying his face into the pillow. His back was facing Rusl.
"It doesn't matter anymore," whimpered Link softly. Rusl grew confused.
"What do you mean, Link?" he questioned. Link just shook his head.
"Just leave me alone," he pleaded. Rusl frowned, then slowly stood up. He put a hand on Link's head gently.
"You know where to find me if you need anything," reminded Rusl. He then walked away from the bed and towards the door. He stopped when he saw Ilia and the mayor walk in. "Just let him rest. That's the only thing he can do to fight this fever."
Link's health recovered after a few days of rest. Everyone was glad that he was back on his feet, but they were worried about his behavior once more. He looked so depressed and downtrodden, and he barely spoke a word. Whenever someone tried to talk to him, he'd give them an apologetic look and walk away. He spent more time at the ranch, but he rarely spoke to Fado while working. He spent more time after work inside with the goats, petting them and brushing them. This continued for at least a week.
Rusl stepped outside of his home one night to get some fresh air. He told his family he was going to go for a walk after he had finished his dinner. He walked toward Link's house, hoping to find him there. The first thing he noticed was that Epona was gone. The second thing he noticed was that there were no lights on in Link's house. He grew worried and quickly ran into the woods. He skidded to a halt once he saw Link and Epona in the Ordon Spring. Link's back was facing Rusl as he was petting Epona's face. Rusl quietly walked over to him and placed a hand on his shoulder. Link quickly turned to face Rusl with a surprised look on his face. He then went back to looking depressed and began to walk away. He only took a few steps before Rusl grabbed his right arm.
"Link, what's wrong?" asked Rusl. Link pulled his arm away and continued walking. Rusl got in front of Link and grabbed both of his shoulders. "Link, answer me."
"Let go of me, Rusl," ordered Link. He pulled out of his grasp and lightly pushed him aside to continue walking. Rusl once again got in front of Link and grabbed him again, this time tighter. Link struggled, but Rusl held his grip. "Let me go!"
"Not until you tell me what's bothering you!" shouted Rusl.
"It doesn't even matter!" cried out Link.
"Calm down and tell me what's going on!" yelled Rusl.
"She's gone!" screamed Link. Rusl looked at Link, who had begun shaking. "I saw Midna again, in my dreams….there's no way back to her…there's no way…" Rusl frowned deeply.
"That's what was stated in Auru's letter, too," explained Rusl. Link lowered his head. He felt his legs give out underneath him. Rusl quickly caught him and knelt down to let Link's legs rest. Link held onto Rusl's shirt tightly, then buried his face into his shoulder, breaking down into loud sobs. Rusl hugged him and rocked Link back and forth, trying to calm him down. "Shh, just let it out, Link. Let it out."
"The mayor was talking to me about marriage that day…" sobbed Link. Rusl blinked. "He wants me to marry Ilia, and soon."
"Do you love her?" asked Rusl. Link sobbed for about a half a minute before answering.
"I…I could learn to love her again…I did before, I can do it again…right?" asked Link. Rusl remained quiet. He didn't know what to say or do. "I can never see Midna again…"
"Don't force yourself to do anything you don't want to, Link," stated Rusl. "Don't put your feelings aside to please Ilia, the mayor, or anyone, for that matter. Marriage is a big deal. We're talking the rest of your life with someone. This is a very big decision you have to make."
"I know, I know…" choked Link. "I'm just…I'm not ready yet."
"You don't have to be," agreed Rusl. "I'll talk to the mayor about this. He had no right to put you in this position. You just worry about getting some rest and trying to move on. Don't work yourself too hard, okay?" Link just nodded, finally stopping his crying. He wiped the tears from his eyes and looked at Rusl.
"Thanks, Rusl," said Link softly. "For everything." Rusl nodded, then helped Link to his feet. The two of them walked with Epona back to Link's house, where Link turned in for the night. He crawled into bed and hugged the sheets around himself tightly for warmth. After shedding a few more tears, he finally fell into a dreamless sleep.