When Zelda left her bedroom the next morning, she was surprised.
Not a single guard stood at her door, nor was the Captain there. She didn't dare question the lack of guards for fear that her father might post extra and take away what unusual alone time she had.
She made her way to the small chapel within the castle for her early morning devotions, only passing a stray maid or two on her way and a handful of guards. Each did their daily bow, curtsy and greeting to her, as did the priestesses-in-training when she finally arrived at the small private section.
No guards or maids were allowed there, the High Priestess' orders apparently. She excused that the statue of Hylia was a holy place and thus no one deemed unholy in her eyes could attend.
Zelda wanted to scream every time she even thought of the high Priestess. It was almost as if she thought she was Hylia's decree. She couldn't care less that the woman devoted her life to the religious ways, but the way she shoved it into everyone's throats as if it made her better was starting to get on her nerves.
Even her father didn't behave in such a manner.
"Your Highness, would you like assistance with your prayer gown?" A woman dressed in similar fashion to her own white prayer attire, asked politely, offering her neatly folded ceremonial clothing in her hands.
It had been a while since she'd seen the devout women who resided within the castle walls. Noblewomen who decided to devote themselves, she had to remember. Those who thought like her and grew up in similar lifestyles. Yet the differing parts of their lives were that the women who came to become the priestesses within the castles gave up a life of luxury for a life of simplicity.
She tried to ignore the ache in her chest. A life of simplicity… It was too much to ask for as the Princess bearing the blood of the Goddess. "I can dress myself, thank you." She flatly stated, taking the dress. The woman bowed her head deeply, more so than any of Castle Town's priestesses had ever done.
"Would you like accompaniment with your morning devotional, Princess? I can offer vocal or instrumental if you'd like?" She couldn't remember the young lady's name. She typically stayed within castle walls, but occasionally could be found tending to the High Priestess' requests at the Cathedral.
The princess couldn't tell if the woman was trying to pass off as nice to catch her lacking or if she was genuinely nice. Would she report back to the high Priestess and doom her to an extra hour of praying and singing if she mistakenly got a word wrong?
"Instrumental would be nice, thank you."
"Of course, Princess. Simply call for me when you are ready." The woman bowed, her tone remaining sweet with every word. She watched out of the corner of her eyes as the young woman left.
She couldn't have been older than she was.
She quietly undressed from her simple morning dress and donned her prayer gown with the small sandals. Her golden jewellery was laid out on a small stand, not a single speck of dust anywhere. Once the necklace and bracelets clipped on, she left the small dressing room and approached the small pond and the statue of Hylia, hands clasped as usual.
The priestess-in-training stood beside the pond, harp in hand and ready to play on signal.
She took small gentle steps into the water, her eyes on the faint ripples of the water. The hemline of her dress dipped in the water ever so slightly, the level just above her ankles. Her eyes lifted, landing on the statue of the Goddess.
A stone cold smile, void of any emotion. Bare eyes pointed down at her, as if daring her to say anything at all. The stone wings of the supposed deity did nothing to bring her the serenity the high Priestess spoke of so often.
It only caused her blood to burn and her teeth to grind without a sound.
How could a room be so calm and quiet, yet cause her so much disdain.
Pray or you don't care about your people. She sighed and motioned to the woman with her to ready the harp. "It will be a simple personal prayer. Please play Ode to Hylia."
"Yes, Your Highness." Again with the sweet words. She wondered what the woman saw with the statues. Did she see disdain? No, that couldn't be right. If she had given up such a luxurious life for that of a devotional one, she couldn't hate Hylia. She'd have to be a masochist to choose such a life for herself.
She doubted her words would matter when it came to the nonexistent divine power. It didn't work at the Springs, it didn't work at the Cathedral, it would likely never work at the chapel and Zelda knew as much.
The soft melody of the harp began, her attention shifting to the music that filled the chapel now. She desperately wished the melodious plucks of the strings would cool her frustrations like the frigid waters of Mt. Lanayru would. It was supposed to be inspiring, rejuvenating even, but she never felt it. No matter how well the harpist played, those heartfelt feelings never made their home with her.
The priestess was talented, Zelda could admit that much. There was nothing wrong with her playing, every note on point and on beat. She could even grow to love the stringed instrument if its very existence didn't remind her of the goddess who remained silent to her plea.
Damn you, Hylia. Her jaw tensed together, tears threatening to fill her eyes. Why did the goddess remain so silent to her pleas? Why couldn't she just listen for one moment?
"Princess?"
Why couldn't the goddess grant her what she wished? Presentation or goddess powers were her main wishes, but those seemed to take their sweet time. Were those too big of a request? Was she to pray for something smaller like a good morning or a good day? Pray that the fruitcake she'd inevitably find after she was done was perfect? That the chef added extra wildberries on the side? Or that Storm wouldn't see a stray mouse and nearly buck her off like she had a few days prior.
"Princess?"
Her head snapped to the side at the frozen priestess. She could see fear in the poor woman's eyes.
"What is it?"
The priestess averted her eyes though her hands remained on the strings. "I was going to suggest that perhaps we can end devotional now if you wish?"
End the devotionals? End them? Now? She wasn't sure if she heard the priestess properly.
There is no way a priestess just suggested I end my prayer early… She was suspicious, perhaps more than she needed to be but she smelled a trap.
"End them?" she asked the young woman, uncertainty very clear in her voice. "Are you ill?"
"Oh, I'm feeling well, Princess! But if I may… You seem a bit troubled at the moment…" Her voice reduced to a faint whisper, only audible thanks to the deathly quiet room that bore an echo to every sound produced.
She didn't detect ill intent even if she tried desperately to find it.
"If… If you are worried I will tell High Priestess Makime, I assure you I will not. This is a promise on my faith in the Goddess." the priestess added rather rushed. "The business between the Goddess and yourself is for your eyes only. I do not wish to intrude on such things."
"Perhaps we will end it here."
The business between the Goddess and yourself is for your eyes only. Zelda found she had an inkling of respect for the young woman and her respect for her privacy.
She exits the small pond, a smile on her lips. It was turning out to be a half decent morning.
"Would you like assistance with disrobing?" She offered after carefully placing the harp away in its case. Zelda quietly nodded as she shifted out of the thin white cotton dress and into her multi-layer, corseted gown.
It was spent in silence, the princess only speaking if the priestess bound her corset too tightly or too loosely. It was her companion who filled the void of silence, seemingly happy to do so. She spoke of having to learn to tie corsets on others rather than on herself, something Zelda related to. She spoke of the boys she wished she could court but no longer could, of the lavish foods her family's servants made back in her hometown in the Hebra mountains. The mention of spicy dishes had the Princess face scrunching up uncomfortably from the memory of Daruk putting Goron Spice into her food, the unpleasant burning of the nerves on her tongue brought back vividly to the forefront of her memories. She backtracked many times back to her friends and men, Zelda catching the dreamy glances she gave into thin air.
Men she was allowed to court. She remembered her father's words the other night about finding her a husband. She felt a dreadful weight appear in her stomach. She didn't want to go through courting. She didn't want to have one-on-one dates with the many peculiar men of court. She didn't want to be able to look her knight in the eyes as she had lunch with a random fellow. She couldn't imagine what Link would be thinking, having to stand guard and watch her as she dated every man in the most rigid of ways, 100 rules she'd have to follow and also subject Link to.
Instead of his regular two or three paces behind her, the rule he mostly ignored nowadays, he'd have to stand at least 10. She found she hated the idea of her knight having to stand so far away from her, out of arm's reach. Sure he was fast and he'd be by her side if she even hinted at the request, but the strict protocols would have to be followed in the presence of a court member. Goddess forbid the court start spreading rumours about impropriety between Link and herself.
"All done Princess! I do hope you have a wonderful day." the priestess happily clapped and bowed her head lightly. "May the goddess be with you."
"Oh-You as well, Priestess." She said back, smiling and trying to hide the thoughts of an unwanted marriage from her head.
"Just know, our door is always open, no matter the hour." It felt more as if she was saying my door, but she let it drop as she grabbed her things and placed her jewellery back into its respective case.
"Thank you." Goddess, she hated that she couldn't remember the young woman's name. She'd figure it out eventually, she assumed. She quietly left the chapel afterward, her eyes unfocused and not looking for anyone. No one had escorted her here, she didn't think anyone would be there now.
Her eyes hadn't scanned the hallway at all, only looking in the direction she went. Of course, it only took her three steps before she heard a voice.
"Did I do something?" She imagined puppy eyes the colour of the sky instantly. She turns on her heel faster than she ever has and is greeted by the sight of her knight leaning against the wall, a small plate in his hands.
A brief glance at the content tells her he brought her a small piece of fruitcake, lightly drizzled in glaze just the way she likes it but her focus isn't on the cake for very long. Her stride is fast when she reaches him, and finds that if it were not for the precious package he was holding, she'd be likely throwing her arms around him.
"Did you miss me?"
"Hardly." He snorted quietly and brought the cake her way, a small dainty fork sitting beside it. When she goes to grab it, he pulls it just out of reach, a coy smile forming on his lips.
"Ah-what do we say?"
"Please?" she makes a move for the plate but he moves it a different direction.
"Not quite what I'm looking for."
She sees he finds this funny. And frankly, it is. "Fine. Yes, I missed you." She fights the smile that threatens to surge as he finally lets up and places the cake in her hands. She dives in almost immediately, her time in the chapel almost forgotten immediately.
The piece melts in her mouth upon landing on her tongue, she tastes durians as today's choice of fruit. As she digs for a second piece, her eyes shift to the wildberries on the side. There are a few, almost a handful. She looks up and sees that her knight is content with watching her eat the sweet desert in silence.
"So what are the plans for today?"
She takes another bite before she starts walking, Link catching up to walk beside her as usual. "Well first, what are you doing here? I thought you had another day or so?" She happily takes in another bite of the cake.
"They cleared me last night." He says casually. "It was a bit too late to drop by and say hi, I think most of the staff was retiring when Captain came by."
"Oh alright, that makes sense. I know father wanted me to go to the Spring of Courage when you were released. I'm not sure if we're leaving today or tomorrow, most of us weren't expecting you so soon."
"Oh, should I go sit in my room for another 24 hours? Maybe the King doesn't know I'm out yet." A tempting offer, delaying the trip to the Goddess Spring for another whole day. "Alas, he was probably already informed." His sigh is dramatic and it makes Zelda giggle through the bites.
"Well, we can always escape to the lab if you want. Purah still wishes to use you for a bit."
"Use me?" He fully turns his head to her, so many questions in his eyes.
"Yes, use you." She imitates the way his voice pitches. "If you don't recall, prior to our trip to Vah Rudania, Purah wished for you to take part in an experiment."
She laughs at his attempt to remember the conversation. To her, it seems like he's trying not to laugh at something that just happened, but she knows he's trying hard to think back.
"Do you… not remember?"
"I think I was half asleep…" He mutters under his breath. "I'd love to be reminded of the extent of that conversation. I don't recall agreeing to be the scapegoat to an unhinged scientist."
She doesn't have the time to stop the outburst of laughter that explodes from her mouth and she forcibly slaps a hand over her mouth after she catches a maid and two guards look over suspiciously from the other end of the hall.
"She's unhinged in a good way." She tries not to laugh as she says it, it barely sounds believable from her lips.
He doesn't say anything, but she does notice the suspicious glance he sends her way.
While she was certainly expecting it, she hadn't expected her father to unceremoniously kick her out of the castle with Link before dinner had even begun.
They hadn't even seen each other for more than five hours and already, they were saddling up the horses for the journey to the Spring of Courage.
So much for giving us a few hours. Zelda scoffed as she clipped on the last of the saddle's many buckles. She would have understood if he'd sent them out in the early afternoon, that way they'd be able to make a good portion of the trip before sundown, but by her own calculations, they wouldn't even get to the nearby Garrison before nightfall.
Looking over, she noted that Link didn't seem to be in a foul mood. Quite the opposite really; he was whistling a tune as he strapped the last of their supplies to Epona, a joyful bob to his head occasionally.
Well at least someone is happy. She mumbled a few sweet words to Storm before hopping up into the saddle. She wished she could push off the pilgrimage a few more hours but it didn't seem like that would ever happen now.
But she knew one thing. The plan she devised after seeing Purah the night before could be executed earlier. She'd tried to think of ways she could make her interest clear without having to awkwardly yell her feelings into his face directly. Who in their right mind just went up to someone and said "I like you a lot." to someone? Only crazy people did that. Or people with nothing to lose.
She had a lot to lose if that approach failed.
"Shall we go?" He asked, finally hopping into the saddle. "We should be able to make some of the trip before nightfall." He smiled as Zelda led her horse into a casual trot.
"We'll go through Mabe Village and see how far we can get, then we'll set up camp. Is that alright?"
"Sounds good to me." They quickly arrived at the castle's main gates and were let out by the guards who bid them farewell and safe returns.
While the ride through Castle Town remained quiet, Zelda pondered how she might be able to extend their expedition. She hated having to do her pilgrimages, but there were a few upsides; she hated being stuck within the castle walls.
The Springs were incredibly far from the grounds, so she'd be able to fool around the nearby shrines rather than go straight from point A to B. She got to breathe the fresh air of the wilderness and enjoyed meeting travellers who'd share tales of their travels. There were no rules to rigidly follow or orders to obey every few minutes and she was free from a strict hour-by-hour schedule.
But the part she usually liked the most was making camp.
Even with the company of many, it was among her favourites. She'd get to see guards joke around the fire if they thought she wasn't looking, maybe even get to see her knight cook as if that had been his life's ambition.
Even when she camped with her handmaidens, they'd dance together and sing merry tunes around the flames. Though she may not have known the steps to the commoner dances like her ladies did, she enjoyed watching them spin together through the night.
These days, she mostly camped alone with Link. She'd have her own tent, he'd stay up on fire duty until the moon was up and he was sure she'd be asleep, then he'd sleep under the stars or in his own tent.
She wondered if she might be able to change that routine in any way tonight.
"Link?" She finally decided to break the silence. Once his attention was on her, she continued. "What do you think about going to Lurelin?"
"Lurelin?" He paused, his brows creasing. "That's the other side of Faron. That's an entire day to reach from the Spring."
Oh. Well so much for that. She sighed quietly, knowing it had been no use. Why did she think he'd say yes to adding an extra two days to her pilgrimage on such short notice? "Forget I said anything."
"I can say I had to clear one or two monster camps on the way." He added, looking her way.
She didn't miss the friendly wink he sent her way before turning back to the path ahead.
I want to thank my betas in helping me with my editing and correcting, i love you both! and thank you to everyone who reads this fic, i appreciate you guys so much
