It's not over yet, theres still some closure. Oh yeah! Didja notice that this chapter's been updated quicker than the last couple ones? Why? Because of the EXTREMLY FABULOUS MEIKOSAKINE! Who descided to write me a fantastic poem of wonder, to Reena from Link. That even used the exact same words that I used last chapter. It was simple yet classic! And I ish I had thought of it. No really, I feel kinda lame. Just wanna say thanks to MeikoSakine for writing this-it seriously made my day :) So now you know- poetry=quicker updates. I'm still accepting poems :D
So the other day, wilst going through my old movie collection, I came across an old favorite of mine-Anastasia. So I watched it. After watching it I realised that it's plot was very similar to the plot of my story. No really, Anastasia is the less violent, Russian version of Hidden Truths. A lost princess falling in love with an everyday person then working together to beat the cause of her amnesia. Then giving up the throne so thay can be together. If you've never seen it, go watch it. I swear I didn't mean to steal there idea! I actually, totally forgot about that movie :/
Chapter Twenty Nine: Fairytale Beginnings
"Reena, he's home!" Lera said, poking her head into the study.
"About time!" Reena exclaimed, uncrossing her legs and putting her book down. She got to her feet, resting a hand on her stomach. "And he was the one who said we'd tell someone else to solve the problems!"
Lera couldn't help but laugh. "It's the first call since you wedding at least. So, now you're going to be called, well Link rather, in six month intervals."
"At the very least," Reena muttered as they left the study. "Where is Link?"
"Outside," Lera said. "He literally just got back. Down to the very second."
"Any injuries?" Reena asked.
"He seemed fine to me… but that doesn't mean anything," Lera said. "And… he was only just approaching the castle."
"Well, at least he didn't arrive unconscious," Reena sighed. "Then again, it was only a wolfo."
"Yes, well, last time he showed up when it was a wolfo, he-"
"Lera, I've missed him long enough over the past two and a half weeks! Please don't fill my mind with a mangled husband!" Reena interrupted. "Especially now!"
"…Sorry," Lera said, wincing.
Reena sighed, wringing her hands. It was only a short way to the throne room… and there weren't that many stairs.
"Forget this!" Reena said, breaking into a run.
"Um…Reena? Do you value life?" Lera called after her.
"He can kill me later!" Reena called back, holding onto the wall as she slid around the corner and into the throne room. "And it all depends on if he catches me!"
"Reena! You shouldn't be running-"
"Link's home!" Reena interrupted Lenaya, with a grin.
Reena took the stairs as fast as she could, threw the doors open, and ran across the drawbridge. Her face fell at the sight of the empty path. Lera wouldn't lie about something like this… would she? No, that would be beyond cruel.
Instead she took the opportunity to catch her breath. If there was any indication that she had been running, Reena didn't even want to know what Link would do. No doubt a lecture longer than Sir Lethan's had ever been would be bestowed upon her.
Well, there was no rule she couldn't walk. Taking her time, Reena walked down the path so that her breathing could regulate. However, her heart began to beat faster at the sound of hooves crushing the gravel. The next moment, Link and Epona came into view.
"Well? Did the wolfo get you this time?" Reena called, a smile stretching across her face.
Link's head whipped up and he jumped off Epona. He ran the rest of the way to her, taking her in his arms and kissing her. Reena sighed with relief, feeling him over. No injuries so far.
"You've been running," Link said, pulling away and narrowing his eyes at her.
"Have not!" Reena defended.
"You're out of breath," he said, placing his hands on her belly. "Reena, you know you can't do that!"
"Well, you see, my husband has been gone for two weeks," Reena said, eyeing him. "I'm kind of excited to see him.
Link sighed, shaking his head. He crouched, kissing her belly. Reena laughed, putting a hand on his head.
"You really need to tell mommy that she can't run anymore," he said.
"I'm sure baby will let me know next time," Reena said, rolling her eyes.
"No, because there won't be a next time," Link said, looking up at her. "Where's Lera? She was supposed-"
"Link, before I hit you, stop stressing," Reena said. "Besides, baby's always moving! This made no difference!"
"Oh no, none at all," Link said, standing. "How have you been feeling?"
"Fine," Reena said, rolling her eyes. She ignored Link's gaze. "How'd the wolfo go? Did you get it before it got you?"
"Yes…" Link said quietly.
Reena looked quizzically at him. "What's wrong, Link?"
"Well… it turned out… it was a mother wolfo," Link said, shaking his head. "Her pup had wandered into Kokiri Village… I found out later."
"Oh," Reena said gently. Link felt killing the mother of any animal was one of the worst things a person could do. He wouldn't even kill a dodongo mother. "You didn't know and she could have hurt one of the Kokiri."
He nodded. "I brought-"
Yelping suddenly came from behind them. Reena looked over Link's shoulder to see a very agitated Epona look at one of her saddle bags. Link went over to her, taking out a small ball of grey fur. He returned to Reena, holding the wolfo pup.
"I want to find another wolfo mother that'll be able to bring him in," Link explained. "He's too young to be on his own."
"Here," Reena said, taking the small pup from him. She took him in his arms, laughing as the pup began to lick her face. He was adorable. "You know… I heard that if you were able to train a wolfo from when they were a pup, they turned out to be very loyal companions. And they live an extraordinarily long time. As long as a Hylian if not longer."
"Are you suggesting we keep him?" Link asked, eyeing her.
"He needs a home, doesn't he?" Reena asked. "Besides, I don't think the little fur ball will be able to do much damage just yet. And what if the other wolfos won't accept him?"
Link contemplated the matter. A smile stretched across his face.
"He'll be a terror in the castle," he pointed out.
"Good," Reena said. "He's staying."
Epona snorted behind them in disapproval. Link rolled his eyes, taking her by the bridal and bringing her with them to the stables.
"He looks like a Terk to me," Reena decided, putting him on the ground. "Come on, Terk!"
Terk bounced back into step behind Reena, forgetting about the rabbit in the distance.
"Terk… I like it," Link nodded in approval. "What do you think, Terk?"
A small bark answered, making them laugh. He seemed to like it too.
"Come on, let's go meet the rest of the family," Reena said, picking up the pup as they left the stables. She smiled as Link put an arm around her and the three headed for the castle.
*astrix astrix astrix*
Link paced back and forth. What was happening? Was everything alright? Millions of situations ran through his mind. And he thought events in the past had been nerve wrecking!
From a chair in the study, King Jerold watched the young man pace. Terk lay near the fire, watching his master's every move.
"Link, you're going insane. Don't worry. They know what they're doing."
To satisfy the King, Link nodded. However, that didn't cease his pacing.
"I can take practically anything, but I can't take this!" Link muttered, leaning his head against the nearest wall. "They're doing this to me on purpose, I know it!"
"You're a wreck," Jerold said with a grin. "I never thought I'd ever see you like this."
Link didn't hear him. He was too busy going out of his mind.
"Can they at least tell me everything's okay?" he demanded.
"Link, settle down," Lera said, stepping in.
"Well?" he asked, looking up from the wall.
"Link, take a deep breath," Lera commanded, taking his arm and making him sit down. "I'm glad we sent you to the study!"
"Is everything okay?" Link asked, ignoring her comment as he rested a hand on Terk who came over to him.
"Has he been like this the entire time?" Lera asked, looking at her father. He nodded, his sympathy going out to Link's frustration. "You're more of a wreck than I thought!"
"Lera!" Link cried. "Can you answer at least one of my questions?"
"Everything's going fine," Lera assured, putting a hand on his shoulder. "Reena sent me because she knew you'd be like this."
"Thank the goddesses," Link moaned. He ran a hand through his hair. "So, she's okay?"
"She's fine," Lera promised. "Just relax."
"That doesn't work," Jerold said. "I've tried again and again. Look where it got me."
"You were the same way," Lera accused, turning to her father. "So, you can't give Link a hard time."
"He is worse than I ever was," Jerold said.
"I don't know," Lera said, eyeing him. "Mother said you were trying to use your title as King to get into the room during Reena's and my birth. However, she was more powerful than you on those days. She said she could barely keep you out of the room!"
"She's exaggerating," Jerold answered, sitting back in his chair.
"I don't know…" Lera said. She looked back at Link and laughed. "Link, everything's fine!"
"You're not going to get a different reaction," Link replied, looking through his fingers.
"I'll be back in a little bit, alright?" Lera said, standing.
"'Kay," he mumbled. "Ask her what I ever did to deserve this!"
"You're a hopeless case," Lera called.
"I know!"
*astrix astrix astrix*
Relax, everything's fine, Link repeated over and over again. It wasn't working. He took a deep breath, looking up. He tried thinking of other things, but it was like trying to catch a poe with bare hands.
Terk gently nudged Link with his nose, laying his head on Link's leg. Link gave him a grateful grin, scratching the wolfo between the ears. It was amazing how much the pup had grown for only being seven months old. He seemed to have Hylian emotions and knew when he was needed the most. Terk also had the amazing ability of learning new skills fast. Already his agility was astounding and could be silent when he wanted to be. He had instantly become part of the family from the first day. And neither Link nor Reena had any regrets.
"Good boy," Link said quietly. "If Reena saw me like this, she'd be laughing so hard. Is it like this every time?"
"No, it gets easier as time goes on," Jerold said. He watched as Link absentmindedly stroked Terk's neck. "Who knew a wolfo could become such a well behaved pet."
"Terk's not a pet," Link corrected with a small smile. "He's one of the family and a protector. Especially a protector for Reena. I think he took it upon himself to make sure she stayed safe during her pregnancy."
Jerold chuckled. "That I know. He followed her everywhere."
"I guess he's decided I need help now," Link said, running a hand over his face. "And a good guess too."
"Here we are. Let's see if daddy has settled down yet."
Link's hand froze in mid stroke. He slowly looked up to see Lera walking towards them. In her arms was a small bundle of green. A smile came to her lips as her eyes fell on Link's bewildered expression. He rose, walking over to her.
"You have a daughter," Lera said quietly.
She slowly extended her arms, giving the baby girl to Link. Lera felt close to tears, seeing the joy in his eyes as he held her close to him.
Link swallowed hard, feeling a shiver run down his spine as he looked down on his baby girl. She was fast asleep with her little fists curled close to her face. Just like she was protecting herself…
"We already can see she'll be just like her parents," Lera said.
Link nodded, no hearing a thing of what she had just said. A smile came to his face as the little girl squirmed until she was closer to him.
"Reena?"
"Just fine," Lera answered. "Tired, but doing fine."
"Can I see her?" Link asked, taking his eyes away from the baby for a moment.
"Yes," Lera replied.
Link nodded. "Come on, Terk."
Link slowly left the study, careful not to trip on Terk. However, the wolfo stayed form his path. Ever so slowly he touched her cheek. She turned her head, opening her mouth.
Everything felt like a dream. The corridors seemed to melt away and before he knew it, was standing outside their room. Quiet voices drifted through the door. Link held the little girl close to him as he opened the door. The breath in his chest was whisked away when his eyes fell upon Reena.
She lay propped up in the bed with pillows. Perspiration clung to her forehead and her hair was damp, but a smile was on her face. She had never looked so beautiful. She, Anita, and Lenaya talked quietly as a servant dabbed Reena's forehead with a cool, wet cloth. Impa stood in the corner, her arms crossed as usual. Reena's eyes shifted to the door and her face lit up.
"Stay lying down, Reena," Lenaya said quietly. "When she wakes, you'll want to nurse her again."
"Okay," Reena answered, her eyes flickering from Link for a moment.
Everyone left the room, leaving the family alone. Link sat down on the bed next to Reena. She laid her head on his arm, looking down on their daughter.
"Have you held her?" Link finally got out.
"For a little bit," Reena answered, a smile coming to her face as his free arm wrapped around her.
"She's beautiful," Link whispered. "How are you feeling?"
"Tired," she said truthfully. "I heard you were losing your mind out there."
"Close enough," Link said, kissing her. "You've always kept me waiting."
"It's what I do best," Reena agreed, stroking their baby's face. "We've got to name her."
"Oh, yes, that part," Link said with a quiet laugh.
"I think I have one," Reena said. Her eyes suddenly caught Terk sitting in the doorway, examining the scene before him. She smiled. "Come here, Terk. You did a good job keeping him at bay."
The wolfo sat next to the bed, still keeping his distance from the baby. He turned his head to the side and lay down in front of his family.
"It looks like he's bestowed upon himself the job of protecting us," Link observed.
"Just don't rip off a limb of someone we know," Reena said. "Unless we tell you to."
"So, what name were you thinking of?" Link asked. "Please, don't name her after something we've had to destroy."
"No," Reena said with a quiet laugh. She kissed her baby's cheek. "I was thinking Ryin."
Link looked at Reena, their eyes meeting.
"Only if you want to, Link," Reena said gently. "I don't-"
"I think it's perfect," Link answered. "Besides, neither of us have brown hair like she does. My mother did."
A small smile came to Reena as Link laid his head on top of hers. Ryin's eyes opened for a moment, her big blue eyes looking at them. The two laughed quietly as she yawned, closing them again. Reena closed her eyes, exhaustion washing over her. She felt Link kiss her forehead and she let out a sigh, sleep taking her as she lay in Link's arms.
OH MY GOD A BABY! Oh Link, who would've ever thought your life would turn out so happy. Sigh. Unfortunatly there's only one more short chapter plus the epilogue, so the story's almost done. Thanks to everyone who's read this story and stuck with it to the end- you guys rock! You're nice comments helped me keep writing during my writing-block periods.