Chapter 23
Link
Aaah… Muscle hangover… my favourite!
Link slowly, delicately rolled himself out of the bed. As he stood, he tried to carefully stretch all his body parts. His left side was pretty brutal… his right wasn't. That was pure agony. Link drowsily thought about why there was such a side difference and quickly found the answer. He had, for the first time in forever, trained with a shield strapped to his right arm. This half of his body, normally only there for balance, was now complaining about the added stress.
'Serves you right, slackers!' he thought, dryly.
He stepped over to the washing basin in his tiny room and splashed cold water in his face to wake up. When that didn't help he dunked his whole head in. He could feel the overflowing water sprinkle against his naked feet.
The cold water reminded him of the fountain in Zelda's garden… he had to smile. Now that had been a day… and the best part was: he'd get to repeat it! His brain had pretty much shut off when they had said their goodbyes, but the part where she agreed to meet again was burning brightly in his mind.
As his head slowly woke, the memories of their shared evening darted to and fro. He had been spared this cascade of images yesterday, but now they came all the more urgently. Oh goddess, the insufferably stupid things he'd said. And done! He had thrown a sizeable clump of dirt at the white dress of the princess of his country… The thought suddenly made him shudder. What the frigging hell had he been thinking? What evil demons had ridden his mind there? And she… she had just taken it. She hadn't even commented on it! Instead the princess had enacted her excellent revenge on him. What kind of girl was she? If he had done something so monumentally stupid to one of Ord's ladies, they'd have spit acid, stalked off and never spoken to him again!
Link had to giggle dumbly at the warm and fuzzy feeling he got while thinking of getting his head brutally caked with mud. She was just all around fascinating… and thoroughly unpredictable.
And the kiss! …holy hell, that had been… electrifying! For the first second or so he had been sure that she would recoil… but no! None of that! Quite the opposite, actually! She had nearly run him down… After that he could only remember his sense of touch and the fireworks that had sparkled through his brain. Her soft, delicate lips, first so hesitant, then suddenly so fierce. The tiny little sighing sounds she had made whenever she had breathed out… The memory alone got his blood flowing in places where it currently had no business being. Link blushed deeply at this involuntary reaction… oh goddess Nayru, please don't let this happen when I'm with her today! She'll think I'm a complete and utter pervert… or at least more than usual!
With considerable effort he aborted that train of thought before it reached critical mass. He looked outside his window… about seven or half past…
Sir Alistair had ordered him to familiarize himself with the knight's code. Since he was no squire, he was not required to attend the various classes of the academy, like history or battle tactics. But, obviously, that did not excuse him from not knowing these teachings. It only meant that he had to study them himself, instead of them being spoon-fed to him. Link wasn't bothered by that at all. He had free access to the compound's library, he was confident enough to ask the senior knights and most of the lessons truly interested him. Besides… given the average intelligence of squires, almost entirely young noble brats, the topics couldn't possibly be much more complicated than 'how do I polish my armour'. At least not if they expected most of them to pass the curriculum… Should be overall easy studying then!
Link absentmindedly checked the cuts on his right hand's fingers. The bandage he'd had worn yesterday had somehow gotten completely muddy, so he'd removed it. Didn't look like he needed it anymore… The four little wounds were still very visible, but closed with granulation tissue. Unless he went digging in rock Goron-style, he didn't expect them to be a problem.
His shoulder he couldn't see, sadly. It still itched and occasionally, when he made a sudden move, gave a warning sting. He removed his top and, using the little sponge he had been provided, gently rinsed it with water. A bit of twinging, but no where near as bad as when it had been washed the first day. He'd actually prefer a bit of stinging to the incessant itch. It were probably the stitches, that did that… Link rolled his eyes and sighed. Damn, he would have to return to the hospital to get them out, wouldn't he? He shuddered at the image of nurse-dragon his mind conjured up. Her, looming over his back with a wickedly sharp knife, grinning diabolically as she slowly draws closer to his flesh… He doubted that he'd make it out alive if he ever returned to her lair…
Link's stomach demonstrated his ability to growl like a bear. Right. Food first, think later.
Link had been able to scrounge half a loaf of bread and some hard cheese. He had planned to use the time while eating with starting to internalize the knight's codex. But the rough yet tasteless bread had forced such a flash of homesickness on him that he found it difficult to concentrate. He not only missed his mother's heavenly cooking, but for the first time since he got here he just missed his village. This was still the farthest he had ever been from home. And it didn't look like he'd be going back to Ord anytime soon… The vague plan he'd had was win the tournament, then spend a few days in Hyrule city and slowly return back to his acquainted life. A simple plan, so of course it had to become infinitely more complicated. Now he was a knight-aspirant, he was receiving private lessons from a blademaster because the king had some ominous plans for him and, last but certainly not least, there was a girl in his life now. And it was not a girl he could just pack with him on the cart and drive her back to his village… there might be people might have a few objections about that…
He couldn't leave her anyway, not even if he'd wanted to. Link wasn't so arrogant to think that she needed him, but she had very much been attacked and they had no reason to believe that this had been a one-time event. What kind of man would just up and leave for home when a woman was still in danger, even potentially? The thought of abandoning Zelda at this time, or at all for that matter, turned his blood to ice. He could not leave! It would most definitely be unfitting with the chivalry that was expected from him and, more importantly, it would be in absolute conflict with his own morals. Moreover, he thought, blushing slightly, he was beginning to get a bit addicted to her presence. Her stunning face, with that smile that always made his very soul vibrate with excitement, kept flickering through his mind. It was a permanently welcome image, of course, yet still a very, very distracting one.
When Link heard the bell of Trinity temple chime half past eight, he slowly made his way out of the castle and down towards the city proper.
He was a bit reluctant to mention Saria's request to Ricco. He would have greatly enjoyed painting the capital red with his large friend, going to the market, seeing all the different peoples. But he had given a promise and he was intent on keeping it. Besides, Ric had been fully behind him pursuing his quest for the princess. (still an utterly ridiculous notion, Link thought… the only thing more ridiculous was that it seemed to be working!) What kind of friend would he be if he didn't do everything he could to reciprocate the favour?
Even with his head somewhere between the clouds and last evening's pleasures, Link still noticed that something felt off when he passed by the guards watching the main gate. For one, there were too many, almost double the amount he had seen when last he passed through. Secondly they looked tense. Not the sleeping-with-eyes-open-bored look of watchmen everywhere, but an anxious, distrustful gaze met Link when he was about to pass through. He actually felt his skin crawl a little under their scrutiny. With sudden unease he realized that something must have happened. For a second he wondered whether he should try to ask the guards outright, but then decided against it. He did not yet have his badge identifying him as knight-aspirant and they looked suspicious enough that they might react warily to his probing. If whatever had occurred was so troubling, he had no doubt he could find out in the streets of Hyrule. And, if all else failed, he could simply ask Sir Alistair later today.
Link made his way to the arena compound. The air of apprehension he had felt with the watchmen had found its way to the streets as well. He could see the men work a little more frantically, noticed the quickened gait of the people going about their business and heard and saw the slightly forced quality in every laugh and smile. Unsettling… it was just like it had been in Ord when news had reached them of Bokoblin attacks a few towns over. Link hadn't been to the city since the attack at the arena. Was the current unease still the echo of that tragic event? Or was it some new worry?
Link entered the compound and nearly crashed headfirst into Ricco.
"Whoa there! You know I rarely am overlooked, huge bugger that I am… everything alright?" he boomed, chuckling.
Link grinned, thankful that he had been knocked away from his endless pondering. Ricco had always had a contagious energy about him.
"Everything alright, no longer in risk of death in that horrible hospital of horror. I was just lost in thought…" Link answered, slightly subdued.
Ric nodded gravely, all levity suddenly gone. "Makes you think, doesn't it?" he mumbled.
"What does?" Link asked, now profoundly worried. This was not an expression he wanted to see on his friend, whose good humour was rarely impacted.
He looked at him, surprised. "Haven't you heard? The king has made the call to assemble the army! The people say we might be at war, though nobody knows against whom. They're all throwing speculations around. Though if I have to choose whom to believe, I'd go with the mad old crock I saw today, who was toothlessly shouting 'It's the Gorons, I tell you!', waving his stick around as if warding them off already." he finished with a crooked smile.
Link's eyes went wide. "I haven't heard…" he muttered, disbelieving. Now that he thought about it, the knight's compound had seemed rather less populated than usual.
With a flash of panic he wondered whether he was expected somewhere and nobody had told him… Well, nobody had told him, so they couldn't expect him to be somewhere, he answered his own thoughts rationally.
But war? The assembling of the fighting force was troubling news indeed. Link could only think of two possibilities, why the king had given the call to arms. One, there had been an attack from outside and Hyrule needed to react, or two, the king's informants had found out who was behind the assault on the princess' life and he had chosen to go to war over it.
"When was the call? Where is will the army go? What have you heard?" Link asked in rapid succession.
Ricco shrugged, showing that he had no idea. "I'd have hoped you would shed some light. What have I allowed you to play at being a knight for, anyway?" he questioned, raising his arms in mock exasperation.
Link was immensely thankful that Ric was still under 16 years of age, or they might have conscripted him too. But what about him? Did his being underage have any impact, now that he was part of the body of knights? Would he have to go to a front? Goddess damn it, whenever he thought it couldn't reasonably get more complicated…
"Surprisingly, I have not heard anything! I was so lost in thought because I noticed the change in atmosphere around… and, well, other things. Let's talk while walking, come!" Link beckoned.
His big friend followed suit. "There is a lot or worrying in the air, true. I am actually surprised! I didn't really expect you to be able to come today. I thought you'd be, I don't know, being drafted? Damn it, I hope you don't actually have to participate in whatever madness this turns out to be… who's going to be my training dummy when you're gone?" he rumbled.
Link put on a weak smile. He could tell Ric was trying his best to restore some levity to the situation, but, unsurprisingly, his jokes felt rather feeble. Still, he greatly appreciated the effort.
Thinking of effort: Girls!
"Oh by the way, Ric! Here's something to cheer you right up." Link could feel a genuine grin play around his lips.
"Remember the young lady that was with Zelda that, frighteningly, didn't run away at your terrible jests?"
Ricco's face lit up considerably and he scratched his chin in what he thought would be a thoughtful way. "Indeed I do! She was certainly a sight for sore eyes after having spent day after day with only you as company." he mused. Then he gazed interestedly at Link again. "And by the way: Zelda? On first-name terms are we?" he asked astutely.
'Goddess be with me!' Link thought, making a face. 'Nothing gets past this guy.'
…where to even begin? The whole thing still seemed too fairytale even to him.
"I'll tell you later, you insufferably nosy miscreant. First let me give you the good news, against my better judgement. She also remembers you!" Link said ominously, wanting to savour the big guy's reaction.
"Well I certainly expect so!" Ric boasted as if it was a matter of course. "Who could forget someone as… unique as me?"
Link chuckled softly at his friend's choice of words. "Unique indeed. Did the word 'horrendous' slip your memory?"
"Not 'unique', you dreadful linguistic simpleton! I said… unique!" Ric emphasized dramatically, taking great care to pronounce the '…'
"The little pause makes all the difference, as it makes it sound even worse!" he chuckled in his deep voice.
Link laughed and felt some of the pressure he had felt be released.
"Well, Saria seemed to be attracted to your… unique charm. She has asked me to set up a little meeting between the two of you." he said, grinning in anticipation.
This time, Ricco seemed genuinely astonished. He opened his mouth to say something, but then closed it again to think.
"You know, if this is a joke, it is not a very tasteful one…" he said guardedly. Link looked at him. The poor big boy looked so uncertain all of a sudden, as if on one hand trusting Link completely, but on the other hand unable to believe it. The blonde lad gave a brief laugh. This was certainly not a Ricco you saw often. "It is not a joke, brother. You know I wouldn't joke this shamelessly. She really did ask me to bring you. But if you'd rather spend time with such a boring, bothersome acquaintance like me, just say the word. In fact, I think I'm just going to tell her that you're not interested! Back in a jiffy!" Link yelled and ran a few steps before he heard Ric's cry of protest.
"Come back here this instant you insufferable bastard. Don't you dare!" he roared, caught between outrage and laughter.
Link cackled at his big friend until he had caught up. "Change of heart, Riccy?" he asked sweetly.
"You, sir, are scum!" he said breathlessly. Then he showed a wide grin. "Certainly an enticing turn of events! I'd have preferred my love-fairy be a bit more appealing, but even a sack of dirt like you can't stand in the way of such pure, young love!" he twittered.
Link snorted with laughter. "You and Sally and 'pure'? You two seem like the dirtiest people to ever pollute the face of Hyrule!" he chuckled.
"A perfect fit then! What manner of self-proclaimed good could ever hope to stand against such combined wretchedness?!" he thundered, clearly exalted.
"Come!" Link urged. "If she has to wait for too long, I'm afraid she might actually turn into a Lynel and bite my head off."
"She sounds more intriguing by the minute!"
They walked in silence for a minute, Ric clearly torn between the thrill of anticipation and nervousness.
Then Ricco spoke up again, loud as ever. "So, what news about you and the pr…"
Link boxed him none too softly in the side. "Shhh! You dolt!" he hissed, looking around furtively.
"What?!" Ricco asked, rubbing his ribs. "I was speaking normally!"
"Your 'normally' is enough to wake a Goron under a mountain, you big Hinox! I don't want her to… you know… have to feel ashamed." he finished weakly. More complicated situations seemed to loom on the horizon, now that he thought about it.
Ric rumbled thoughtfully. "You know, I did actually read up on that topic once. The princess can, in fact, marry a knight and it wouldn't technically be considered breaching class barriers…" he muttered.
Link perked up at hearing this. "Seriously? That seems… unusual. I can't imagine that is actually lived, though. And why in the hell would you know this anyway?" he asked, wondering.
His large friend actually turned slightly red. "A boy used to dream…" he said sheepishly. Then he turned back to his smaller friend. "And other boys just have sheer luck."
Link couldn't deny it. He had to think of her breathtaking smile again… 'Sheer, dumb luck indeed!' he thought smiling softly.
While they were walking, Link described Sir Alistair's training ("Dear goddess, now you're going to get even better and be even more smug about it!") and a very careful, restrained few bits of his date with Zelda. Even though Ric was usually jesting and joking at every turn, Link was still bashfully interested in what he had to say about how he saw the situation. Surprisingly, Ricco was refraining from being overly 'entertaining'. He scratched his chin thoughtfully. "I'd say it's obvious that you two are falling for each other, based on what you've told me. Don't make it more complicated than it needs to be. It'll just work, you'll see!" he rumbled, ponderous.
But it wouldn't be Ricco if he'd just leave it at a serious note. He quickly grabbed Link, pulled him close with one strong arm and gave him one of his feared noogies. "My little Linky-boy!" he roared boisterously, giving everybody in the street a start. "All grown up and chasing his woman! It brings a tear to my eye!"
Link struggled to free himself, but Ric let him go after a few seconds anyway. "Aaargh!" he aaarghed, rubbing his violated head. It hurt as if all his hair had been pulled out in one brutal yank. Hopefully it only felt like that, or Zelda would probably kill him…
They reached the main gate again. Link hoped they would even be let inside with the general air of alarm being felt everywhere.
Thankfully he could already see Sally standing about impatiently. The watchman at the gate was still the same one as before. He seemed to recognize Link, nodded briefly and let them through without any problems.
The small girl stalked up to the two boys, drew herself to her full height (hardly worth mentioning) and pointed right at Link's nose accusingly. "You… are late!" she huffed. Link could once again see her slightly flushed cheeks and understood this performance as just that. "I assume you were expecting us to fly, then. Sorry, this might be an ability only found within nobility." he teased.
"Yes, they let fly at insolent little whelps that don't do what they're told." she replied with a crooked smirk.
Link stepped aside with a mocking bow and said: "Ricco, all yours. I hope you know what you're getting yourself into."
His big friend stepped forward, flushed, but with a wide, toothy grin on his face. "Don't worry! I think I might be just in my element!" he rumbled.
Saria's smile widened coquettishly and poked him in his stomach. "I am not food, chunky!" she exclaimed.
He turned his expression to wide-eyed shock. "Truly?! What business do you have looking so delicious, then? Do you mean to torment me, woman?!" he spluttered in mock outrage.
Link could hardly control himself. A date between these two might just be the most hilarious event to witness in one's lifetime. Or the most jarring…
"I'll get right back to you, my burly victim." she purred, then turned to Link again. "Thank you. I think I like this one!" she said as if Ric wasn't standing right next to them. "But I wanted to ask you another thing, since you're already all lovey-dovey with my cousin. Good work, by the way!" she whispered the last sentence, gave him a wink and a smile.
"What is it?" Link asked, most interested.
"Zelda seemed really downhearted today…" Saria said, suddenly very serious and sad. "I know she was at the emergency meeting yesterday night. I'm afraid I don't know the details and I didn't want to ask her. She seemed very bothered by something and she is just sitting around with that worried look on her face. Do you think you could…" she stopped, apparently unsure how to word her request.
"We planned to meet at the same time as yesterday, if that's what you wish to know. To take her mind off of politics and war, is that what you mean to ask?" he softly questioned.
Her face lighted up a little. "Well, you're certainly not wasting time, are you?"
Link grinned, colouring slightly. "Last time you seemed to insinuate that we are already paining you with our slowness, if I recall correctly." he chuckled.
Sally gave a sly smile. "Truer words have never been spoken… by me. Still, in all sincerity, I would be really grateful if you would just, you know… make her forget all this, even for a few hours. Zelda is… very serious about her duty and… I'm afraid it might consume her, if she… well…"
Link could see how much it bothered the small girl that her cousin was troubled. With all her potential for scathing, downright evil wit, this was a deeply caring young woman. No wonder, if she was related to Zelda…
"I promise you, I will do what I can." he announced seriously. Suddenly, he had an idea. It was extremely stupid, no normal girl would ever even consider it, but that's why it might just work. Link mumbled something in Sally's ear. He was greeted by a questioning smile and a raised eyebrow. "Trying to relive the good old times in Ord, are you? Fine, I think I can get her to do that." she giggled and was about to turn back towards the castle. Then she turned back, her gaze suddenly stern. "Oh and one more thing. If you ever get into the mood for mud-sports again: don't. Do you have any idea how Zelda looked when she came home last night?"
Saria's sudden seriousness chilled Link more than he'd have expected. He shook his head, completely lost on what she was implying.
"Of course you didn't get it. Neither did she. Airheads!" she shook her head deprecatingly. Then she presented a frighteningly wicked grin. "Anyway, ask Zelda what I mean by that. This could lead to an excellent little experience." she warbled, then cackled.
Link couldn't even begin to tell what all that had meant. Confused, he watched the two, her slim and small, him tall and broad, walk off towards the inner castle.
He shook his head.
You two deserve each other!
"I'm afraid you just ended up in a Moblin's stomach, lad." Sir Alistair rasped with all the compassion of a rock.
Link was painfully clambering back to a stand. The blademaster had come up with another devious idea. They were now both wearing 'armour' made of a thick layer of soft wool covered by another layer of hardened leather. He had said that "All those prissy hits you've trained years to achieve will be your death. If you stand against a creature roaring for your blood, you don't go 'jab jab'! If you always practice with holding back your attacks, like in a duel, you will automatically do that during a real battle. And then you die, because you didn't just cut the Moblin in front of you into handy, harmless dice, but just caused it mild skin irritation."
Link had been painfully reminded of the Moblin he had killed in the arena… he very distinctly remembered his first, timid slashes that had barely even bitten through the creature's tough hide. The resulting kick he had received still made his bones rattle…
So, they now had their armour and Link was ordered to hit like he meant it. Currently, he was using a spear. It was an easy weapon to learn, probably the easiest. "At least if you want to get killed quickly." Sir Alistair had wheezed. If you were just poking like a maniac, hoping to keep the enemy away, you were lost, sooner rather than later. "Aye, you can keep them at distance relatively well with your average pointy stick. But what if he's quick and steps inside your range? What if there's two? They won't keep close together and attack you nicely one after the other like in the theatre! If you don't know how to use this weapon at least proficiently, you'd be better off with just a knife… can't have too many knives…"
Link had fought his way back upright. Sir Alistair looked as ridiculous in that thickly padded armour as Link felt. But it was light and relatively soft, so it didn't hamper him overly much.
"Now, again! I don't have much time today!"
The blademaster had announced that he would only have two hours instead of three today, since he was helping the king oversee preparations.
Link had asked him, of course, about this ominous war that seemed to be looming.
He had snorted derisively. "It's no war, boy, not yet anyways. Gerudo settlements have been attacked. Brutally. We know nothing about the attacker. Rallying the army is a precaution, so we are prepared if it comes to a true conflict." he rattled.
"Who is the attacker, Sir?" Link had wanted to know.
Sir Alistair had hesitated for an instant, then had looked him square in the eye. "This is not public information, lad, so I expect your promise as a man that you'll keep your mouth shut."
Link had nodded solemnly. 'Promise as a man' had sent a wave of pride through him. It appeared as if this frighteningly skilled knight was truly starting to respect him!
The blademaster had sighed. "Monsters, lad. That's all we know. A strangely coordinated attack at two different settlements."
Link had just an hour before their lesson read something about monster tactics, both in the present and history. "You don't suspect a true army of them, do you, Sir? The last time the creatures clans have formed anything larger than a battalion was 300 years ago…" he asked, bragging slightly with his knew knowledge.
His teacher had nodded curtly. "Aye. But just because it hasn't happened for a long time, doesn't mean that it is any less likely to happen again, lad." He had said mysteriously.
Right now the aging knight was standing opposite him, wielding an enormous, padded club. He was Link's Moblin for today.
He had described to his student how to best manipulate the stupid but devastating creature. Much of it had been eerily familiar. Either you got behind it while it was still recovering from the club's momentum and disabled it by hamstringing it, or you dived under its reach and stabbed it upwards under the ribcage into its enormous heart. Both relatively doable with a sword and downright impossible with a spear. So, Link had to get creative.
He stabbed the spear repeatedly at Sir Alistair's face, but always stopped just before it. He wanted to get the 'Moblin' mad and attack with more viciousness than sense. The blademaster, scarily quick raised the club and rammed it downwards to drive him into the ground like a nail. Link rolled to the side, went in closer and rammed the spear tip right under his attacker's arm, where it would cut the sinews.
"Not a bad idea. It'll slow it down." His master commented.
The young spearman tried to get behind, but Sir Alistair jumped right at him and kicked him heavily in the chest. While Link was fighting for air he was raising his giant club again. At the last moment he rolled away. As soon as he had stood up he saw the weapon come at him horizontally. In desperation he jumped high, doing a forward flip. He used this momentum to stab the 'creature' in the neck while he was busy finishing his swing.
Sir Alistair started to cough rather violently and for an instant, Link was worried that he'd actually injured him. But soon he saw a nasty grin form on his teacher's face. "Trying to kill off the rest of my voice, are you, lad?" he coughed again, then seemed to recover.
"Aye, that would have ended in your favour. You were able to jump that because of the elasticity of youth. In ten years a manoeuvre like that will be much harder. If a Moblin had hit you there, you'd have had to start all over again." he rasped, strict but still satisfied.
"Start over? And how would I do that?" Link asked, slightly confused.
The blademaster cackled evilly. "Being born is traditionally the first step."
As the blademaster had announced, he concluded today's lesson an hour earlier. Link, although as eager to learn as ever, was glad, because not only did that mean that, possibly, his limbs wouldn't be filled with lead tomorrow, but also that he had time to refresh himself before his rendezvous.
Rendezvous with the princess… it still sounded so completely unlikely in his head, like a child's fantasy.
Also: refreshing himself?! Link had never, ever, made a conscious effort to look good. Stay clean and don't smell? Naturally! But grooming? He was standing over his washing basin (the water had thankfully been replaced by servants), using his sword as a makeshift mirror, feeling like an absolute dolt.
Didn't his hair look rather stupid like that, dangling from his temples? Should he bind it back? What about his fringe? Goddess, the more he looked at himself, the more ridiculous he felt.
And what about his clothes? Yesterday he'd just worn whatever was clean… Should he take his best shirt? Would that seem like he was overdoing it? Trying too hard? He certainly didn't want to look like he didn't care! Holy heavens, why was everything so difficult all of a sudden?!
In the end he decided to wash himself completely. 'Need to be clean if Zelda wants to throw dirt at me again!' he grinned to himself. 'Otherwise, what's the point?'
To his shock he had spent almost the entire hour he had gained fretting over his looks. He felt almost a bit disgusted with himself. Was he becoming one of these powdered, perfumed nobles that looked like they took an entire morning for their appearance to be 'perfect'? Even the men! Especially the men! Especially the ugly men!
Link grabbed his sword and hastened to their appointed meeting spot. It just wouldn't do to let her wait. The man letting the lady wait because he still had to beautify himself… he'd rather look like a slob than that!
He reached the plaza with the dread-hospital and looked around. He still seemed to be on time… good!
He wondered what she'd look like today. He hadn't given specific instructions to Sally, knowing that the two girls were bright enough to figure that out on their own. He hoped that his idea wouldn't cause any unnecessary hustle for her. He'd wait…
Wait…His nose sent pleasant alarm signals to his brain. He smelled that intoxicating scent! He still wasn't sure whether it was an amazing perfume or just… well, her. He turned, sniffing like a dog. His gaze fell on a young woman standing a few metres away, her hands on her hips, looking at him with a sort of impatient smile. By the goddess, it was her! She was wearing a very… form-hugging, simple outfit of white linen and brown cloth and dark brown, tight trousers showing her shapely legs. She looked so different without a dress! Different… but impossibly good! The way her blouse delineated her slim but feminine figure… Link could not help but stare open-mouthed.
And her hair! Normally she wore it open so it could flow beautifully to the small of her back and sway in the wind. Now it was in a tight braid all the way down and on her head throned a simple, yet fitting cap. She looked like a lady-soldier ready for a night in town. Simplistic, practical and irresistibly cute.
Link realized that he had been staring dumbly for at least ten seconds. Zelda's face had by now gone bright pink. He felt some sort of comment was expected. "You look absolutely stunning! Don't ever wear a dress again!" he whispered hoarsely before he could stop himself.
Her pink cheeks instantly turned to crimson and she giggled bashfully into her hand. "So, you like women in trousers, I take it?" she asked softly.
"Depends on the woman in question, naturally." He answered, grinning widely. He was about to step closer when he noticed a tiny recoiling twitch from her. She looked down, regret clearly on her face, then gazed around furtively. Link understood. Too many people here. He felt a pang of disappointment that they couldn't just be open but he decided firmly not to let that spoil his mood. After all, that was why he asked her to appear like this…
She seemed to rally too, although Link could suddenly feel the worry that simmered behind her brave face. Sally had not been wrong… He could sense how hard it was for her not to show how troubled she was, so she didn't ruin this encounter. He also realized how eagerly she had awaited it, simply to get away from it all.
"So, are you going to tell me why I should come in disguise?" she asked, amused.
"Well, since you seemed to show a liking for stealth and subterfuge, I thought I might indulge you today. We're going out." he said, smiling mysteriously.
"Out? As in out of the castle?" she asked a bit apprehensively.
"No. That would just be crazy. Out of the city, of course!" he exclaimed quietly, giving her his most winning smile.
She looked at him as if he had lost his mind for a second. Then she seemed torn between nervousness and her sense of adventure. It certainly seemed to him that his enthusiasm wasn't lost on her.
She showed a cautious, timid smile. "I'm not sure about this, Link…" she said meekly. Her saying his name sent sparks of excitement into his brain. It had to be the sweetest sound he could imagine, his name coming from those beautiful, noble lips…
He took a half step closer, bent down ever so slightly and looked deeply into her concerned eyes. "Zelda…" he said softly and seriously. He realized suddenly that he had never called her that to her face… it had always been a playful 'princess' or 'highness'. He just hadn't dared just call her by her name alone, in case evoking it somehow shattered this dreamlike wonder he was experiencing and cast him back into reality. But now, all of a sudden, these doubts were gone. She was here, simply to be with him. She was real. And her name was his to use…
Her reaction was immediate. Link could see her breathe in and exhale softly, almost as if a weight had dropped from her shoulders. He saw a tiny, sweet smile play around the corners of her mouth and her sky-blue eyes seemed to shimmer in hues of gold.
"Zelda…" he repeated. "I would never do anything to put you in danger. I don't plan on going far from the gates, just enough so you can walk over the soft soil and smell the steppe's grass without anything to disturb you. I am confident that nothing will happen that the two of us can't handle with ease. I promise that I will keep you safe. Always." Link affirmed, his eyes inseparably connected to hers, trying to comfort her with all his might.
He saw the worry slowly abate in those breathtaking, clear eyes and be replaced with trust. Link's heart seemed to flutter in his chest at realizing just how deep this magnificent girl was willing to confide in him. He wanted to pull her into an earth-shattering kiss right then and there, but controlled himself with considerable effort.
Either she thought the same thing, or she could read his intentions, for she suddenly showed a flirtatious grin. "Very well, then. I will entrust you with my life, Sir Link."
He would never get enough of her saying his name. Emboldened by her words he offered her his hand with a smile that stated 'Sod everybody else! Only we matter!'
After only a tiny moment of hesitation, she took his hand and interlocked her delicate, elegant fingers with his. His chest swelled with excitement. 'Only we matter!' her smile answered back. He bowed down to plant a tender kiss the back of her hand, then rose again to give her an impish little grin, which she awarded him back.
"Why, such gallantry! Who would have expected?" she exclaimed, giggling.
"Certainly not me." Link answered truthfully.
Since not even Link had recognized the princess at first glance, he wasn't surprised when they passed through the gate guards without trouble. He could feel Zelda's hand tremble in his. For a moment he wondered whether he was doing the right thing, causing her so much stress. But when they were through and out of sight, her delighted, exuberant smile at having fooled them was reassurance enough.
Sadly, it didn't last very long. Link hadn't thought about the general atmosphere of worry that pervaded the city streets! He could kick himself! It was far away from outright panic, true, but someone as perceptive as Zelda would of course notice the slightly cramped smiles, the forced laughs and disconcerted conversations.
Zelda did notice, of course, he could feel it. He felt her grip his hand a little tighter, saw her lips get a bit narrower. Link wanted to crack open his empty head and ask if someone was home in there…
On the other hand, Zelda's tension seemed to struggle somewhat with her sense of wonder. Her gaze constantly darted around, looking at the hustle and bustle, the craftsmen, the workers, the architecture… When they passed a small market she seemed fascinated by all the different stands, the noise, the people buying and selling. With a sudden pang of sadness Link realized that for all the years she had lived in this city, she had probably never been able to just walk in a street or visit a sight. Always cooped up in that golden cage, unthinkable to just go into town to delight in all its innumerable impressions… He, a child from a backwater village, had probably seen more of the capital than she had! A terribly depressing thought…
Link hoped that this conflict everybody was fretting about would just blow over so he could take this poor girl to see all the wonders of the city, big and small. He decided he would do it anyway, if at all possible.
Getting her out of the castle seemed to be just what she needed. After a few minutes of darting between the different stalls selling flowers, fish, toys, what have you, she no longer seemed to notice the sense of worry in the air.
She was so delightfully timid, not daring to get too close to the stalls in case somebody addressed her. Link took particular pleasure in almost dragging her closer to a large Zora's stall where he offered dozens of different kinds of crabs, mussels and shrimp. Zelda seemed both appalled and fascinated by the odd creatures of the deep waters. Link gently guided her fingers to lightly touch an enormous lobster's carapace and she squealed in both disgust and cute delight. The grumpy Zora shooed them away and they both turned tail and ran, laughing like kids caught doing something forbidden. Zelda, slightly bolder now, stepped into a flower store and was entranced with the many-coloured splendour. He observed as she daintily touched and smelled at every blossom and was enraptured by some of the more exotic plants. She animatedly explained to him the uses of the growths she knew and he loved to listen to her. Link felt so much powerful affection when he saw her child-like wonder and enthusiasm, he wanted to hug her close and never let her go.
In the end the old lady running the stall kindly presented her with a single flower, a delicate, five-petalled, bluish-white blossom with an elegant looking pistil growing from the middle. Link couldn't have picked better himself. The woman was adamant and no shy, mumbled words of 'you needn't' from Zelda would sway her. They left the store, but not before the lady had winked knowingly at Link, who couldn't help but blush a little. He watched the princess happily cradling her flower as if it was the most precious gift she had ever received. Her overwhelmingly cute smile was too much, he couldn't hold back any more without bursting. He stepped close and gave her a quick but heartfelt kiss on the cheek before she could protest, then stepped back and looked at her sheepishly. She seemed surprised, then turned red which she ineffectually tried to conceal by hiding behind the flower.
Goddesses above, she could be cute! Link didn't know what to do with all these emotions he was having.
They left the market but only after she made him promise to take her back there another time, which he happily did. Hand in hand they neared the north gate where it would once again become suspenseful.
Link put on his best authoritative face and, in passing, nodded curtly at the sinister looking guards. It seemed to work, for not only did they not stop them but even straightened up a bit and nodded back. Who knew? Either they knew him as knight-aspirant, or as the victor of the contest. They didn't even seem to notice the girl at his side. Perfect!
They stepped over the enormous drawbridge and into the afternoon sun. The atmosphere out here was excellent. The tall green grass of the steppe wafted in the wind, the sun's warm rays made the plants smell wonderfully of nature… just as he'd hoped.
The effects on his lovely date were immediate. She breathed in deeply, making a small sound of exultation. He had the feeling as if she'd like to do nothing more than to just run wildly through the grass and feel their tender caress against her hands, be free from any conventions or regulations that had dominated her entire life. The feeling of being liberated from invisible shackles came so strongly from her, he could almost taste it.
He saw, only about a hundred metres to the left, a flat hill with a couple of trees standing proudly. He smiled at the silly idea that came to his mind. He gently shook her hand to get her attention. "First one to the trees?" he asked mischievously, pointing.
She looked a little bemusedly from him, to the trees and back.
"Come on!" he exclaimed. "Last one's a slow little princess!" he added cheekily.
He could see, by her amusedly determined expression that she had caught on. He gave a deep bow, leaving her the advantage, which she took unabashedly.
Link looked back up. To his pleasure he noticed that she was pretty quick. He started after her through the tall grass. He could hear her giggling delightedly as she ran, her hands extended to feel the blades of grass' gentle caress. When he got up to her level, he gently tickled her in the neck, at which she squealed in surprise. He overtook her but to his surprise she sped up considerably, glaring at him in mock outrage. He could of course easily win still, but he chose not to. Instead he ran just next to her so they both reached their goal at the same time.
Zelda was slightly out of breath. Her cheeks were flushed and her eyes sparkled in excitement. She had never looked lovelier, Link thought, swallowing.
She giggled madly, clearly elated at the newly found freedom. She gazed around from the slight vantage point and grinned at all she could see. She knelt down and simply touched the dry, sun-baked earth with her fingers, letting it trickle between her hands. Her exhilaration was contagious. Link watched her dance around in the sun, playing with earth and plants, feeling her sense of liberty. He saw her laughing, magnificent face, noticed the feminine, elegant way she moved with almost dance-like grace. He also couldn't help but be aware of the beautiful curves of her enticing figure. The sheer force of her appeal took his breath away.
She suddenly turned towards him, her stunning eyes filled with joy. She ran into his arms, whispered "Thank you!" and kissed him fiercely.
Link was hopelessly overchallenged. What should he do? Where should he place his hands? Where shouldn't he place his hands? Her soft lips against his certainly didn't leave his brain much of its ability to think.
His body took over the thinking and his arms wrapped around her and pulled her in just a little bit. For a few seconds they were both, once again, lost in their shared piece of eternity.
Then he felt her stir a bit and he released her immediately.
She drew back, her hands still on his shoulders. She looked a bit abashed because of her sudden assault. And a little insecure. She gave him one more short kiss, softer, less forceful and stepped away.
Link understood. It was no rejection, not at all. She simply wanted to be careful. She trusted him, but she also knew where all of this could lead and she didn't want to go there yet. Link understood…
He smiled at her, signalling that everything was alright. Zelda awarded him a grateful smile of her own.
Quick, say something before this gets awkward!
"You are surprisingly quick on your feet!" he offered, unable to think of anything better as his brain was still trying to restore order in his head.
"What, did you think I'd just be some lazy slob, unable to put my feet in front of one another?" she challenged, crossing her arms.
"Well, yes! Naturally! All the princesses I've ever met were hopeless klutzes."
He shouldn't have said princess… he could see all of the troubles that had plagued her wash back as if he had opened a giant sluice. All those troubles of being a princess. Goddess damn him and his stupid mouth!
She bravely tried to not let it show, but the brief flickering of her smile had been more than enough for Link. "Alas, this one tries to be a tad more useful than the average princess you find on every street corner." she countered.
Useful… the word stung in Link's mind. All her life she had tried to be useful. Like some tool! Subconsciously she had put so much disdain for the word into her speech that he would have had to be deaf not to realize from how dark a depth that had come. Something worried her immensely. Something would force her to be 'useful' again. And she feared it.
With a regret so strong it made his insides cramp he realized that he might have just ruined the day with his unthinking words. He had broken through the painfully erected barrier behind which she had banished her troubles for the day, so she could be unburdened with him. There was no way back. So, he thought determinedly, setting his jaw, he would help her on the way forward and fix what he had broken. No matter how painful it was what was gnawing at her soul, he would not let her stand alone.
He carefully stepped closer and gently put his hands on her shoulders. She was surprised but didn't recoil. With a compassionate, sincere expression he looked into her eyes. They had lost their joy from before and that cut at him more deeply than he could describe.
"Zelda. I can feel your worries. Clearly. I am so sorry that my careless words have caused you to remember them. But please, don't pretend for my sake. Let me help you!"
She gazed at him, astonished. He could feel her inner conflict. Confiding or protecting… this wonderful, beautiful girl thought she had to protect him from something… all the more reason for him to try to understand!
She lowered her gaze, reached up and grabbed his hands on her shoulders. She pressed them, shaking slightly, her breath coming jerkily. The sight nearly brought tears to his own eyes. He needed to let her decide…
"So transparent, am I?" she asked weakly, her voice jittery.
He didn't say anything, just took her hands in his.
They stood like this for a few moments, before Zelda looked back up at him, having regained her control. Link admired her. She was strong… whatever frightened her, she didn't let her fear overcome her completely.
"I am… scared. You've heard of the attack on the two Gerudo oases?" she asked softly. Link nodded and gave a little hum.
"We think this attack and the… assault at the arena are connected, somehow. There is… a threat in the air, but we know next to nothing!" she uttered. With a sudden flashback he felt reminded about the strange voyeur crone he had encountered on the way. She had babbled something about 'ancient evil'… why would he think of that madwoman now? Surely that really was all she was, right? A madwoman?
"And there is more… something I have to do, something that frightens me to my core. But I… can't tell you right now, not while I'm still unsure… please understand…" she finished, her voice cracking once again.
The crone's words he hadn't thought about for days suddenly resounded clearly in his head. 'You must become the protector.' 'Defending only half-heartedly will mean your death and the death of her.'
He shooed these echoes out of his mind. Right now Zelda needed him.
He squeezed her hands a little. "I understand, Zelda. You don't need to explain yourself. I only want you to know that I am here to help you, if you need me. If I can ease your burden, tell me and I will do all I can."
For an instant she looked almost panicked and he wondered, if he had said something wrong. But then she smiled thankfully at him. Thankful, but sad.
"Thank you, truly. It all seemed so heavy, so insurmountable. These… attempts on my life, my father, the king, who is so distant he almost seems uncaring, this new attack of a host of monsters…" she recounted, shaking her head slightly.
Then she rubbed her eyes and gave a short, pained laugh. "I'm so sorry. It is I who has spoiled this day now… I really, truly am s…"
"Now now, what have I told you about saying that?" Link demanded strictly.
She looked at him, momentarily nonplussed. Then a tiny amused smile crept around her lips. "You said you don't want me to say sorry all the time…" she said, meek like a scolded child.
"So, don't say it! There is nothing you have to feel sorry for. You are allowed to feel down! I only demand that you allow me to help bring your spirits up again!" he urged, smiling encouragingly.
Zelda awarded him with one of her breathtaking grins. "And how do you propose to do that?" she questioned.
Good question, thought Link. Now what would completely break down a princess' reserve? Once again, he had one of his brilliant, yet utterly stupid ideas.
"Can you swear?" he asked nonchalantly.
"Swear what?" she asked, confused.
"Not swear an oath. Swear! Curse! Use expletives!" he exclaimed, unable to hide his mischievous grin. He stepped away so she could have all the imagined limelight.
Zelda looked at him as if he had lost his mind. She seemed really uncomfortable with the idea… Perfect, Link thought!
"Come on! Give me your best shot! Let me hear your best swearwords. Nobody's around!" he chuckled at her distressed face.
"You are…" she said weakly.
She took a deep breath and swallowed, as if the taste of the exercise he had given her was already bad.
She opened her mouth hesitantly. "C…cack." she mumbled.
Zelda twisted her face in slight disgust. Link waited for more to come, but that seemed to be all.
"That's it? 'Cack'?! That's pathetic! Every five year old in Hyrule can swear better than that! These words exist for a reason, you princess, you! They relieve stress. Come on! Shout it loudly and proudly!" he yelled, trying to get her going.
"Sh… shh…" she attempted, clamping her mouth shut.
"Or maybe, you just can't. Maybe you really are just a dainty little flower…" he smirked nastily.
He could see her resolve firing up. She took another deep breath.
"Shit." She said resignedly. Link motioned her to continue.
"Shit. Shit shit shit." She got a little more forceful, said it with more emotion.
"Shit shit shitty shit. Shit shit SHIT!" Zelda hissed, her face now slightly alight with forbidden glee.
Time to up the ante!
"Do you know the f-word?" Link asked innocently.
Zelda stopped, open mouthed. Link knew he had won already, but he wanted to completely let out the steam.
"Fff… fornicate." she said in a tiny voice.
"Oh come on! You can do it! I belieeeeve in you!" he shouted dramatically.
"Fuck. Alright? There! Fuck. Shit fuck. Fuck all of this! Fuck it! Shit shitity shit, fuckity fuck every single fucking problem!" She yelled, a mixture of glee and anger in her voice. Now he had her going perfectly!
"Let it out! Out with it all!" he prompted.
"Fucking shit on all fucking monsters, fuck all bloody assassins, fuck all the arsehole nobility and their shitty ways! SHIT FUCK PISS!" she screamed at the top of her lungs.
Then she suddenly clapped her hand over her mouth and stared in wide-eyed shock over what she had just said. What she had just screamed!
Link looked at her with sparkling eyes, filled with admiration. "I don't think I have ever heard a girl curse so beautifully!"
She glared at him, her hand still over her mouth. "You utterly wretched miscreant!" she exclaimed, muffled. Her stare of delighted horror was priceless.
"That's me! Now tell me that wasn't liberating." he grinned from ear to ear.
She slowly removed her hand and her cheeks turned a deep crimson. She nodded, smiling as if she had done something forbidden but deeply pleasurable.
"See? So, if you ever need someone to curse violently at, just say the word and I'll take you back to this very spot and you can scream your anger out as dirtily as you like!" he promised, deeply amused still. The sight of this angelic, blonde girl yelling all this nastiness had a strange but powerful attraction.
She looked into his eyes, still so laughably ashamed as if she had actually done something wrong. But she smiled impishly and nodded.
Sadly they slowly had to turn back as the trek back through the city to the castle would take at least another hour. Both of them were loath to leave this serene place with its shadow giving trees, overlooking the endless expanse of the Hylian Steppe. For Zelda especially it was a place outside the walls that had surrounded her all her life, a place that hinted of the endless freedom of the world.
Link could still feel her thoughts troubling her. Of course a little cursing couldn't just make you forget all that was eating at you. But, and for that he was proud, she seemed a lot more relaxed, a lot more free. They walked back towards the north road through the grass, hand in hand. Both of them were comfortably silent. Nothing else needed to be said for today. They were joined in their shared pleasure at feeling a little more unfettered.
As impossible as it seemed, Link's feelings for this angelic wonder beside him had grown even more. And steadily he became more assured that her feelings were not unlike his own. A wonderful realization…
Before they came close to the drawbridge Zelda slowed, then pulled him to the side and stood towards the west, towards the setting sun. For an instant, Link was confused, but then he understood. She wanted to simply savour these last few seconds before returning inside the walls.
They stood at the edge of the road and Zelda was just facing the sun, her eyes closed, enjoying the warmth and the wind on her skin. Link was torn between letting her have this moment alone and joining her in the tranquillity she felt. The bright rays of light on her, showing how immaculate her skin was. The wind playing with the few singular hairs it could free from her braid. Her posture, proud, straight, fierce… After a few seconds he could no longer resist. He slowly stepped up closer, audibly so she wouldn't be startled. He tenderly wrapped his arms around her slender shoulders from behind, careful not to miss any signs of discomfort she might show. But she didn't. In the end he had her in his embrace and rested his cheek against her head. Her hair smelled so wonderful… her supple body felt so marvellously warm… and, most important of all, she seemed to melt into his arms, signalling her comfort by softly humming. Link closed his eyes, utterly at peace for the moment. I'm home…