Disclaimer: GrimGrave does not own any of the characters of their respective franchises; Metroid and Legend of Zelda belongs to Shigeru Miyamoto and Nintendo, while Soul Calibur belongs to Namco Bandai. GrimGrave does not make money for writing fiction.

My apologies for the wait!

A Hylian's Harem

Chapter 18

Festival Fun part 3

The festival was still as lively as ever, even as the sun was about to set in the horizon and shower the sky with its golden light. In fact, a lot more people – Hylians, the Gerudo, Gorons, and Zoras – had showed up as the hours rolled by, offering new and exotic wares or mini-games to the masses. One of them in particular had grown remarkably in popularity in a short span of time: the hoop-tossing game. While extremely common, this one had grown popular for its unique and rare prizes which had people gather around just to catch a glimpse of them.

"Are you interested in something, Sheik?" Link queried his date. The blond woman was dressed in what looked like ordinary long-sleeved robes, but the design and colours were definitely of Sheikah origin: black and dark-blue with a muted-purple sash. Her head garb was gone, which was rare to see, and with her face not covered, Link had to admit that Sheik was incredibly beautiful. Her features were pronounced and sharp, and while she could look a bit boyish from certain angles, she was feminine enough to earn second glances from passing males.

Having heard from others about the extraordinary prizes, the two of them had hurried over without hesitation, and, as expected, the booth was crowded, though they both had managed to squeeze through them. To their surprise, it was a fellow Sheikah, along with a Zora woman, who was manning the booth.

Sheik browsed the prizes, and she was pleased to see that the rumours weren't exaggerating: a small, blue-tinted ocarina, a pair of large metallic gauntlets, a bottle with a purple liquid inside, a scale of some kind, another bottle of purple substance, a bottle with blue liquid, a blue-glowing tear-shaped rock, a blue tunic, a purplish-pink jewel, a pair of (oddly enough) ordinary-looking boots, and lastly an azure, armoured tunic.

"They are all rare," she finally said. "But nothing I'm interested in…save for perhaps the bottles." She turned her attention to the Sheikah manning the booth. "My good sir, what are these potions of yours?"

The male Sheikah seemed to crack a smile at her. "…These are rare concoctions made by my tribe in the east, child: I've got you here a blue potion and a purple potion. However, the last one isn't made by mortal hands. It's called "Great Fairy's Tears": it's said to heal the most grievous of wounds and temporary boost your strength."

"You've piqued my interest, sir," Sheik replied. "How much for one game?"

"80 rupees for one turn, 6 hoops," the man answered. "Still interested?"

"I'm more than willing to try once," she said. As Sheik was about to take out her wallet, Link gently grabbed her arm. "Link?"

"My treat," he said with a smile, wallet already in hand. He paid the Sheikah and crossed his arms over his chest. "Show me how well your aim is, Sheik!"

The blonde woman flashed him a small smirk. With the hoops in her hand, she stepped back and readied herself. The prizes were set up in a way to increase the game's difficulty, and patrons had to stand back a bit – them's the rules.

She took a deep breath. Then another. And then a third. Her crimson eyes shot wide open and she tossed the hoops one after another in rapid succession at the bottles: first two grazed the blue and purple potions, the third missed completely, and the fourth and fifth successfully landed over the bottle of blue potion. The last one landed on the bottle of Great Fairy's Tears.

The onlookers applauded.

"Looks like we have a winner," the old man stated. His eyes strayed over to Link as Sheik was handed her prizes. "Is the young man interested in a turn, perhaps?"

Sheik turned towards him, beaming. "Aye, Link. Show me how well your aim is!"

"Gladly," he replied. Smiling and sure of himself, Link paid the old man and took a few steps back. He readied himself and peered at the prizes; few of them interested him, particularly the tunic.

He took aim and threw the first hoop, only for it to completely miss.

The Sheikah and some of the other patrons giggled. "Not a very good start, Link."

"I didn't see you hit with every hoop," Link replied and smiled. He tossed the second hoop, and it bounced off the little wooden peg. Third and fourth wasn't any success either.

"Last two, Link," Sheik said, slightly amused.

"Everyone has an off-day."

The fifth hoop just barely hit its mark, but the last one managed to win him the blue, ordinary-looking tunic. Not too shabby.

X.x.X.x.X

"Pouting is unbecoming of you, Link." Sheik smirked at him. "You won something, after all."

The Hylian nodded. "Yes, well, it was a bit embarrassing either way…"

"Don't be," the red-eyed woman comforted. She leaned in and stole a quick peck on his cheek. "You're still my Hero, even on your off days."

Link chuckled. When Sheik was more relaxed, she could be incredibly sweet and "girly" for the lack of a proper term. She was hugging his arm as they walked and she was looking at him affectionately, somethings that was rather uncharacteristic of someone who had always been stoic and straight to the point.

"I've been meaning to tell you," Link began. "For someone so reserved, you've been rather… I don't mean to say ´clingy´ but –"

The Sheikah shook her head. "No, you're right. I have been acting peculiar. It's because of them; we have known each other for a long time, Link, and at first I wasn't certain if you and I could ever be an item. But ever since they showed up, I became concerned, agitated even."

When the Hylian didn't say anything, Sheik continued. "I thought of myself as a fool for even harbouring such emotions for you, but seeing the others so close to you has perhaps made me act a bit… uncharacteristic, as you put it." She sighed and looked sorrowfully into Link's azure pools. "Forgive me. Jealousy is an ugly thing, isn't it?"

He grabbed her firmly – but gently – by the shoulders. "Don't say that! I mean, granted, it is a completely new experience to see you like this, but it's only natural to react when someone you like is… well…"

He swallowed whatever words he was about to say. He hadn't realized just how close the two of them were right now. He could practically just lean in and –

"Showered with affection from other women?" Sheik finished. Her ruby eyes seemed to flash in crimson-gold light. "What can I say? I don't like the idea of losing you."

Link nodded, but looked away. "I can understand that… But I don't know what to do. I've been forced into choosing a life-partner –"

The collar of his robe was tugged and Link was pulled close. It was soft, wet, and chaste, but the kiss – hot, breath-taking, dominant, and utterly passionate – left the Hero speechless.

"Like I said," Sheik began. Her lips were neatly curved into a smile. "Jealousy can be ugly… but also a strong driving force. Although I'm adept at concealing my emotions – and you know this by now –, don't ever assume I'm cold and uncaring; especially not towards you. Being with you like this allows me…" She leant back in. "To be true to myself… and more importantly, you."

X.x.X.x.X

It was at the beginning of evening – when darkness began blanketing the sky – that music was played and bonfires lit up across Hyrule Field. Gerudo, Gorons, Zoras, Hylians, and Sheikahs all contributed to the festivities, with the recently arrived Gerudo tribe providing music that had everyone dance.

"It sure has become a lot more crowded since this morning," Aveil stated and grinned to herself.

Link nodded. "That's because the atmosphere becomes a lot livelier with the bonfires, I believe," he replied. It was a vague answer, but he couldn't come up with a proper response; not when he couldn't take his eyes off the redhead beside him.

The thief wore a garb similar to traditional Gerudo member, but with her blue silk harem-pants with gold-studded silver belt, blue silken, jewel-studded top that barely hid her ample cleavage, and her silver armguards, she was easy on the eyes. She wore jewels and gold, and while it would strike anyone as flashy, Aveil wore it with pride and style befitting a woman of her rank.

"That could be why," she replied. "But I like to think that it's because of my people; honestly, you Hylians didn't even have any music save for a few bards, and that's hardly befitting a festival such as this!"

Link chuckled. "I suppose you have a point."

"Of course I have!" she exclaimed. Aveil looked around, her golden eyes straying from location to location. "Hmm… It really is crowded…"

"Of course it is. What were you expecting, Aveil?"

The redhead frowned. "I was hoping to find some vacant spots, but I guess they must be all occupied by now…" she stated. "My sisters really are quick."

Link looked at her puzzlingly. "I'm sorry, but I don't follow."

The thief glanced at him with a predatory smirk. "Surely you've heard about how we, the Gerudo, every now and then come to Hyrule in search for ´boyfriends´, right?"

"Of course," Link said. "But I don't see what that has to do with vacant –" He paused. His eyes widened as it dawned on him. "Oh…"

"Exactly." The redhead giggled. "Hmm… From the look of things, we might have to retreat to as far as the back-alleys of Market Town if we don't want to be disturbed…"

"Hold on, don't I get a say in this?! No, wait, why are you assuming I'm on board with this?!" Link retorted.

The tanned woman looked at him innocently, batting her eyelashes. "Why, you've been staring at me for a while now. Or are you going to say that you don't find me attractive?"

"That's not –"

"Good," Aveil interrupted. "Now that's sorted, help me find someplace private."

The blonde sighed. "Aveil, we're not going to… well, mate. We are here to have a good time, remember?"

"Of course, what do you think I'm trying to achieve here?"

"Not that kind of ´fun´," Link said. "Honestly…"

The Gerudo-woman laughed airily. "Relax, I'm half-joking. We are here to enjoy the festival and have a good time, just you and me. We'll find someplace more private after the festival."

"A-Aveil," the Hylian stuttered. "You're rather forward tonight…"

The redhead snickered. "I've been holding back since the others would eventually get in my way if I tried anything… So I bided my time and here you ask us out for the festival separately! How could I possibly resist such an offer from the man who's the topic of interest in Gerudo Valley?"

Link's face reddened greatly. "I'm…what? Don't tell me…"

"Oh yes," Aveil said with a small but vixenish grin. "You're quite popular in Gerudo Fortress, Link. The others will be envious beyond measure when I bring you back as my husband."

The Hero of Time gulped. That's right – the tribe of thieves had completely changed their attitude back then, when he had saved all the carpenters (honestly, what drove those men to attempt joining an all-female tribe in the first place?) he had been rewarded with membership. However, now that he thought about it, the Gerudo had not only treated Link with respect, but many of them had walked up and talked to him.

Dismissing their friendliness for just that, the Hylian hadn't thought much about it since. But thinking back, it was painfully obvious: the winks, the honeyed voices and the invitations to practice…

Having saved their women's captives who were spread throughout a maze-like fortress, Link had displayed note-worthy skills in stealth and combat; traits that the Gerudo valued dearly. And being a man to boot…

"I'm going to guess that there were some who protested against you for being the one to marry me," Link said, dismayed.

The thief laughed. "Why would they, my dear? After all, once I bring you back, you'll be my husband, yes, but in order to ensure plenty of new warriors, the majority of our kin visit Hyrule for ´boyfriends´," she said. She winked mischievously at the lad. "I'll be your number 1, if you catch my drift."

The blonde hid his face with his sleeve, but the redhead just laughed.

"A-anyway! Shall we try some of the games, perhaps? Anything you fancy?"

Aveil thoughtfully tapped her chin as she scanned around them. The games seemed childish for her tastes, she wasn't hungry or thirsty either, and as much as she enjoyed the fireworks, it wasn't enough to just watch them with Link.

However, there were some impressive bonfires going on…

Beaming, Aveil gently pulled Link's arm. "I know just the thing for us to do – come with me."

The Hylian followed obediently, but clueless. The Gerudo woman led him through the crowds until they reached one of the bonfire-hotspots near the middle of Hyrule Field. She guided her man to one of the logs to sit on.

"Aveil –"

"Relax, have a drink, and enjoy," she said with a seductive smile and a tone that made Link's knees weak. She turned around and clapped her hands loud enough to garner attention. "Sisters! Music!"

It wasn't until after she had said that that Link noticed the other Gerudo women nearby – each of which with an instrument – as they immediately began playing. Music unlike what the Hylians were playing seemed to drown out every other sound, leaving only the alluring rhythm of the desert tribe's ancestral notes. But that's not what Link paid attention to.

Before him, with a background of golden flames that reached for the blackened sky, was Aveil. She danced – danced like goddess – with moves that seemed impossible, but was as natural as breathing for the redheaded woman. Her hips swayed in time to the music, her arms and legs moved with unnatural elegance, and her hair – a tail as red as the hottest fire – whipped with every motion, as if it had a will of its own.

Her golden eyes seemed to glow. She smiled at the blonde, enjoying his attention.

Link's heart fluttered. Like many women he had met and known, he had been aware of Aveil's beauty, but never thought much about it. But seeing her before him like this forced him to acknowledge that the thief was different – she was exotic.

"That's quite the intense stare, my love," she stated and broke the silence between them. The music played on, but they heard each other clearly. "Are you captivated by my charms? I may not be as alluring as our exalted Nabooru, but I like to think I'm not far behind."

"No," Link began. His throat was dry. "…You're beautiful, Aveil."

The high-ranked Gerudo flashed him a grin, but her sun-touched skin was visibly red. "Why, thank you, my dear."

Time became irrelevant. Link watched Aveil dance, each of her moves more alluring than the next. People cheered and clapped in time with the music, but neither he nor the redheaded thief paid anyone else any mind but to each other.

"…How long have you been harbouring these feelings for me?"

The Gerudo woman chuckled. "A long time." She paused as she danced. "I mistook it for genuine attraction… but somewhere along the way, I came to understand that it was more than that. I began looking forward to whenever you visited us, and missed you whenever you weren't around."

"…"

"This will sound weird, coming from someone like me, but I care deeply about you. It is so odd… We, the Gerudo, do not care much about the concept of romance… and yet, you, a Hylian, steal my heart away so masterfully." She laughed softly, still dancing without missing a beat. "Just how did you do it?"

"I can't say," Link replied. He smiled warmly at her. "Because it wasn't my intention to in the first place. I didn't think we would end up like this, either."

Aveil's eyes flashed sorrowfully. "…Do you regret this?"

He watched her, still. Laughter and music filled the air.

"I don't regret giving this – and you – a chance."

Smirking, the redhead kept dancing, a sultry laugh escaping her as she reached for the sky, the fire behind her seemingly mimicking her motions.

´I'm glad…!´

X.x.X.x.X

"I'm sorry… I kept you waiting, didn't I?"

The Grecian – clad in similar attire as the others, but in white and blue – smiled back. "I will forgive you, just this once. You don't keep a woman waiting, Link, it's bad manners."

Of course she forgave him; no-one is perfect, and Link being who he is was exactly why Sophitia loved him.

He swallowed hard. "M-my apologies…"

"I said I forgive you this time," Sophitia said. Her milky-white cheeks were flushed red, her gaze averted from Link's. "L-Let's not let this evening go to waste."

"Y-yes, of course…!" The Hero gently held the Grecian's hand. "The show is about to start, so we'll have to hurry."

She looked at him, curious and puzzled. "What show?"

"The firework show," he replied. "Every year, they save the best fireworks for last. If we hurry, we should be able to find a good spot."

He led her through the now gathering crowds around the hills of Hyrule Field. Hyrulians waited with bated breath for the main show of the festival; even the bards and shopkeepers had ceased all activities to witness the fireworks.

Upon reached the top of the hill, Link finally stopped. "This will do."

"There sure are a lot of people around…" Sophitia commented. "I knew the whole land was celebrating, but to see so many in one place…"

"The festival is about union," Link explained. "Half the reason for this festival is for everyone to come together."

´Coming together, huh…?´ Sophitia thought. ´A union…´

People soon gathered around even around them, hoping to get the best spots. Sophitia smiled as she watched them all, but she kept glancing back at the Hero; he was watching the joint effort of Gorons and Hylians who were preparing the special fireworks.

It was lovely to just be with him again, to stand by his side once again… But it wasn't enough.

She wanted more. She wanted more of what they used to have.

She should be happy, but her heart was hurting.

Sophitia squeezed his hand to get his attention, though having him look at her – only and completely her – made the Grecian's heart throb painfully, yet blissfully.

"…I want to ask you something – something I've w-wanted to ask for a long time," the swordswoman began. Her voice was shaky, restrained – as if she dared not to utter the words – and she immediately looked away. "No… Forgive me, it was nothing."

Link's chest tightened. He squeezed back.

"Whatever it is, you can ask and tell me anything, Sophitia."

She looked back at him; her eyes were on the brink of tears.

"Why did you leave me?"

A sharp pang of guilt struck the Hylian, who was the one to avoid eye-contact. He knew what she was referring to.

/Soul Edge had been destroyed, thanks to the efforts of a band of heroes from different parts of the world. Its remains destroyed and their purpose achieved, many of them prepared themselves for the journeys homeward.

Others, however, were in the mood for celebration.

"Soul Edge has been annihilated!" someone exclaimed, his fist raised high. "Let us celebrate our victory over evil!"

The crowd cheered. The nearest town that day was alive with the festivities that went on the whole night. The tavern, in particular, was filled with music and laughter.

Link sat in a corner by himself. The other warriors (most of them, at least) danced and were merry, and while he too was glad to see the evil sword destroyed, he kept to himself.

"Are you always so anti-social?" the older Alexandra sister queried playfully as she suddenly took a seat next to him. "You looked like you could use some company. And I'm not referring to just tonight."

Link smiled at her. "Forgive me, Miss Alexandra. I just have a lot on my mind."

"You've said that nearly every time we attempt to talk to you," she replied and smiled back at him. "You have helped us in many ways, Link, but sometimes it feels like you don't wish to befriend us."

His expression became somber. "That's not really it… It's just that, I have to return to my own world… and I doubt we will see each other again."

The Grecian tapped her chin. "You keep saying that, but even if you live in ´another world´, you managed to find a way here, did you not? As long as that way exists, there's nothing separating us."

Link slowly nodded. She wasn't wrong, but…

"I don't know if it is as easy as you make it sound. Besides, my land needs me, and I'm sure yours needs you."

The swordswoman sighed. "You're not making this easy. Are you that opposed to us trying to maintain a friendship Link?"

She had a point. The path between their world surely wouldn't disappear just because he went back, would it? And they were comrades after all, so what harm could there be in befriending his allies?

Then again, if he couldn't find a way back to her world after he had returned, then whatever friendship they had would only serve to make the pain of loss stronger. It was perhaps for the best that he didn't form such bonds with her?

"…No. I'm not."

"Then let us take one step at a time," she said next. "Tell me about your home-world. What is it like?"

And they talked. For what felt like hours.

But in the end, Link had decided to leave without a word. He found his way home, certain that, with his task completed, the gateway between their worlds would vanish. Guilt-stricken and regretful of his actions, he rode at the crack of dawn the next day.

Link wouldn't forget Sophitia Alexandra, or any of his allies, but their world was not his, and so he had no place there, but with his own.

In his mind, it was for the best./

"…I thought it was for the best. I was certain that the gateway would disappear as I left, so we would never see each other again. I could tell from the moment I first met you that you were a lovely person, Sophitia, and I didn't want to get too attached to you… But I guess I only made the pain worse."

He tenderly cupped her cheek and looked deeply into her emerald pools. His heart raced beneath his chest.

"…You've had these feelings for me for a long time, haven't you? I'm sorry." He stroked her cheek. "I'm so sorry…!"

Her tears trailed down her face. "It's bad manners to keep a woman waiting."

"I didn't know. And I shouldn't had left like I did – had I only known-"

"It's alright," she quickly interrupted. "You didn't know, and neither did I. But I'm here now, and I will not let this chance escape me again." She took a deep breath and stared right into the Hylian's eyes. "I… love you, Link. I love you so much that it nearly hurts…I even rejected another man – regretfully so – whom I could've married…if the circumstances had been different. But I can't control who I love, and I've followed my heart to this place… to you."

The Hero of Time gasped. Had this woman sacrificed so much just to be with him? His guilt only grew as he mentally chastised himself.

"Sophitia, I'm so sorr-"

The dark sky was suddenly illuminated by the vibrant colours of the fireworks, and the Hyrulians cheered at the top of their lungs. These were nothing like the occasional fireworks from earlier; these were majestic, grand, and awe-inspiring.

Momentarily distracted, Link heard Sophitia say something, but her voice was drowned out by the show and the crowds. Before he knew it, slender arms wrapped around his neck and pulled him close.

He only saw the glimpse of hopeful, shimmering green twin orbs before their lips met. While taken aback, the young man soon embraced the Grecian, pulling her equally close as they kissed.

Link's heart wildly raced.

After what felt like a blissful eternity, they parted. The fireworks were still going off and illuminating the sky with various colours, but neither even glanced at the spectacle.

"I've wanted to do that for the longest time…"

Link merely nodded.

"If I may ask… Have your thoughts changed? A-about marriage, that is…"

The Hylian's face was hot. Link fanned himself, but to no avail. "…Yes. They have… but I remain unsure. It's not a decision one should make lightly."

"Naturally," Sophitia replied. "But I hope that, whenever you're ready to give us your reply… you make the right choice." She fidgeted and absentmindedly played with his robe. "More importantly… I hope I can spend the rest of my life with you by my side."

"…I don't know what the future holds. But regardless of what happens, Sophitia… I'm glad that I met you."

The Grecian beamed. "The same to you, Link."

Content, they watched the rest of the show together. In her mind, Sophitia wished to whatever deities of this world that she and Link would be together.

X.x.X.x.X

It had finally quieted down; the night, darker than ever, carried on only the faint sound of the gentle breezes and the occasional guffaws of drunken patrons who were clumsily walking homewards. The bonfires had been put out as the festival had come to an end, and the different races returned to their homes, satisfied.

Hyrule Field was once again cloaked in the shadow of night as Link and Impa stared absentmindedly into the darkness from the town walls. The young man fidgeted – something he was prone to do whenever he was around the older woman – as he, guilt-stricken, mustered up courage.

"I'm sorry beyond measure," he said. "I can't stress it enough, Impa."

The Sheikah attendant chuckled. "And I've told you to not worry about it, lad."

He knew she meant it, but it still didn't help with his guilt.

"I was certain that I would be able to spend some time with everyone during the festival. Instead, you have to settle with –"

"It's unbecoming of you to fidget so much, lad. And in case your Hylian ears didn't pick up on it, I'll tell you yet again: you have nothing to feel sorry about. I took this possibility into account." She glanced over at him, a small smirk visible on her lips in the vague illumination of the torches. "Am I disappointed? Of course, anyone would be. But I know why, and that only reminds me just how kind-hearted you are."

"Yes, but –!"

"AND I know you are truly sorry, so perhaps you'll repay me down the line. Besides, I enjoy the dark a lot more… I've never been one for festivals. I'm just glad that you didn't decide to head for bed instead."

"There is no way I would leave you out, Impa!" Link exclaimed. "I promised I would give everyone a chance, and…" He quieted down. Even now, years later since he first met the Sage of Shadow, she had this aura around her that, sometimes, was a tad bit overwhelming for the young man. "After knowing that you've been… well…harbouring those kinds of feelings…"

"It truly is unbecoming of you to fidget like this," Impa said with a chuckle. "It's like I'm once again talking with the young lad who sneaked into our Princess' garden."

Link sighed. That was it. The Sage of Shadow sometimes had him feel like the boy who had just started out on his adventure.

"Please, get rid of that look on your face; I understand that you are nervous," the Sheikah stated. "You have a tough decision to make, and you were not given enough time. You haven't even thought about settling down with someone prior to this… Have you?"

"The thought never occurred to me," the Hero admitted. "It's not unwelcome… But perhaps it had been for the best if I didn't have to choose anyone. At the same time, I might even make the biggest mistake of my life if I walk away from this, not to mention that it would be unfair – to say the least – to all of you, who consider me more than a friend. As a man, how could I at least not give this, and you, a chance?"

He paused.

"After all, who knows what the future holds? I might realize that settling down with someone is what I needed… and I couldn't be happier if it was with someone like you women… Actually, that might sound selfish when I phrase it like that…!"

Impa softly laughed. "Follow me, lad."

They left the wall and walked through Market Town where most people who still had the energy had gathered and still celebrated. The older woman led Link through the small crowd and up the stairs. She stopped before the pond and looked out over the still waters.

"I am willing to bet that you think it's "odd" for someone like me – a mentor, a teacher – to harbour romantic feelings for you, who are much younger." The silver-haired woman didn't break away from the waters. "I know I do. Especially since our first time meeting each other was when you were barely a boy."

Link scratched his neck. "Perhaps –"

"But you have grown into a fine young man, Link. You've displayed the three virtues of the Triforce itself, with a caring heart and a noble soul." Impa chuckled. "Honestly, I don't even know when or how I fell in love with you, the Hero of Time; somewhere down the line, I just found myself looking at you differently, and began… coveting."

His cheeks were flushed hotly red. "C-coveting?"

"Aye, lad."

"That's… Not that I doubt you, Impa, but it's difficult to believe since… well…"

"We Sheikah don't let our emotions show on the surface, so that's understandable. But perhaps I should have showed it earlier, if just a little." The Shadow Sage's piercingly crimson eyes stared right into azure pools. Her expression was solemn, yet determined.

"It must be weird for you to have an old woman trying to confess her feelings like this. I'm sorry."

The blonde's heart throbbed painfully inside his ribcage.

"Don't be, please!" he exclaimed. "I couldn't possibly care about your age, Impa! Granted, I was surprised to hear that you like me, but if people do like each other, age shouldn't matter! Age does not concern me, regarding friendship, and definitively not romantically."

The Sheikah attendant's expression, though briefly, was that of shock. Then, her full lips curved neatly upwards into a pleased smile. Despite what she said, Impa certainly didn't look old, nor was she that much older than Link – the difference was there, but it was more of an exaggeration.

"You are a kind lad, Link. I can see why so many fell for you." She softly laughed. "Although unfortunate, perhaps."

Link averted his gaze.

"Can I confess something?" he asked, and went on without pause. "When we first met… I actually thought you were kind of cool. You looked so strong that I was awe-struck."

The attendant laughed. "Is that right? Good to hear that I left a good first impression, then!" she replied, but even in the vague light it was easy to tell that the Sheikah was blushing.

It was kind of cute.

"I mean it, Impa! And… honestly, you still do," he admitted.

"I'm flattered," she replied.

The silence that followed was awkward. Neither looked at the other, instead opting to stare at the pond.

Link pondered; it wasn't like Impa was the only one who was older than him, and even if she was, he'd most likely make an exception for her if age had truly mattered to him.

"About earlier," he abruptly said. "About me deciding to settle down with someone? The more I think about it, the more it makes sense that I, in the future, marry someone."

Impa arched an eyebrow, puzzled. "What brought this change on?"

"Well…" Link hesitated. "I won't stay young forever… and I do want someone to carry on the legacy. Zelda told me once of ancient stories which tell of heroes of the past. If they are true, then surely those heroes must have settled down at some point as well."

He paused for a moment. "Please, don't get me wrong! I don't mean that I choose marriage just to have someone carry on my legacy! It's just… it's worth to take it into consideration."

Impa smiled at him.

"I know, and you are not wrong. But that part is better saved for later, after you have chosen the woman you wish to marry – or, rather, come to terms with whom pulls your heartstrings, lad." She turned towards him and closed the short distance between them. She didn't touch him; she only looked at him.

The Hylian swallowed hard. She was imposing, the way she seemed to tower over him with a look in her eyes that was nothing but serious.

"I-Impa…?"

"You truly are a courageous and kind man, Link. I hope you properly think this through; regardless of whom you end up choosing, make sure it's what your heart tells you to." She turned on her heel. "I will not act upon my feelings. Unlike the others, I will not bring my hopes up even more by –"

She stopped herself. Impa sighed and glanced over her shoulder. "I trust you, Link. I know that you will do the right thing. I will see you tomorrow."

"W-wait!" Link interrupted. "Are you leaving already?"

"You need your rest, and I got what I wanted," she stated. She chuckled. "Sleep well, Hero. Remember this discussion."

With the flash of a deku nut, the Sheikah attendant had vanished.

It was starting to grow colder when Link was walking through the streets. Fatigue finally caught up with him as his eyelids grew heavy, his legs aching, and a string of yawns escaping his throat. Link's mind reeled with memories of today's activities and conversations, and he chastised himself once more.

The Hero was in quite a mess, but he swore to himself he would see it through.

´Everyone… Please, wait for me a bit longer. I will give you my answer soon enough!´

But that wasn't all; Link frowned, his mind wandering back to the sorceress who was locked up underground. He would have to deal with her too, for the sake of her possible redemption. There was something there, and that alone gave him hope.

But for the time being, the blonde hurried back to the castle, desperate to not catch a cold.

To be continued!