It felt like a surreal dream to be back in Ordon after being away so long.
The chaos of the battle field that clouded his mind only a day earlier seemed like a distant nightmare as Link gazed at the ranch around him. He sat in the pasture where the goats normally grazed on the waving grass and let his thoughts flow freely like the fluffy clouds above. The air was warm and crisp against his face; at least when the cool morning wind didn't tug gently at his clothing like a playful puppy. Autumn would soon be upon them, and the hero could already imagine the taste of Uli's unmatched pumpkin pie against his eager tongue.
The sun was just starting to peak over the hilly horizon. A few squirrels scampered in the trees just over the fence in search of precious acorns. The goats called restlessly from their barn, eager for Fado to release them to enjoy their morning meal. The leaves of the trees dripped with the morning dew, moving their branches ever so slightly like the wave of a hand. The peaceful scenery made this his favorite spot to think above all others.
The Ocarina of Time rested gently in his palms. His fingertips turned the mysterious blue instrument over. Though it was very faint, the hero sensed more than just air coursing through the legendary item—an ancient magic that had been placed there long ago. He brought it to his lips and played a few sour notes. Their sporadic ring carried across the small pasture and over the fence. He was no musician. Luckily no one was around to chastise him for it. Even so, a calming presence flowed over him whenever he embraced the instrument. It was a nice feeling for a change.
The leisurely pace of village life contrasted sharply with the chaotic hours only a day before.
The relocation to Ordon Village had been a chore in and of itself. Tifa and Colin had been plagued by injuries and fatigue. Talo, Malo, and Beth bickered the entire way. Kari's unconsciousness certainly didn't help things. Even now, he lay asleep; having awoken only once for a brief moment when they arrived. Then there was Zelda. Link couldn't figure out why she hadn't returned to Hyrule Castle.
Yet, nothing flooded the hero's heart with confusion more than the sudden appearance of Midna. Like a dormant attic being reopened for the first time in years, feelings and thoughts the hero had thought resolved long ago inundated his mind in a fresh flood of emotion
Link tried to sort through the chaotic memories of the previous day.
Kari had created that unstoppable tornado, forcing him to flee with Farore's Wind. After resting for a few minutes, he had rushed back to Hyrule Field as fast as he could to check on the Sheikah. Yet, when he arrived, he had found Midna and Zelda watching over the wind tamer and tending to his wounds. Few words were said; indeed their sudden appearance, his concern for Kari, and the effects of the battle made it difficult for him to think clearly—never mind speak.
Link moved his free hand to block an emerging ray of sunlight entering his eye. He could see the silhouette of the local hawk flying above the trees in the distance. He put the ancient instrument away as his mind continued to stir a mile a minute.
His reunion with Midna had been a lot more rushed than he hoped, if he could call it a reunion at all. After checking on Kari, everyone agreed to relocate to a safer location outside of Castle Town. He had suggested Ordon. Concerned about Colin and Tifa, he ventured into Castle Town before departing while the two women remained outside the city with Kari. Not surprisingly, the hero found Ilia tending his companions' wounds. When he revealed his plan to travel back to Ordon, she jumped at the chance to return home. Ilia told Colin and everyone else, and soon Malo, Talo, and Beth were itching to join. After saddling Epona and the new horse (Zephyr?) they met Midna and Zelda by the gate and journeyed through the deserted battlefield back to Ordon. There was a subtle apprehension from all the Ordonians except Colin over the newcomers, but no one voiced their anxieties aloud.
Luckily, they didn't arrive until late into the night while all the villagers were still asleep. While convening at Links housed shortly after their arrival, Kari awoke for a brief moment. He seemed too exhausted to even talk and collapsed into unconsciousness shortly thereafter. Link allowed Zelda, Midna, and Tifa to sleep at his house while they watched over the Sheikah. Meanwhile, he lay awake beneath the stars, taking the opportunity to frolic in the woods as a wolf where no one would see him. The Ordonians returned home, much to their parents' exuberance. To his knowledge, the villagers still didn't know of his return, though he knew with Talo it was only a matter of time before word spread and he would have to deal with them. It'd be nice to see everyone again, but he had enough things to think about without trying to explain his long absence.
And so here he was. Midna was back, he was home again; he should be happy. And yet, his heart sweltered with confusion and unrest. Everything was happening so fast that he simply couldn't take it all in.
Soft patters in the grass broke the hero's concentration like the first ripples in a motionless pond. He sensed a presence behind him but didn't bother to look.
"I'm surprised to see you up so early," Zelda remarked as she found a soft seat of grass next to the hero. As Link turned to greet his early morning companion, he jerked his head back in surprise to find the queen wearing some of Ilia's work pants and a simple short-sleeve shirt. Combined with the relaxed ponytail her hair was in, she could've passed for someone from the country. Her fair white skin shone in the sun as she greeted him with a warm smile.
"I can say the same to you, Your Majesty. Did you sleep well?" Link returned a nervous smile. "I apologize about the mess in my house; I haven't really had time to clean it lately." He placed a bashful hand behind his head.
Zelda chuckled at the small joke and hugged her knees. "Please, Link, you don't have to be so formal. We're not in the castle." She looked at him playfully. "How would you feel if I called you 'Hero' all the time?"
Link grimaced inwardly. "I see what you mean. How about Zel, then?"
The monarch's face soured. "I think Zelda will do just fine."
The hero smiled mischievously, this time a bit more at ease. "Okay, so let me try again. How was your sleep, Zelda?"
The regal woman's face softened. "Definitely different than what I am used to, but surprisingly well." She paused for a second and looked towards the morning sun. "Of course, even here I find myself waking early to find some time to think."
Link nodded with empathy. "I know what you mean."
The two embraced the silence for a while as they watched the sun together. The celestial ball of light climbed ever higher over the surrounding hillside. A cuckoo crowed in the village below, fulfilling its self-endowed role of waking the people of Ordon. Link snuck a peek at the regal young woman as she enjoyed the outdoors like a small child. Here he was sharing a simple sunrise with the most powerful person in Hyrule. He found himself greatly amused by the thought.
For Zelda, it was refreshing to be away from the castle for a bit. As she looked around at the cute farming village and inhaled the foreign but natural scent of goat, she felt the iron fingers of the crown loosen its claim on her identity for the moment. Here, she could be herself in the sunlight, even if only for a little while. It was only a matter of time before her people would need her, especially with the recent events. For now, however, she was content to enjoy the present for all it was worth.
The sudden chuckle from the hero caught the monarch off guard. It wasn't particularly loud or obnoxious, but it broke the silence nonetheless.
"What's so funny?" Zelda looked at Link curiously.
The hero shook his head. "It's nothing."
The regal young woman raised a brow and looked at him skeptically. "It was obviously something."
The hero relented. "It's nothing big." He paused. "I just find it funny how strange this all is. Being back in Ordon. Talking to you like this. Everything seems so out of place."
Zelda folded her hands in her laps and looked sternly at him. "What's that supposed to mean?"
Link gulped hard. How had he put himself in boiling water already? "D-don't take this the wrong way, Zelda; it's great talking to you and all. It just seems so new. I mean, when have we ever just sat down and had a conversation? Seems like we only talk when Hyrule's in trouble."
"Like now?" she joked, causing Link to crack a smile small. The monarch's voice softened as she fidgeted a little with her hands. "I guess you're right now that I think about it." Her expression brightened as she flashed the hero a friendly grin. "I suppose there is a first time for everything."
The hero returned the smile. Sometimes adventures came in the oddest of places.
Zelda continued. "To be honest, being in this village is awkward for me too. It's very cute, but I couldn't live here." She paused and let out a small gasp. "Oh, I'm sorry. That was rude of me."
Link stifled a laugh. "Relax, Zelda. It's not a big deal."
The regal woman let out an anxious sigh. "I hope no one here recognizes me."
The hero chewed on her words thoughtfully. "I barely recognize you. Come to think of it, I don't think I've ever seen you without a dress."
Zelda looked at him oddly as the hero's cheeks reddened.
"I-I mean I don't think I've ever seen you wear anything but a dress."
The young woman continued to eye the hero with an amused expression.
"I-I mean…what I'm trying to say is that I don't think anyone will recognize you here. Everyone's heard your name, but no one actually knows what you look like."
Zelda burst out laughing, causing Link's cheeks to flush further. When she finally calmed herself, Link looked away to hide his embarrassment.
"It's not ladylike to lose control like that, but I couldn't help myself. I apologize." Zelda said, still trying to repress her snickers. "I get what you were trying to say. Thank you."
Before long, the hero recovered from his stumbling and managed to face the monarch again. A reddish hue remained in his cheeks, but his composure returned. He leaned forward as he crossed his legs and looked at her intently. "Zelda, why are you here, anyways? And Midna?" His words trailed off.
The queen tightened her lips and took a deep breath. She stretched out her legs. One of her borrowed boots rocked nervously from side to side in a rhythmic pattern. "Have you talked to her yet?"
Link shook his head. "Not by herself. It's like she's been avoiding me."
Zelda nodded empathetically. "She probably just doesn't know what to say."
The hero sighed and ran exasperated fingers through his hair. "I hope so. Everything's been so busy with helping Kari and moving everyone to Ordon."
"It's like everything is rushing at you." Zelda finished, gazing into Link's exhausted eyes sympathetically.
Their eyes shared a short but mutual connection. "Exactly."
Link turned his head away and directed his gaze down the path. Fado would arrive any minute to let the goats out. "So why are you here?" he asked slowly.
Zelda sighed. "It's a complicated story."
Link shrugged. "My life is a complicated story."
The queen cracked a small smile. "Very well, I'll try and simplify it."
The hero stretched his arms briefly and smirked. "As long as you don't use any big words, I'll be okay."
Zelda covered her mouth with her hand to suppress another giggle. "Who knew the hero was a jester?"
Link stood up and pretended to bow, instigating further laughter from the monarch. "There's a lot you don't know about me."
"Well I guess I'm learning now," she said, picking up a blade of grass and twirling it between her fingers.
Link sat down and urged Zelda to begin. She took a deep breath and told her tale, the grass now twisted around her wrist like a bracelet.
"To keep things concise, it all started yesterday morning with Zant's invasion. I was sitting in bed when I received an urgent knock on the door. A few of my officials had called an urgent meeting, so I got ready and went there immediately. We discussed what to do about the situation, and eventually I declared myself the leader of the army."
Link's eyes widened a little. "I didn't know you knew how to fight? I mean archery, yes, but not actual fighting."
Zelda smiled proudly. "Most people do not."
The hero leaned back and smirked. "Well I guess I'm learning now."
The queen raised her brows at him. "Are you copying me?"
Link waved her comment off. "I believe you have a story to tell, Zelda."
The queen let out an amused sigh and pushed a lock of her hair behind her ears. "If you insist. Now where was I?" Her face brightened. "Oh yes, the officials were not very keen on the idea to put it lightly. They threw a fit, but I refused to change my mind." A hesitant pause. "Looking back, I suppose they had to lock me in the study to stop me."
Link was taken back. "Is that even legal?"
Zelda shrugged her shoulders. "It's in the past now." She paused. "I spent hours trying to search for a way out but with no success. Eventually, I heard noises outside the door. One by one the guards protecting me fell. The door finally opened-" she paused to heighten the suspense, "and then I saw my attacker."
"Zant?"
Zelda shook her head. "Nayru forbid." She paused. "Midna."
"Midna found you?" Link asked incredulously. "How'd she manage that?"
The monarch shrugged her shoulders and changed to a kneeling position. She released the grass from her fingertips and clasped her hands on her lap. "At the time, it wasn't important. She literally grabbed my hand and pulled me out the door. I wanted to check on the guards, but she assured me they were only unconscious. Yet, shortly behind her, a strange cloaked man appeared. He demanded I go with him or else he'd kill the unconscious guards."
"So what'd you do?" Link asked, leaning forward in interest.
"I didn't have time to think; Midna pulled me down the hall as fast as she could. The man, I think he called himself Agahnim, well he-" Zelda hesitated, reflecting on the memory of those unfortunate souls. "He fulfilled his promise. Eventually, he followed us all the way to the water tunnels below the castle."
"I know of those." Link commented. It was those same tunnels where he had finally learned how to use his wolf body effectively.
The monarch's earrings jingled as she nodded her head. "I used to play in those tunnels as a young girl. My nanny never liked it." She paused, refocusing on her account. "We were forced to fight that man. Luckily, it was two against one and we won. We left him there and followed a secret tunnel that leads out to the moat by the northern part of Hyrule Castle. We followed the sounds of battle until we reached the Great Bridge of Hylia. There we saw a massive tornado and what looked like someone floating in the sky."
"Kari." Link said quietly to himself.
"I forced Midna to investigate with me. After a tiring journey in soggy clothes, we stumbled on the battlefield, although at this point it was empty. It was there we found Kari and later met up with you."
Link nodded understandingly. "That explains why your clothes were wet and you didn't want to return to the city. After all, I'd probably stay away if I had crazy, cloaked men trying to kidnap me." He shifted his weight to the back of his hands as he reclined. "But what about your people? They must be worried sick about you."
The monarch sighed. "Midna threatened to knock me unconscious if I didn't come with her to Ordon. I didn't really have a choice." Her eyes dropped to the ground. "Returning to them is my priority. Once everything settles here, I plan on going back. The Duke of Crimea will step in during my absence. He's a bag of hot air, but he loves this country. He would never do anything to hurt it."
Link's eyes glossed over with worry. "I hope you're right."
Zelda looked at him nervously. "What do you mean?"
The hero recovered quickly. "Oh, its nothing. I'm sure everything will be fine." He smiled half-heartedly. "He seemed to fit into the position fine when I heard him speak from the castle balcony."
Zelda looked at him suspiciously. "Please. What did he say?"
Link hesitated for a moment as the monarch's urgent gaze pressed him. Though he didn't want to say anything, it'd be impossible for him to resist those imploring cerulean eyes. "Everyone thinks you're either dead or captured, Zelda. He said he'd do everything he could to find you, but it sounded like goat fodder designed to please the crowd."
Zelda rose sharply from her position. "Then what am I doing here? I have to return at once."
Link jumped to his feet and opened his mouth to say something but was cut off by a shout from across the pasture. The pair looked over to see Fado running over with a large smile plastered to his face.
"HOY! THAT YOU, LINK?"
Link looked quickly at Zelda, his eyes dictating they would finish their conversation later. He could only hope she understood his intent.
The hero turned back around to greet his former coworker. "It's been a while, Fado." Zelda and he waited patiently while the Ordonian jogged merrily over.
"Well knock my socks off, it's really you," Fado said with vigor. He wrapped one arm around the hero and ran a fist through his scrappy blonde hair. Link smiled politely but said nothing, wincing slightly as Fado's knuckles rubbed against his scalp. Zelda looked on in interest as she observed the hero in his natural setting.
"Good to see you, too." Link said at last when Fado finally returned his hands to his sides.
Fado couldn't contain his glee. "Where ya' been all this time? I can't tell ya' how many times I was needin' help with those critters," the Ordonian said with a nod to the barn. He looked at Zelda, noticing her for the first time. He nodded slowly and enlarged his grin even more. "Aww, I understan' now. You found yourself a pretty lass, didn't ya?"
Link and Zelda's eyes both widened in horror.
"Well, don't go and be rude, Link. Aren't ya goin' to introduce her?" Fado eyed the hero expectantly.
"My name is Zelda. It's a pleasure to meet you." The regal young woman said politely and gave a small curtsy.
Fado extended his sweaty hand to the monarch. "Name's Fado. Pleasure is all mine." Zelda eyed the offer hesitantly, accepting it only after a subtle nod from Link. When Fado wasn't looking, she wiped her hand against her pant leg, forcing a small smile from the hero.
Fado placed a thoughtful hand on his chin as he looked at Zelda. "Your name sounds awfully familiar." He paused, eying her carefully. "You wouldn't know the Queen, would ya?"
Link shifted his weight nervously to one side. Zelda put on the impassive mask of a monarch, showing no emotion in her expression as she answered.
"My mother liked the name." She said calmly. A small sigh of relief escaped from Link.
"Ah, so how'd you two meet? Where ya' from?" Fado asked curiously.
Zelda hesitated for a second.
"She's from the city." Link chimed in. "We met while I was traveling the world." He looked to Zelda and could see a slight twitch in her smile. At least he wasn't the only one getting a little frustrated.
"Well, I'll be. A city girl? I never would'a known!" Fado exclaimed. "So how long you two been together?"
Link folded his arms and let his smile dissolve. "Fado, that can wait. Who else knows I'm here?"
The subject of conversation changed as smoothly as an expert musician switching songs. "Why the whole village! When Talo and the rest of 'em told us you were here, we couldn't believe our ears! Bo's got the whole village together for a party." Fado smiled sheepishly. "I was supposed ta' come getcha but I guess I got distracted."
Link nodded. "We'll head down there now."
Fado turned towards the barn and began running. "I'll meet ya'll down there once I let these critters out."
As the Ordonian ran out of earshot, Zelda couldn't resist a small smirk. "He's quite a character."
The two began walking down the path towards the main village. "Yeah, I guess he is. He tends to jump to conclusions." Link said. A small chuckle escaped. "I still find it funny he thinks we're together."
Zelda looked at him curiously. Her earrings jingled as her feet pattered softly against the dirt path leading to the village "You find something odd with the idea?"
Link hesitated, choosing his words carefully. He intentionally avoided her gaze. "Let's just say it would take some adjustments."
At first, the monarch furrowed her eyebrows. Though they weren't insulting, something in his words stung. Yet, the thought quickly disappeared as a sly smile appeared on her face. "Then let us thank the goddesses that will never happen."
The hero's face contorted into a priceless look of confusion. He stopped where he was as Zelda continued onward. "What's that supposed to mean?"
The monarch didn't look back; glad that he couldn't see the victorious grin on her face. "Don't fall behind, Link. You still haven't introduced me to the rest of your village."
Link sighed in resignation and ran to catch up with her. Where had that come from?
For sleeping in his own house, the night wasn't nearly as restful as Colin had hoped. Granted, the wound on his arm and the scrapes covering his torso contributed to his discomfort. Yet, something still tugged at his mind with a persistence normally reserved for his younger brother. As his eyes scanned the wooden furniture scattered around the house, his gaze settled on the wooden table where they had eaten dinner the night before departing for Castle Town. If he had only known that supper would be their last as a complete family, he would have soaked in the moment for all it was worth.
Now, there would always be an empty chair.
Colin shook his head and tried to replace the thought with happier ones. As the youth looked over the couch that had served as his bed, he saw the silhouette of Zen curled up against his mother in a rocking chair near the back corner of the house.
Colin's mouth curled into a half smile. No doubt they would be surprised by his sudden appearance. He was grateful for the nights he had stayed out late with the rest of his friends, forced to sneak back into the house lest his parents awaken and he be punished. Of course, he had been caught the first couple of times, but eventually, he had mastered the art of entering the house unnoticed.
"Ouch." The young swordsman winced as a wrong movement sent sharp jolts of pain down his injured arm.
The swordsman held his bandaged arm and looked at the souvenir that commemorated his first taste of war. Though he'd rather not remember it, there was no forgetting the stickiness of sweat covering his body and the salty taste of blood against his tongue. The roars of monsters rang in his ears, and the stench of Lizalfos breath still felt fresh in his nostrils. He'd rather not repeat the experience if he could help it. Yet, if Link needed his help, he wouldn't hesitate for a moment.
Maybe for a little more than a moment. But he wouldn't let his fear overcome him.
"Cat pounce!" Zen's energetic voice startled Colin half to death.
A jump and a thud later, the two boys were off the couch and rolling onto the ground. Zen's laughter filled the small house as Colin gritted his teeth somewhere between a smile and pain. He heard a creaking in the distance and soon saw his mother standing over the two boys.
"Oh my!" Uli gasped, raising her hand to her mouth. "When did you arrive, Colin?"
The youth grunted a response as Zen continued to wrestle with him. Even with a handicap, Colin was still more than ready to fend off his playful opponent.
"Stop it right now, you two. Zen, get off of him," Uli's voice became stern as her initial shock gave way to parental authority.
Zen moaned in complacency but reluctantly obeyed. He strolled to Uli's side as Colin rose to his feet, brushing off some of the accumulated dirt from his tunic.
"My word, Colin. Where did you come from? And what happened to your arm?" She instantly stepped forward and began investigating the bandage.
Colin rolled his eyes. "Not now, Ma. Not when Link's back."
She stopped for a moment from her diligent work. "What? Link? Here?"
A large grin plastered Colin's face. "Yup. He's finally home."
Uli continued her work, her mood significantly brighter. "Well, after all these years, bless my soul." She turned to her son. "All the more reason for you to get this properly bandaged. What did you do? Fight a war?" She shook her head as she gazed at the crusted blood on the cloth fabric. She worked herself into a frenzy and dashed for her medical supplies. "Your father's going to get it good when I see him. Doesn't tell me you and he are home, leaves you like this, and doesn't even show up to take the responsibility."
Colin was silent as he watched his mother put her domestic skills to work. Her knowledge of the local herbs and their medicinal properties was unmatched in all of Ordon. He was in good hands.
The swordsman shuffled his feet against the wooden floor. He knew he would have to confront her with the awful burden eventually. Perhaps he could put it off.
"Where is your father, anyways?" her voice called from across the kitchen.
So much for that idea.
Colin turned to his younger brother. "Hey Zen, do you think you could run to Sera's and fetch us some milk?"
The seven year old boy scowled. "Why do Ihave to?"
"Zen." Uli's expectant voice called out with an unexpected weight.
The boy responded obediently, but not without first mumbling complaints underneath his breath. Zen was unhappy, and he ensured everyone else knew it by slamming the door loudly.
"What's on your mind, Colin?" Uli asked as she grabbed a clean rag and dabbed the wound. She applied slight pressure, sprinkled some medicinal powder onto the skin, and wrapped some fresh cloth tightly around his arm.
"Huh?" Colin managed, averting his eyes to the ceiling. He winced at the pain stinging his arm, but that was nothing to the guilt tearing his conscience.
"I know you have something you want to say," Uli said calmly. "Why else would you have sent your brother out of the room?"
Colin was speechless. The guilt expanded in his chest like a balloon, forcing the harsh words he had to say up his throat. He bit his tongue tightly just to prevent himself from blurting anything out. There had to be someone else who could do it; why here and now?
His mother smiled gently. "Don't look so surprised, Colin. I did raise you after all. You know you can tell me whatever's bothering you—nothing will ever change how much I love you."
The youth looked at his mother as she finished dressing his wound.
"There, that's much better." Uli said proudly as she glanced at her handiwork. "Just take it easy, and that arm should be fine in a few days."
The youth placed a firm hand on his mother's wrist. "Mama, you may want to sit down."
Uli looked at her son curiously. A wave of dread washed over her as she saw the grave expression etched into his thoughtful blue eyes. How could he be so glum if Link was back? Something told her she didn't want to know.
"Okay, Colin. I feel fine though." She said clumsily as she took a spot on the hard couch Colin had slept on only earlier.
It was now or never. There was no telling if he might ever have another chance like this. His mouth felt like a bag full of salt had been poured into it. He had to concentrate hard just to form the words on his lips. He sat beside Uli and looked at her with a gaze that could make a stone cry.
"I love you, Mama." Colin said suddenly and wrapped her in a tight embrace.
"I-I love you too, Colin." Uli said slowly, startled by the sudden outburst. Her expression was a mixture of shock and confusion, but she immersed herself in the gesture nonetheless. After all, it was good to finally have her son safe in her arms. She felt the unsteady rhythm of his breathing pressed gently against her body, filling her with both a comforting warmth and a strange anxiety.
As Colin pulled away, Uli saw small tears flowing down his cheeks. A hidden desperation filled her son's eyes that she hadn't noticed earlier. His gaze lingered down on the ground, unable to look into his mother's face.
"Papa's—not coming back. He—didn't make it." Colin spoke with his tone dripped in regret.
The mother of two stopped breathing for a moment as the words hit her. Though spoken to her with the softness of a flowing stream, the words seemed to echo in her mind with the crash of thunder. Time itself came to a halt, and part of her meticulously constructed world crashed around her.
Memories of her wedding day with Rusl came flooding to the forefront of the mother's mind. It had been such a happy day: the momentous unification of two young people caught in the sway of love. The joyful sound of music. Sera's crazy cheering. Bo's wild dancing. The round stomach of her lifelong friend, Eidel, pregnant with baby Link. The beaming face of Uziah, the expectant father. If only they could see their child now—they would be so proud. And of course, the shimmering face and sparkling smile of her husband-to-be. They best years of their lives had been spent together.
"What happened?" She said softly. She clasped Colin's shaking hand in a gesture meant to comfort her as much as him.
The tears whelmed in Colin's eyes and flushed down his cheek as the agonizing memories clogged his mind. The mother and son embraced each other once again. With sobs choking his words, Colin poured out his heart and told Uli everything.
"That wasn't as bad as I thought it'd be," Link said as he and Zelda walked out of Bo's cramped house. The house was normally large enough, but not when seemingly the entire village was crowded inside. The hero's back was sore from the many jovial pats he had received, most of them from Fado. Though he had been initially dreading the encounter, he felt his heart lightened by the reunion.
"I must admit the villagers here are simply charming. They seem to adore you, Link, especially the younger ones." Zelda said. She let out a childish giggle. "It's rather adorable."
Link rolled his eyes and smiled. "They sure do."
Malo, Talo, Beth, and Ilia had been so overcome with excitement over their recent adventures that they had done most of the talking. The villagers had been at the edges of their seats as the youths relayed the tale of their dangerous journey to Castle Town, the battle at Kakariko, and the recent attack on the capital itself. Silence struck the entire room when they revealed Rusl's death. Indeed, they had said many of the things the hero had been reluctant to. Thinking about it, he turned to the monarch. "Do you think they said too much?"
Zelda shrugged her shoulders. "It depends on what you mean. Ordon has a right to know about the war. One of their own died protecting us, after all."
Link let out a heavy sigh. "Yeah, he did."
They stopped walking momentarily as Zelda placed a comforting hand on Link's shoulder. "He was a great man, Link. I believe he'd be proud of you."
The hero said nothing and chose to kneel down beside a patch of Ordon pumpkins instead. The rough round surface felt familiar in his hands. He couldn't even count the number of summers he had helped harvest them. He hid his pain with an inquisitive smile. "Tell me, Zelda. Have you ever had one of these?"
She cocked her head to the side. "Of course! Don't you know Ordon punpkins are considered a delicacy in the castle?"
Link feigned a scowl. "Now you're just mocking me."
The monarch looked at the pumpkin longingly. "I'm being completely serious. You know— if you're supposed to be courting me, then it might make a good gift or something," she said with a hint of mischief in her voice.
Link grabbed a handful of dirt and chucked it at the unsuspecting monarch. She instinctively blocked her face with her hands, but there was no escape from getting the earthly bounty all over her clothes. "Don't start with that. Just because everyone else has the wrong idea doesn't mean you should too."
She let out a hearty laugh. "I'm sorry, but you're just easy to antagonize."
"I couldn't agree more. You should've seen him when we first met." Another familiar voice called out from behind them.
Zelda and Link whipped around to find Midna standing behind them. The color of her vibrant orange hair reminded the duo of the sunrise earlier that morning. It was arranged in its usual fashion —a pattern of braids held together by a variety of clips. Despite the thick leather hood that shielded her pale skin from the sunlight and covered some of her face, her lively red eyes and petite facial features filled the hero's heart with special warmth he hadn't experienced for several years. It would take him a while to reconcile the beautiful woman standing before him with the same imp he had become so fond of.
Link continued to stare, his emotions robbing him of words. Zelda eyed him eagerly, urging him in her heart to speak his mind.
Midna smiled at the hero. "What? Say something. Am I so beautiful that you have no words left?"
Link had to smile at her choice of words. He had heard them before so many years ago. It was as if they had never been apart.
"I suppose so," the hero uttered sheepishly at last.
Midna shrugged her shoulders and rolled her eyes playfully. "Don't worry. I get that a lot."
Link tapped his boots nervously against the ground as he fidgeted with his tunic. Zelda sighed to herself. For the bearer of courage, he was more nervous than a boy at his first day of school. She decided to get the ball rolling. "Midna, how is Kari doing?"
The twilight princess let her gaze roll over to Link's house in the distance. "How should I know? He does nothing but sleep and mumble my name. It's rather creepy."
"So he hasn't woken up yet?" Zelda asked with concern in her eyes.
Midna's tone lessened its sarcasm. "His injuries are serious. Whoever inflicted that much pain on him had the intent of murder."
Link's voice flared. "Zant."
The two women were caught off guard by the hero's sudden fury. It took little time for Midna to join him, though. The forming creases in her face hinted at her inner loathing for the man who once claimed to be the King of Twilight.
Zelda stretched her arms and let out a yawn. "Well, it's my turn to keep an eye on him. I'm sure you two have a lot to talk about." She gave an encouraging wink to Link before turning around and heading up the path.
Link couldn't take his eyes off the twilight princess. "It's good to see you again, Midna."
Midna smiled and readjusted the hood of her cloak to shield her eyes from the sun. "Well, of course. What other possibility could there be?" Her voice softened with a tenderness. "It's good to see you too, Link."
Link looked around for any inspiration to further the conversation. "So-it must be different staying in the village."
Midna turned to the hero. "It's actually rather curious. How come the villagers don't stare at me? They must know I'm not one of them."
Link tensed and looked quickly around him. He gave her a quick nod and he urged her towards the spring where they could talk in private. As they walked, he explained the situation. "They think you're in a wandering troupe and that's part of your costume."
"What's a troupe?"
Link hesitated for a moment. "It's a group that travels around and gives performances."
"They think I'm a performer?" The twilight princess asked incredulously as an image of the man who ran the Star Game came to her mind. She clearly thought the role was beneath her.
The hero shrugged his shoulders. "If they believe it, it's less trouble for us."
Midna shrugged her shoulders and said nothing else. Before long, they reached the spirit's spring. It was quiet save for the rippling of the waterfalls that ran down the jagged rocks. Link chose to stay on the sandy ground while Midna let the cool water lick against her bare feet. They occasionally glanced at each other, allowing the cheerful chirping of the birds to fill the void their silence left.
"So aren't you going to ask me?" Midna asked after she had grown tired of the unspoken tension. "I know you didn't bring me out here to tell me I look like a performer."
Link's head jerked in her direction at the question. "Ask what?" He said innocently.
"About why I'm so beautiful, of course," she said, walking towards him and placing a flirtatious hand on his cheek. The hero relaxed as her soothing fingernails caressed his skin. Then, she jerked it suddenly away and he felt the tension return. "What do you think?"
There was no use in hiding it now. He felt the feelings of loneliness and abandonment bubble to the surface; feelings he had thought resolved on his seven year journey. "Midna, why come back now? Nothing makes sense. You're gone for so long, and then you just waltz right back into my life again."
A bitter smile crossed the twilight princess's lips, one Link could see even despite the shadows of her cloak. What could she say? Seven years had passed. How was she to know if there was anything still between them? Though she still felt for him, she just wasn't ready to risk it when she didn't even know what the future held. The safe route was the way to go. "Link, you shouldn't get the wrong idea. I didn't come back for you."
The words felt like a dagger to his heart.
"In fact, Link, I didn't want to come back at all."
The dagger was being twisted ever so slowly.
"I broke the mirror so that nothing like what Zant did could ever happen again. You have no idea how much I—no that's not important." She hesitated for a second and resumed after a deep sigh. "Let's just say it was one of the hardest decisions of my life." She couldn't tell him how deeply she had missed him; how long she had to struggle to finally resolve her feelings. At least she thought she had resolved them, but now she wasn't so sure. Looking at his face, she realized her words may have gone too far. But they had already left her mouth. There was little she could do about it.
The dagger eased its pressure ever so slightly, but the wound was still there.
Her bitter smile became a harsh scowl. Her voice rose with a fury. "All of my efforts to stop our worlds from interacting were for naught! That imposter found his way back, and my people suffered for it! Now, he's come for your world, and I've been caught in the middle!"
The dagger slowly emerged. Link suddenly realized it had pierced Midna's heart long before his.
Confusion covered Link's face. "But how did you come back?"
Midna opened her mouth, but then reconsidered. She was glad he couldn't hear her choking up. She couldn't stand to say anymore; it simply hurt too much. Seeing one of the few people that truly cared for her made her heart flutter, but she suppressed the emotions through sheer effort of will. She had given up on such foolish thoughts long ago. Now, she found those same foolish thoughts coming back."You'll see for yourself, soon enough. When Kari finally recovers, I'll take the three of you to the Ancient Sages. They'll explain everything."
Link stood there speechless. A squirrel leaped gallantly from a branch overhead, but he hardly noticed.
"I'll see you later, Link." She turned around to leave. A tear streamed down her cheek, but she caught it before he noticed. "You know where to find me."
Link watched without a single movement as Midna turned around the corner and vanished out of sight. Her harsh words danced around his heart like a nomadic tribe performing a ritual. The fuel they added to the confusion already within bubbled it ever closer to the breaking point. His only hope for some answers lay with her last few words: The Ancient Sages.
A/N- Hope you guys enjoyed the chapter! Midna's character was a bit tricky to write, as she has a lot going on in her head. I hope she was believable enough. If you guys are in the mood for something a bit more light-hearted, I wrote a one-shot called Dear Mr. Ganondorf between this chapter and the last. It pokes fun of Ganondorf and the things he does wrong as the Evil King. IF you're interested, check out the link on my profile. Until next chapter!