Chapter Fifteen
Her lips were soft...
Warm...
He dropped his sword, his arms coming tighter around her waist to bring her in close. Her hands stole up his shoulders to his hair, her fingers tangling in the strands as her mouth eagerly kissed him back. He felt himself drowning in her but he didn't care.
This was Midna...
His Midna...
He wanted her closer to him, to feel every inch of her, but he knew this was not the time nor the place. The fiery kiss cooled, their lips gently sliding against the others until he simply held her close, breathing in her sweet, intoxicating and oddly comforting scent. She kissed his neck, her teeth playing with the skin there and he took in a sharp breath, tingles racing up his spine. Her laugh rang in his ears and she pulled back, those fiery eyes the color of the setting sun full of warmth met his and she grinned at him, her fangs showing wonderfully.
"Well Hero," she flicked his nose while pulling back, "don't think you can relax now. We still have work to do." She winked at him, but he noticed that her cheeks were flushed and satisfaction whelmed up in his chest.
"You're right but Midna," he reached out and took her hand, noticing how her hand trembled in his, "I'm happy that you're safe.". The words that left his lips did little to express the feelings coursing through his chest. "I...Midna I lo-" The ground trembled, nearly knocking him from his feet and Midna grasped his hand tighter in hers. The trees trembled, four crashing to the ground to reveal a strange structure in the distance. It looked to be on the edge of a cliff but before Link could properly survey it a figure melted from the shadows. Midna trembled and a single name fell from her lips.
"Zant."
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Her arm ached...
Zelda scrutinized the wound, taking in the dark veins and grey skin. Moving it back underneath her cloak her mind tried focusing on anything else but with every step from Dude, the saddle would rock, jostling her arm and in turn causing pain. It was getting worse and she knew she didn't have much time left and she knew that Link didn't either.
Link...
She wanted to see him, see his smile once more, watch his blue eyes light up when he laughed, but yet even as she thought of Link another entered her mind. Eyes like rubies, a smile as charming as a wolf's but with a heart hidden in ice.
Dark...
His face floated before her and she promptly shook it, hoping to rid herself of his image but it was futile. Her distraction came when they entered Kakariko Village. The sun had just reached mid day and villagers milled about. One in brightly colored shorts stood before a tree in what appeared to be in the middle of the little village. He had a very commanding presence and waltzed up to them, halting to cross his arms over his chest.
Richard moved to the front, his eyes wary of the stranger but this was Impa's village, home of the Sheikah. The stranger huffed at Richard, ignoring the insignia on his shield and moved to her and then to Thomas. The boy was deathly pale and slumped in the saddle. The man narrowed his eyes and looked back to Richard.
"Who be you folks?" He questioned, his voice full of skepticism. She could see the anger cross Richard's aged face but she held up her hand, stilling his words.
"We are but weary travelers, seeking a place to rest and recover before continuing our journey. Do you know of a place good sir?" She kept her voice civil and what she hoped a trusting open expression on her face. It must not have been because he huffed once more.
"I think not, with all the attacks happening havin' strangers around ain't the best idea." He crossed his arms and puffed out his chest. "Be best if ya leave." At his expression Zelda knew he was a stubborn man but she was a princess and more importantly so a woman and she was used to hard headed men.
"So you'd send a wounded boy back into the wilds without so much as a chance of help?" Her calm voice had been replaced with one filled with rage. The rapid jump from civil to irate caused the stranger to step back, his brows rising in surprise. " I thought the people of Hyrule were a kind and caring people who prided themselves on hospitality, it is quite a surprise to find things changed. Tis a shame considering this is the birthplace and home of the Sheikah." As soon as the name left her lips she saw a sour expression cross his face.
"Not many are privy to that information, missy. How do you know of the Sheikah?". He took a step towards her and she straightened, lifting her chin and schooling her features.
"Because she is our Royal Princess.". A voice cut in and a man leapt from the peak of the building to land silently upon the ground. He was dressed as a Sheikah but Zelda didn't recognize him. The stranger however blinked, dumbfounded and she dimly heard him make an apology before retreating a few steps. The Sheikah crossed to her, bowing his head and placing his fist over his heart.
"Princess Zelda, it is a true blessing to find you safe.". He gestured with his head over his shoulder to a small cottage. "Let us retire, as I am sure you all are in need of a rest.". Zelda sensed the true meaning behind his words and quickly dismounted. The man took their horses, yelling at another man to help. The Sheikah turned and headed towards a little house nestled beside a hillside with stairs in front that led up towards what appeared to be Death Mountain. Richard looked to Zelda for her answer and she knew they needed rest and this was a Sheikah, they could trust him. Soon they were inside and it was a quant little space, with two beds, a fireplace and small table.
Richard set Thomas on one of the beds, making sure to be as careful as he could but the boy still winced in pain. Zelda crossed over to them, gently lifting the shirt to look at the wound beneath. It was shallow but she could already see the spread of infection.
"I need hot water, Sir Richard, and fresh linen.". At her words the Sheikah stepped forth.
"There is linen here," he strode over to the chest in the corner and drew out the bandages, "I'll put a pot on for you." He did so, moving about the cottage so that Zelda knew that he must of lived here.
"I'll bring in our gear," Richard croaked and Zelda could see the raw worry in his eyes and squeezed his arm.
"Thomas will be just fine," she smiled sweetly at him and at Thomas, "Won't you Thomas?" She winked at the boy who gave a pained smile.
"I'll be fine, Sir Richard, don't..." His breath wavered, "Don't worry.". Richard seemed anything but convinced but the old knight left the cottage with a grim face.
"I'm afraid the local healer is visiting Castle Town, I shall send for her but until she arrives my expertise shall have to do.". The Sheikah knelt down in front of Thomas and gestured to the bloodstained wrap. "May I?". Thomas nodded and the Sheikah started to clean the wound.
Zelda hovered nearby and knelt beside Thomas, holding his hand in hers. The man worked in silence but with a quick, gentle movement to his actions. Zelda watched his face, for he'd removed his face mask to reveal his features beneath. He was younger, only a few years older than herself. Her brows pinched together in curiosity.
"If I may," she kept her words soft so as not to disturb Thomas, "What is your name?". His eyes flicked to hers before quickly going back to his work.
"My name is Tyre, Royal Princess.". He answered while applying the last bit if salve he'd drawn from a drawer.
"Thank you, Tyre," Zelda reached out and touched his arm, hoping that he could see how grateful she truly was. His cheeks were stained a light red before he cleared his throat and gave her a small smile.
"It is my duty and pleasure, Princess.". At the form of address Zelda thought of another that called her that, though his tone was certainly more mocking than that of Tyre's. She straightened as did Tyre after giving Thomas a mixture of herb to dull the pain and make him sleep.
Richard entered, his bulky frame filling the doorway before he moved past and to Thomas's bedside. Wordlessly he lowered himself down and busied himself with repairing a vest of some sort. It was a moment later that Zelda realized that it was Thomas's vest he held in his hands. She could see the long gash and stained edges and at the sight guilt hit her hard in the gut. Her fingers curled into her palm and shame caused her to quietly leave, though her absence was only noticed by Tyre who followed softly behind her.
Once outside she let out a breath that seemed to rattle her bones...
What was she doing?
She couldn't keep putting other people's lives at risk. Her eyes squeezed shut and she fought to control the wave of emotions that flooded her entire body.
She was scared...
Scared for Thomas...
Scared for Link...
For the people of Hyrule...
For herself...
It was hard to not to be scared, but she couldn't let that cripple her. She needed to be strong and her back straightened, a sudden calmness washing over her.
She knew what she had to do...
"You're leaving, aren't you Royal Princess?". The question caused her to start, for she hadn't noticed Tyre there beside her. Her lips parted, a lie ready to leave them but she could tell that it would be of no use. Her shoulders sagged and she nodded.
"Yes, I am.". Though her words were just as soft as Tyre's they held a firm certainly that showed she meant her decision and nothing would change her mind or keep her from it. Tyre must have seen this on her face and though his held worry he bowed his head in agreement.
"Master Impa will be sorely displeased with me, as will Sir Richard and Thomas.". His lips thinned as a thought transversed across his face. "If you wish to finish your journey alone, let me at least have the honor of providing you with the proper equipment.". He did not wait for a response and disappeared behind the small house. Surprised, Zelda waited for him. She'd expected some sort of an argument but Tyre had simply agreed with her.
It was odd but certainly agreeable...
For some reason she felt eyes on her...
She swiveled about, her hand falling to the dagger she kept hidden but she saw no one there. The villagers were still out and about but none paid her any heed.
Still...
She felt...
Tyre appeared, distracting her from her thoughts. He carried a new cloak and a bundle. He passed it to her with a wink.
"Inside is fresh food and water along with a vial to keep the poison in. Also," he drew out a pair of knives and his tone turned serious, "These are dangerous Royal Princess," he pointed out the barbs, "these can peirce armor and imbed into flesh, when pulled free the barbs catch the muscle, shredding the tissue." Zelda inwardly swallowed, for the blades looked evil almost. "I have heard of this beast, I had a Goron forge this for you Royal Princess. I pray to the Goddess that they are true.". His head ducked in what appeared to be shame, "I was to be the one to wield them originally in defense of you.". He paused and remained silent, looking straight at her. "I should be going with you, to protect you.". She straightened at his words but gave him a compassionate smile.
"You cannot, you must stay and tend to Thomas.". At her words he opened his mouth to argue but she reached out and again grasped his arm . " I do not have the time nor the lives to spare, Tyre. You must stay, it is an order.". Her voice held no firm tones but Tyre knew that she meant this.
"I will cover your departure then Princess, may the Goddesses bless your footsteps.". Tyre placed his fist over his heart and dipped his shoulders in a respectful bow. Zelda threw the cloak on, setting the daggers about her waist and drawing in a calming breath. Tyre gave her a nod off encouragement before slipping away into the shadows of twilight. The setting sun was beginning to wane and the villagers were making their way home. Spying the man from earlier, Zelda thought it best to avoid him. Doing much the same as Tyre, Zelda quickly stepped into the shadow of the cottage, moving swiftly but smoothly so as to blend. Up the steps she went, the gate to the Death Mountain Trail looming up above her.
She felt her heart quiver in fear but now was not the time to be scared, to let her fear rule her. Quickening her footsteps she climbed the remaining stairs and without a backwards glance passed through the gate.
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What did she think she was doing?
Dark watched from the shadow of a building, his blood red eyes narrowing as he watched Zelda ascend the small hills to the gate. Did she think she could take on that beast without help?
Naive little princess...
He inwardly seethed, angry that she'd so casually disposed of him and her supposed to be guard. What made matters worse was that Sheikah boy was supposed to protect her, his vows and common sense holding him to that promise but it seemed as if she was determined to do this on her own.
He clenched his jaw, reminding himself to scold her thoroughly when he got his hands on her. Noting the nosy and annoyingly loud man that had stopped the party earlier, Dark chose the rooftops instead in order to avoid him. After crossing the roofs he laneded quietly on the first level. Climbing the stairs, he followed after her. She was making slow progress, her arm causing her pain and Dark again felt rage tighten in his chest. They approached the first bend, and it was to no surprise that an enemy lay in wait. The sliver of the moon highlighted the path and the Red Tektite that waited there. Zelda saw this and drew the daggers she'd been given. At the noise the creature trembled and swiveled, locking onto her. It's body began to shake and then as Zelda raised the daggers to defend herself it leapt. She was fast, simply severing a leg but her bad arm gave out and the body of the spider-like creature slammed into her. The weight knocked her down, the body pinning her and the Tektite squeaked, its intent to bury its pinchers inside her.
Dark waisted no time and stepping forward out of the shadows, plunged his sword into the monster's side. It shrieked once and vanished in a burst of flames. Zelda, breathing hard looked up at him but before he could give her time to react he reached down and yanked her up and against him. Her blue eyes widened, her lips parting to ask questions but he really didn't give a damn at the moment.
He pulled her in close and kissed her...
It was a hard, rough kiss, his lips molding against hers as he took his fill of her but it wasn't enough and he knew it never would be. He'd always want to be in her arms, kissing her, touching her. All the pent up frustration came out in his kiss as he took and took. He dimly heard her crying out against him, her hands fisting in his hair as he plunged his tongue deep inside her sweet intoxicating mouth. He wanted her to know that this wasn't over between them, not yet, and while it still lasted she was his, his alone to touch like this, his alone to safe guard and protect.
It was ironic...
it had been but a day but it was enough to drive him over the edge, send him careening down into that blackness that threatened to swallow him but as he thought earlier...
He really didn't give a damn...
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AUTHOR NOTE: I know another short chapter but I hope you all will enjoy it! Thank you all for the reviews and the support!