The following nights held no respite in terms of sleep. Unable to reconcile with the surreal events that had just unfolded, the disappointment and confusion left me in a dazed state. In the subsequent weeks, I moved through life without coherent thoughts, haunted by the unexpected reappearance of my father. The very idea of his return seemed implausible, a disruption to the fabric of reality that I couldn't readily accept. It wasn't just about his sudden and seemingly effortless reentry into my life; it was the revelation that Link had departed on his own accord, a decision concealed from me, uncertain if our paths would ever converge again.
The weight of these revelations pressed upon me, creating a sense of disquiet that permeated every corner of my thoughts. The very foundation of my understanding of the world had been shaken, and I found myself navigating through a reality that seemed more elusive and unpredictable than ever before. It cast a disorienting shadow over my days, as if I were a mere specter going through the motions. Duties, once undertaken with a sense of purpose and dedication, gradually transformed into a mechanical routine. I navigated through the days with a detached presence, following every order with unwavering obedience, going about my duties with a meticulous precision, all the while avoiding any opportunities for direct interaction with my father.
In the aftermath of those tumultuous events, my daily focus shifted entirely to rigorous training. The slow passage of time mirrored the gradual strengthening of my physical and mental prowess. The days passed at a seemingly sluggish pace while I remained emotionally numb, a shield against the complexities that had unfolded. During those days, I took a decisive stand by insisting on the cancellation of the contest that would determine my personal knight, and surprisingly, my plea was granted. However, the victory didn't signal an end to the matter. Instead, it was a strategic postponement, revealing the need for a knight to be chosen eventually. The ultimate goal was made clear – to initiate the defensive process against Ganondorf, with the assurance that the appointed knight would stand by my side, a steadfast guardian in the impending trials that lay ahead. Fortunately, this delay provided a crucial window of opportunity. It allowed me the time to grow even stronger, preparing myself to face increasingly perilous situations.
During my training agenda, I discovered an unexpected wellspring of power. My remaining feelings now transformed into a relentless drive propelling me forward. It was as if the very essence of my emotions had been distilled into a potent force, becoming the fuel for my unwavering commitment. With strength increasing, it was evident that I wielded the power of light, a formidable force, capable of inflicting damage upon adversaries but, more importantly, serving as a key to seal the encroaching darkness away to the Sacred Realm. The radiant energy pulsating within me had become a beacon against the looming shadows that threatened Hyrule. Moreover, another facet of my abilities emerged—I possessed control over time itself. This formidable faculty allowed me to foresee events before they unfolded, offering a glimpse into the future. I could also communicate with the past, unraveling the mysteries that lingered in the annals of time. It provided a logical explanation for the foreboding sensations I had experienced and the visions that delved into the depths of my own history.
As these newfound powers manifested, my training became a holistic journey of self-discovery, unlocking dimensions of strength that extended beyond the physical. Each day brought a deeper understanding of the capabilities at my disposal, empowering me to face the challenges ahead with newfound confidence and mastery over the forces that shaped both my destiny and the fate of Hyrule.
That was until one fateful day, the monotony of my training routine was abruptly shattered when Lady Impa summoned me to her office, sharing unexpected news—Link had returned. The very mention of his name sent a surge of anticipation and uncertainty coursing through me, emotions stirring within–relief, curiosity, and a trace of apprehension. I couldn't predict what to expect from his return, considering he was the one who had chosen to leave in the first place. Reflecting on the evening he left, the memory and emotions had become silent specters haunting the corridors of my thoughts. In my attempts to steel myself for the encounter, I couldn't ignore the twinge of pain in my heart at the thought of seeing him again. His departure had left a void, and now, with his return imminent, the prospect of facing him brought the sting of unresolved emotions to the forefront. Despite the lingering anxiety and questions swirling within, there was an undeniable swell of happiness within me knowing that Link was safe, leaving me wondering about his perilous activities.
But Lady Impa was not done; she also informed me that he had successfully retrieved the Master Sword, proving his connection to the Triforce of Courage, and would therefore be appointed my personal knight. I secretly rejoiced at the success of our mission until the information settled in, realizing the gravity of the words she had just spoken. The complexities of our history, the emotions that lingered within me, threatened to resurface with his return. And now, the prospect of him becoming my personal knight added another layer to our dynamic, intertwining duty and the unexpressed conflict between us. Regardless of the intricacies between us, one undeniable truth remained—I knew Link would make an exceptional knight. His unyielding dedication and unwavering courage were testaments to his prowess and suitability for the esteemed role.
In the wake of Lady Impa's revelation, I found myself grappling with this realization in solitude during the ensuing days. The ongoing preparations for the upcoming knighting ceremony added solemnity to my reflections. As I navigated through the routine tasks and ceremonial details, my thoughts frequently drifted back to Link and the journey he took to be here. In the midst of my responsibilities, I found myself subconsciously searching for his familiar presence whenever I encountered castle guards or went outside. The approaching knighting not only signified the acknowledgment of Link's achievements but also hinted at the possibility of revisiting the uncharted territories of our relationship, ultimately hoping to share a conversation with him.
As the awaited day arrived, I swiftly made my way to the throne room where everyone had gathered. Upon entering the vast room, I was greeted by people of nobility and courtiers, all offering words of encouragement for the difficult decision I had to make. If only they knew that, in the intricate web of the castle, I was also a mere puppet. However, for once, I didn't disagree with the decision.
Lady Impa graciously invited me onto the podium situated near the throne, marking the moment of reckoning when I finally laid eyes on him among the other knights. My gaze swept across the row of noble warriors, each a testament to bravery and unwavering commitment, and then it locked onto him. There he stood, tall and focused, his eyes fixed straight ahead, avoiding mine. I observed him for a few seconds, scrutinizing his unwavering stance, my breath caught in my throat, and my heart seemingly lodged in my stomach. He looked the same—his dirty blond hair tied back, his defined figure a symbol of strength. However, his expression was dark, and despite his stoic demeanor, his weary eyes hinted at the internal struggles he carried.
Reality struck, and I realized I had been standing in silence for too long, lost in the depths of my thoughts. Clearing my throat with a hint of embarrassment, I gathered my composure. Standing before the assembly, charged with the solemn duty of appointing the future knight, I took a deep breath. With conviction, I delivered a speech that resonated through the hallowed hall, filled with words of honor, valor, and tradition, each syllable carrying the weight of the impending knighthood.
I turned my attention to the one that had distinguished themselves from the rest, and his name escaped my lips. "Link, arise, knight, and be recognized." There was some motion in the room but I observed in silence as he advanced forward, his posture reflecting the discipline ingrained in every knight. There was a subtle flicker of emotion in his eyes as our gazes met as he had no choice but to face me, a fleeting connection that spoke volumes yet vanished almost as swiftly as it appeared. His gaze, distant yet seemingly tracing the features of my face, held a complexity that eluded easy interpretation. He removed his sword from his sheath and held it in front of me, laying it on his hands. I grabbed the pommel and watched as he knelt before me, a surge of mixed emotions coursed through the air. The gravity of the ceremony was underscored by the evident uneasiness that lingered between us.
In the weighty silence, I spoke the words that formalized his induction into the esteemed order. "Link, I do hereby knight you into the Honorable Order of the Knights of Hyrule." With a measured solemnity, I laid my sword on each of his shoulders as he bowed his head. The weight of the blade symbolized not only the responsibility he now bore but also the recognition of his unwavering dedication to the kingdom. The echo of the proclamation hung in the air, a declaration that transcended the individual to become a part of the storied legacy of Hyrule's protectors.
After the knighting ceremony, the celebrations unfolded for a little longer, marking this special moment. I anticipated it as an opportune time to have a conversation with Link. However, his stoic demeanor, a façade seemingly impervious to the currents of emotion that lingered between us, bewildered me. As we stood in the same space, the weight of unspoken words hung heavily in the air, his gaze avoiding mine. No greetings were exchanged, not even a glance and his lack of emotion deepened the ache within, underscoring the wounds that had yet to heal. I had anticipated some form of acknowledgment, perhaps a flicker of remorse, or at least a reaction that mirrored the complexities of our shared history. However, his impassive expression remained unchanged, leaving me feeling frustrated and hurt.
Evening settled and I was finally released from the ongoing ceremony, granting me the freedom to leave. Link, now my newly appointed knight, walked at my side. A heavy silence settled between us as we walked in the castle halls, the realization that we were alone for the first time since his return. As we approached my room, I watched as Link opened the door and bowed respectfully, waiting for me to enter. The tension in the air was palpable, and it felt peculiar to witness him conduct himself in such gravity and distance, such a difference from his usual demeanor that hinted at a profound shift in the dynamics of our relationship.
In that moment, his stoic and detached demeanor exasperated me, the weight of my overwhelming emotions surging within. The unyielding silence between us spoke volumes, and I struggled to contain the frustration and hurt that welled up inside me. His behavior baffled me; even in private, he refused to speak. It was as if he had become a different person, a stranger clad in the armor of duty. As I observed him standing upright, our eyes locked, the subtle flicker in his gaze revealing more than his stern expression dared to show.
The hall reverberated with tension as I finally mustered my resolve and shattered the heavy silence, initiating the conversation in a harsh manner. The unbearable pain and impatience within me pushed me to awkwardly confront the turmoil that had lingered between us. "Your duty is to protect me, but how can I trust you to do so when you left me? When you betrayed me?" The words hung in the air, laden with accusation, and I could feel the weight of my emotions reverberating in the room. In that charged moment, Link's eyes averted with a hint of remorse, acknowledging the gravity of my words. Yet, despite my cuttroath words, he remained steadfast. The silence between us became intolerable, a void filled with my relentless quest for answers and his guarded secrecy regarding his motives.
"You were my closest ally, my confidant, and you used it against me. Did our connection really mean so little to you?" The question lingered in the air, carrying with it a sense of betrayal and hurt. In the dimly lit corridor of Hyrule Castle, my heart pounded as I confronted Link, the emotions swirling within me spilling over. I instinctively bit my inner lip, a desperate attempt to control the overwhelming surge of tears threatening to burst forth. Meanwhile, Link's gaze remained fixed on the ground, his inability to meet my eyes speaking volumes, revealing the depth of his own internal struggle.
"You're not going to say anything?" I pressed on, the weight of my words hanging in the charged air. Link sighed in response, bringing his gaze back to me. His eyes bore into mine, yet revealed nothing, adding to the frustration of his silence. As the seconds ticked by, a maelstrom of thoughts whirled within me—a chaotic mix of emotions and unanswered questions colliding. My arms instinctively wrapped around me, as if unconsciously seeking comfort in the midst of the painful feelings that gripped me.
"Was I just a princess to you all along? A duty to be fulfilled and nothing more?" My words were laden with a potent blend of anger and vulnerability. Link's eyebrows slightly furrowed, and a shadow passed over his eyes, revealing a complex interplay of emotions. My voice wavered as I confronted the possibility that our connection might have been reduced to mere duty. I looked away, tears at the corners of my eyes, taking a deep breath to calm myself.
"Was it even real? Did you even have any feelings for me?" I confronted Link, returning my attention to him, facing him with a mixture of pain and determination. In that charged moment, his eyes, like pools of emotions, met mine, and a heavy silence enveloped us. He clenched his jaw, a physical manifestation of the internal turmoil brought forth by my words.
"Why did you kiss me?" I demanded, my desperation and frustration intensifying with each word. "Why?" A few seconds passed before I mustered my resolve and closed the distance between us, the corridor witness to the weight of the moment. Link's eyes followed my every move, surprised at my actions. I stopped a few inches from him and stared into his eyes, unwavering.
"Why did you kiss me?! Answer me!" The plea hung in the air and I felt tears running down my cheeks. Link's lips parted, as though he was going to say something, but he chose to remain silent, weariness flickering in his eyes.
"Answer me, Link! You owe me the truth. It's the least you can do." My hand tentatively reached out, hoping for some tangible response from Link. It grazed his arm, fingertips brushing against the fabric of his attire, as if I could draw out the answers I so desperately sought. In that fleeting touch, I clung to a fragile hope that his reaction would unveil the mystery of his actions. Slightly gripping his attire, my fingers curled instinctively, a silent plea for connection. I couldn't bear to meet his gaze, my eyes lowered to the ground, shielding myself from the vulnerability that lingered in the air.
"Please, answer me…" I implored, my voice catching in a sob that carried the weight of unspoken pain and confusion. As if my words were not enough, my hand softly hit against his chest, a rhythmic plea for clarity that echoed in the corridor. Each tap seemed to reverberate with the intensity of my emotions until, unexpectedly, he gently grabbed my wrist.
The world seemed to pause for a moment as he took a step back, breaking the physical closeness between us. His touch, firm yet gentle, spoke volumes. It was a boundary drawn, a silent request for space amidst the turmoil. In that step back, Link's eyes held a mixture of compassion and evident pain. The gesture seemed to thicken the air around us, a tension between my desire for answers and the acknowledgment of his need for distance. I stood there, my hand still gently held in his grasp, the unanswered questions lingering like an unresolved melody in the silence that enveloped us.
"Enough, Zelda. Please… stop this," he uttered, the words carrying a weight that hinted at the inner struggle he was enduring. His words and actions were an evident plea for understanding, a plea for me to cease the verbal onslaught. A weighty silence enveloped the room as he released my hand, his features now adorned with a somber detached expression. Though, the vulnerability in his eyes, fleeting yet poignant, hinted at emotions he chose not to articulate. Those were the only words he had said to me since his return, and those were the words he had chosen. In that moment, I understood the turmoil within him — it was a battle between the desire to express and the need for professionalism. It was a dance of restraint, a manifestation of the conflicts he grappled with. As I bit my lip, wrestling with my emotions, I turned towards my room, the door still ajar. His message became crystal clear. If duty was all he sought, duty was all he would receive.