Seeing her for the first time in months at the knighting ceremony was far more difficult than Link had anticipated. As she entered the room, his eyes inevitably fell upon her, the sight a shock that left him mesmerized, her radiance grabbing everyone's attention. It felt like an eternity since he last laid eyes on her, her hair now short—a testament to the turmoil he had inadvertently added to her life.
When she spoke his name, he felt shivers down his spine, the mere sound resonating with a familiarity that was now forbidden. Unfortunately, the contract he had made prohibited from speaking to her, even more forming any kind of friendship. He believed distance was therefore the only answer, a shield against the vulnerability that threatened to breach his carefully constructed walls. Yet, despite his concerted efforts, what he felt for her proved to be inevitable.
When their eyes finally met, a magnetic force seemed to draw them together, his heart fluttering, betraying the stoic exterior he sought to maintain. It was a silent acknowledgment of the emotions he had tried so hard to suppress, a testament to the power she held over him despite the constraints imposed by their agreement. He then kneeled as she officialized the contract, appointing him her personal knight, further cementing the new distance imposing itself between them. The weight of his decision pressed on his shoulders, sacrificing the ease of a close connection for the formality of duty.
Their last interaction had been proof of his internal conflict, a clear demonstration of the tension that had settled between them. He couldn't even utter a single word, a stark realization that he had been tactless in handling her valid emotional outburst. In that moment, her words had been difficult to hear, a tempest of emotions swirling within him, and he found himself at a loss for a proper response.
Yet, despite the internal turmoil, a resolute determination burned within him. The appointment as her personal knight marked a shift—a commitment to be close to her at all times. The realization that he now had the opportunity to protect and serve her in a more intimate capacity fueled his resolve. He was willing to do anything to keep that newfound closeness intact, to stand by her side as a steadfast guardian and ally.
And so, it began. The following day, as the sunlight filtered through the windows, Link greeted Zelda at her door, welcoming her with a shy nod as their gazes met. It marked the start of an unexpected routine, an abrupt shift in the cadence of his daily living.
The first few days had been the most difficult, a whirlwind of emotions stirring within him whenever he was around her. In the months leading up to his return, he had yearned to see her, hoping for a reunion with a mix of faith and nostalgia. However, the reality of his situation since his return brought forth an unexpected wave of frustration. Their interactions were strained, painted with veneer professionalism that belied the genuine connection they once shared. Zelda greeted him with a practiced indifference, her unhappiness evident, and Link wished he could reveal the truth. He longed for her to know that he cared for her deeply. At first, he was taken aback by the shift in her demeanor, his surprise obvious, but as he understood the pain she carried, his emotions deepened. In fact, their exchanges were limited to silence, but their constant proximity was unmistakable—he was always there, by her side. The unspoken tension in the air mirrored the uncharted territory of their evolving relationship, leaving Link grappling with his desire to bridge the gap and the constraints imposed by the circumstances that surrounded them.
The inevitability of stealing glances at her became a part of their unspoken routine, their eyes meeting more often than words passed between them. Soon enough, the uneasiness at her sight transformed into a sense of familiarity and ease. The unspoken understanding between them grew, characterized by these furtive glances and silent acknowledgments. His silent companionship became a part of her routine, and the initial awkwardness gave way to a subtle understanding. Despite the absence of words, a silent language seemed to develop between them—an unspoken connection that rendered words unnecessary. In a way, it felt like he was reconnecting with Zelda.
With Link's return, he brought back tangible proof of his capabilities, swiftly gaining recognition for his exceptional talents. The ensuing days were marked by rigorous training, punctuated by meticulous preparation and investigation. The primary objective was to gather reinforcements and, more crucially, to uncover Ganondorf's location, plans, and weaknesses. The pressing need for a comprehensive plan to defeat him once and for all loomed over them.
The task proved to be difficult and demanding, with Zelda frequently engaging with royal courtiers for advice. Amidst the ongoing preparations, news arrived that the Rito Village exhibited signs of strange phenomena, similar to those encountered in the other corners of Hyrule before Link's triumphant battles against the malevolent creatures. Given his past success in vanquishing the encroaching darkness, it was unanimously decided that he would be the most qualified to lead a crucial expedition, the plan involving Zelda traveling to Rito Village to engage in discussions with Teba, the new mayor of the village. While both Link and Zelda had significantly strengthened their abilities in the intervening months, a protective crew was assigned to accompany them, ensuring their safety in the event of unforeseen challenges during the expedition.
The preparations for the expedition to Rito Village were swiftly completed, and the entourage finally set out on their journey. The travels proved to be smooth, and a strategic stop was made at the Tabantha Bridge stable. In need of rest, it was decided Zelda would stay in the stable, with Link by her side as her vigilant protector. While the rest of the crew set up their tents outside, Link maintained a watchful presence laying in the bed next to hers, ensuring that Zelda was secure and undisturbed during her moments of respite. The night air held a quiet anticipation, the stillness broken only by the distant sounds of nature as Link gave into the drowsiness, his eyes falling shut.
As he succumbed to the embrace of sleep, the familiar, haunting sensations started enveloping his senses like an ominous shroud. Darkness slowly penetrated his mind, a gateway to a realm where pain infiltrated every fiber of his being—muscles, organs, a dissonant symphony of torment echoing through the vast expanse of his subconscious. Voices yelled in his ears creating a cacophony of discord, an overwhelming assault on his senses reverberating loudly and repetitively.
His body responded with involuntary tremors, muscles tensing as if in resistance against the unseen force that sought to bind him in profound agony. His breathing became erratic, each inhalation a desperate struggle against the adversary that haunted the recesses of his mind. The struggle within him manifested physically, a visceral display of the internal conflict that had taken root in the depths of his being.
Though this time, it was different. In the midst of this chaotic turmoil, Zelda suddenly appeared—her face, her voice, her touch—a serene presence amid the screeching of his mind, akin to an anchor steadying a turbulent ship. Amidst the swirling pain, an overwhelming desire to seek comfort, to find solace within her presence, surged within Link. These night terrors, distinct from previous experiences, unfolded like a tangible reality, blurring the boundaries between imagination and the waking world. Within this surreal tapestry, beams of light poked through the darkness of his mind, it was Zelda shining through like the answer to his suffering.
His heart raced, and his body trembled, caught in the throes of a nightmare. Yet, in this daze, he discovered himself pulling her close—his arms wrapping around her in a tight and reassuring embrace, clinging to her existence as she manifested before him. The ethereal connection felt vivid, each sensation heightened as if the dream had sculpted a sanctuary where the pain of the night could be momentarily eased.
As he held her, the conflict between the chaos of his subconscious and the comforting illusion of her presence created a poignant juxtaposition. His closeness to her at this moment couldn't possibly be real, and disbelief coursed through Link like a persistent current as he grappled with the vividness of his dream. In that surreal moment, words escaped his lips almost instinctively, as if stating a fact to rationalize the inconceivable. "You can't be here," he uttered, the weight of reality colliding with the ethereal presence before him. As those words reverberated in the dreamlike space, he sensed a subtle movement, as though she was separating herself from him. The realization that the dream might crumble, slipping away like sand through his fingers, struck him with an urgency. Desperation surged within him, and in response to the distance, he held tighter, unwilling to let go of the ephemeral moment. "Don't leave," he pleaded, his voice carrying a tone of yearning and vulnerability. The words hung in the air like an unspoken plea, a fervent wish to prolong the dream, to preserve the closeness he craved.
The tenderness of the embrace was both familiar and vivid, a balm to the turmoil that had gripped Link's restless mind. The frantic drumbeat of his heart, once echoing the disarray of his night terrors, gradually transformed into a calming rhythm—a testament to the soothing power of their connection.
In the early morning, as he gradually stirred from sleep, the feeling of the dream lingered, leaving Link with a profound sense of longing and wonder. He glanced around, searching for the source of those emotions, and found Zelda peacefully sound asleep in her bed. A sense of awe and confusion settled upon him as he contemplated the dream. It had felt so real, so potent, the emotional residue still clinging to him, underscoring the profound impact of the dream and the depth of his unspoken feelings. In the hushed aftermath, Link grappled with the dual reality—he thought he had dreamt it all, yet the emotions lingered, the vividness of her touch, her warmth, her smell could not be explained by a mere dream.
With Rito Village's situation growing more dire with each passing moment, it wasn't long before the group swiftly resumed their travels, a sense of impending crisis urging them forward. As they approached the snow-covered expanse of the region, ominous signs of an imminent storm became increasingly apparent. Navigating the challenging terrain, the air thickened, the winds intensified and the biting cold stung their faces, signaling the approach of a powerful blizzard. However, their journey was abruptly disrupted by an unexpected challenge—the tranquility of the snow-covered landscape shattered by the thunderous roar of an avalanche. The once pristine surroundings transformed into a chaotic whirlwind of snow and ice, instigating panic among the group. In the midst of the tumult, a unanimous decision to disperse and seek refuge was made. Each member of the expedition scattered, running in separate directions to evade the oncoming deluge and find safety amidst the unpredictable storm.
Link and Zelda, propelled by shared determination, found themselves instinctively running together, distancing themselves from the rest of the crew in the hope of reaching safety. The blizzard raged around them, the unforgiving landscape obscured by the relentless onslaught of snow. Unbeknownst to Zelda, they ran toward a frozen pond, its icy surface hidden beneath the snow. As they pressed forward in their escape, an ominous cracking sound pierced the air, arresting their attention. In that chilling moment, both Link and Zelda instinctively looked down, realizing with dread that it was the ice beneath her feet that had betrayed them, shattering with a resounding snap.
In a heart-stopping moment, Zelda plunged through the fragile ice, disappearing into the freezing water below. Link, a helpless witness to this sudden and perilous turn of events, sprang into action. Swiftly shedding layers of clothing, he prepared himself for the bone-chilling water. Without a moment's hesitation, he leaped after her, the temperature of the water proving to be unbearable. Yet, the surge of adrenaline coursing through him burned like a fire, propelling him deeper into the icy pond, determined to reach Zelda's side.
Submerged in the frigid water, Link's frantic search led him to Zelda's motionless form at the bottom. With determined strength, he swam to the surface, pulling her lifeless body with all his might until they reached solid ground. Desperation etched across his face, he shook her, and water expelled from her lungs in a heavy cough. Though alive, Zelda was in distress—trembling, lips blue, and eyes closing as the cold took its toll. The urgency of their situation pressed upon Link, and he knew that time was of the essence in finding shelter and warmth or both of them were at risk of succumbing to the freezing temperatures.
With the last reserves of his strength, Link bundled Zelda in his jacket and carried her to a more secluded area, away from the relentless assault of the blizzard. As if in answer to his desperate prayers, a stroke of luck guided them closer to a dense forest. There, amidst the trees, a cabin stood, empty and isolated—a providential haven for a few hours of respite.
Entering the cabin, Link gently laid Zelda on the floor and wasted no time in kindling a fire, the flickering flames promising the warmth they both so desperately needed. The fire roared to life, casting a comforting glow across the small space. Despite the newfound shelter, Zelda still trembled uncontrollably, her hands a painful shade of purple from the biting cold, her skin nearly pallid and tinged with blue. The urgency of the situation pressed upon Link, and he knew he needed to act swiftly to bring her comfort.
In that moment of desperation, Link considered the only other solution he could think of—skin-to-skin contact. Urgently, he removed the first layers of their drenched clothing and laid next to her, using his coat as a makeshift cover against the frigid air. He pulled her close, holding her tightly against his own shivering form. The survival of both of them depended on the warmth generated through this intimate embrace. As he held her close, Link intertwined his legs with hers, seeking to share as much body heat as possible to expedite the warming process. The flickering fire in the cabin cast dancing shadows on the walls, bearing witness to the urgency of their shared struggle against the cold. Link's thoughts were a mix of worry and determination, reminding himself that every action he took was driven solely by the imperative to bring Zelda back from the brink of hypothermia. In that close embrace, the boundary between them blurred, transcending any considerations of modesty or personal space in the face of the pressing need for survival.
After an hour, her trembling subsided, her breaths becoming more steady. In the midst of near-slumber, he gazed down at her, their faces mere inches apart. The soft glow of the fire highlighted her captivating beauty—the softness of her lips, the rosy hue of her cheeks. His desires surged within him, an undeniable attraction that threatened to unravel his self-restraint. Yet, he fought against those urges, clenching his jaw in a silent struggle against the guilt that accompanied such thoughts. Choosing to focus on providing comfort, he embraced her tightly, his hand finding solace in the strands of her hair as he gently drew her head to rest against his chest, his chin nestled atop her head.
Through the night, Link remained awake, the flickering flames of the fire casting shadows across the room, mirroring the inner turmoil that consumed him. Her presence stirred emotions that he constantly tried to bury, and the undeniable connection between them tugged at the carefully constructed walls he had built around himself. Yet, in the depths of his soul, he feared the consequences of surrendering to those feelings, reminding himself of his position and the constant haunting he dealt with. Reminiscing on the terrors from the previous night, he couldn't shake the feeling of déjà vu. Just yesterday, he had dreamt of being this close to her, and now it was happening again, but this time, he knew it was real.