It was in the darkness that accompanied the early hours of the morning that they arrived in Kakariko Village. On reaching the narrow pass that led to the village, Kalen stopped his horse. Knowing that their outcome had been achieved, Link grabbed the sword and handed it to Kalen. After a quick farewell and another rundown of the plan, they parted ways, Kalen leaving in the direction of the hidden village.
Arriving at Renado's doorstep, Link was painfully aware of the impoliteness of their arrival. He wished it were in better circumstances, but getting Rel the help that she sorely needed was imperative. After a few loud knocks and some cries of pain from Rel, Renado opened the door, still clearly lethargic and in shock to see them. Link all but barged in with Rel slung over his shoulder.
"It's bad." Link stated his tone enough to explain everything.
As she tried to keep her whimpering at bay, Rel began sweating profusely. She was overheating, even in the gentle breeze of the night, tearing her cloak off. It was reminiscent of the day of her arrival, which was months ago at this point. Link found himself trying to remember what they'd done for her.
Renado had set up a bedroll with swiftness, gesturing for Link to bring her over to him. Before she could protest, Link pulled her boot off and rolled up her pant leg once more. The dark blue had changed to an almost black shade now, the veins creeping slowly further up Rel's leg. Renado inspected it.
"The blight? But how?" He gasped.
"Rel was attacked on the day she arrived." Link replied.
"No- It's been seven years." Renado murmured, his tone awestruck.
"I know."
In an attempt to sit up, Rel ended up crying out in pain again.
"This is the first time it's turned this colour." She fretted.
Renado gave Link an expectant look. Not wanting to even consider the possibility, Link returned the expression. It was evident that they'd both drawn the same conclusion.
"This is… Dark magic. Almost like the twilight." Renado said gravely.
Link's heart began to race at the mention of it.
"How?" Rel asked angrily. "One of you needs to explain to me how this is happening. Zelda insisted that the twilight was gone. It was partly why we agreed to come."
"That I do not know." Renado replied, glancing at Link. "It is my job as a shaman to figure this out. I imagine that only someone who harbors complete and utter vitriol would be able to conjure this curse."
Feeling frozen, Link found himself incapable of speaking. Their voices became muffled as he tried to calm his racing pulse. Rel observed this, trying to brave through the pain.
"Link?" She asked gently. "Tell me you're alright."
Renado gave him another troubled look as Link took a deep breath.
"I know this, this- curse. I know how to get it to subside."
Rel shot him a panicked expression.
"Remember Rel, this magic is not inherently evil. It is the opposite of light, that's all." Link reassured her calmly. "I'll be right back."
Link scanned the shelves and the clutter, looking for anything that would contain water. He found a large glass jar, grabbing it as he ran out the door.
The Elden Spring was closer than he remembered, nestled into a small laneway near the village. The spirit had obviously known he was coming, as the water was glowing when he reached its surface.
"Thank you." He whispered to the invisible presence. "I will visit you again soon."
Link filled the glass jar up to the brim, the glow acting as a makeshift lantern, making the journey back easier. He was back inside the sanctuary, watching as Renado tried to keep Rel cool.
"The spring was glowing when I arrived." Link explained. "Someone else knew we were here."
Rushing to her side, Link helped Rel sit up. "It's from the light spirit."
"What do I do?" she asked cautiously.
"Bathe the wound in the water." Renado suggested.
Grabbing a cloth, Renado soaked it in the water. Even as it was distributed over the fabric, the glow remained, a good sign. They wrapped Rel's shin in the cloths and waited. Within moments, the dark veins began to subside, returning to their normal colour. The pain subsided rather quickly as they watched in anticipation.
"We still have their blessing." Renado sighed with relief. "They still watch over you, Link."
"And Rel." He said quietly.
Renado sat down on one of the chairs, leaning forward.
"Rel, I want you to keep track of this." He explained. "If it gives you anymore grief, I want you back here right away. I will send word to Auru."
"We will." She said through ragged breaths. "I think I am going to pass out."
"Renado, I'm sorry for imposing on you." Link added.
"It is my duty. Please Link, make yourself comfortable. There are more bedrolls. The doors to my sanctuary are always open."
A sense of relief washed over Link as Renado reassured him that they were not a burden. The memory of what happened last time was at the forefront of his mind and he considered staying up and keeping watch on Rel. He remembered how worried everyone had been on the day of Rel's arrival and that was before they all got to know her. As he laid down another bed roll, Rel had already started to drift off to sleep. He surveyed her expression, making sure her pallor had at least returned to normal before trying to unwind. He made sure to brush the few strands of hair that had stuck to her forehead aside, making sure to not disturb her.
As he kept watch on her for a while longer, Link realized that Din's mark was starting to burn again, this time a more comforting warmth as opposed to searing pain from recently. He was left alone with his thoughts, knowing deep down that he wouldn't be going back to Ordon after all, at least not for a while. These thoughts stayed with him as he drifted off.
The Temple of Time had returned to its former glory, the walls pristine, the stone strong and freshly carved. Within seconds, Link recognized the Master Sword sitting on its pedestal. Gone was the time when he felt enticed and beckoned by its power, something he did not remember fondly.
A firestorm somehow brewed within seconds, the flames engulfing the entire room. With almost a mind of their own, the fires enveloped the pedestal. As quickly as they appeared, the blaze dissipated, leaving a red tinted sword in its place.
A beautiful woman with tanned skin and yellowish eyes stepped forward. She walked with elegance and purpose as her fiery red hair cascaded down her spine, extending her hand toward the hilt of the blade. She lifted the sword from its place effortlessly, eyeing the blade with intent.
Four fae like spirits rested in each corner of the room.
"I wish to build a place for us." The woman said quietly.
The fae like spirits stirred, their voices only audible to the beautiful woman.
"We cannot remain here." She whispered. "It isn't possible to contain this much power within these borders. Hylia's last hope failed. He died in her arms."
The spirits moved closer to her.
"My sisters and I have agreed… We will each take the remaining corners of this world and watch from a distance. We will only be called back to these lands when there is no other hope."
The spirits dissipated.
"Only when there is no other choice shall we return."
Link awoke slowly, his arms folded as he lay on his side. It had been a while since he'd witnessed a vision, especially one as detailed and vivid. This was one of the rare instances that the dream was vivid and straight forward as opposed to being metaphorical or abstract. It seemed so real and lived in, like a memory.
It was still on the dark side of dawn, the exceptionally low light granting some vision. Link opened his heavy eyelids and saw Rel looking directly at him, her eyes bleary with sleep.
"Link, you were having a bad dream." She whispered.
"It's fine. I'll write it down." He reassured her. "Go back to sleep."
"I'll try."
"How is the injury?"
"It's subsided for now. It feels normal."
"Good."
Link managed to fall into a daze, getting another couple of hours of sleep before he finally rose. Feeling lifeless and slow, he realized that Rel had gotten up first. She was sitting at one of the tables with Renado, sharing a pot of tea. Renado pulled out a chair for Link as he joined them.
"I was telling Rel all about the sanctuary." Renado said calmly.
"Are you feeling better?" Rel asked him as he sat down beside her.
"I should be asking you that." He replied.
"It appears that whatever- spell this is has subsided for now." Renado explained. "Though, my curiosity regarding this is no less than last night."
Before Link could ask, Rel rolled up her pant leg to show him the scar. Link leaned down to have a look at it, running his fingers over the skin. While he was busy inspecting the limb, Rel tapped him on the shoulder to show him that she had tea waiting for him.
"Perhaps you should visit the spring more often." Renado suggested. "I don't doubt you already know about the Ordon Spring."
"I'm sure Link will let me stay with him for a day or two when he goes back to Ordon." Rel said distantly.
Unsure why, Link felt an overwhelming sense of guilt. Renado watched both of them, trying to gauge their expressions.
"I'll take you back, don't worry." Link began. "But first, we have to visit the basement."
Renado let out a laugh. "I suppose you mean Telma's Pub?"
"I see." Rel responded.
Renado made sure they were overpacked with provisions, especially considering that the journey from this point forward was very short. Not knowing when they were going to be near Ordon again, Link made sure to fill a jar with water from the Eldin Spring. He wasn't even sure if it would work, but its presence was comforting, nonetheless. Luda made sure to bid them farewell as they departed.
They arrived in Castle Town later that day and Link was, for once, relieved to know that he was close to his residence. It most certainly didn't live up to his cozy cabin back home in Ordon and he was painfully aware of that. He was, however, looking forward to having some privacy and planned on hiding away from the world for a long while.
As Rel quietly followed in his steps, holding the jar of spring water, Link boarded Epona into Telma's stable and silently led her back across the lane to their home.
When Link opened the door, he was greeted with a familiar, pungent cloud of smoke. Knowing what this meant, Rel stepped around him, her expression furious.
Link had to wave his hand in front of his own face several times before he was able to see through the mist. His eyes landed on Dornan, who was shirtless, sitting across the table from Shad. From what Link could tell, they were surrounded by piles of books, reminiscent of the study room Shad had set up in Telma's basement.
Rel was standing by Dornan's side with her hand on her hip, holding the jar in an almost threatening motion.
"What are you doing in my house?" She demanded, glowering over Dornan as he ignored her.
"Your house?" Shad asked, confused. "Isn't this Link's house?"
"It is my dear friend. But Aurelia, an unwed woman, who appears to be trying to intimidate me with a jar of water, also lives here." Dornan deadpanned. "It is an odd arrangement."
"Rel is a guest here." Link corrected Dornan. "I invited her. Unlike you."
"You couldn't even open a fucking window?" She continued. "You've no respect for anyone."
Coughing, Link made his way over to the nearest window and opened it, the fresh air a welcome reprieve from the smoke inside his home.
Shad waved hello to Link who returned the gesture. Between the piles of books and parchments, Link noticed that they were holding playing cards.
"Is that your stupid card game?" Rel asked snidely.
"It is not stupid." Dornan replied, his tone unchanged.
"All of your games are stupid."
"This isn't my game, Shad made this one."
"Guilty." Shad said meekly, an obvious mimic of Dornan's mannerisms.
"Don't ever say that ever again." Link snapped at Shad.
Dornan finally smiled, his pipe bouncing between his teeth.
"You still haven't told me why either of you are in my house." Rel interjected.
"Because that idiotic clown is looking for you." Dornan replied. "And I need to speak to you Sir Farmer."
With a swift motion, Dornan put the cards back into their pile as Shad picked up the books he'd brought over.
"Come by sometime!" Shad said cheerily to Link. "We are just across the way."
"I'm sorry I need to cut our time short." Dornan said apologetically as Shad let himself out.
The door closed behind him, leaving the remaining three in silence. Once his footsteps became inaudible, Dornan shifted and addressed them.
"Sit down." He requested.
Both Rel and Link took a seat beside one another at the opposite side of the table to Dornan. He watched as they sat down, letting out a signature "hmph" sound.
"So, was I right?" Dornan asked casually, lighting his pipe once more.
"Yes." Rel answered as she placed the jar in the center of the table.
"We found him." Link continued.
"And?"
"He was afflicted with the same malady as I." Rel murmured. "But it has somehow spread to his mind. Even his eyes were just- black."
Dornan's eyes shot to Rel. "Really?"
She gave him a solemn nod.
"Disgraceful." Dornan responded. "Utterly disgraceful. What the fuck have they done?"
"He wasn't even conscious." Link added. "We were unable to wake him."
"And my wound, by mere proximity, began to hurt. The pain was so searing, I couldn't even stand."
Dornan glared. "Well, that implies-"
"That whoever attacked me is somehow wielding ancient magic that they have no comprehension of." Rel finished.
Dornan turned his attention to Link this time. "It is a strange coincidence. It seems that on closer inspection, the guards who were murdered that day were almost unrecognizable, due to the dark residue on their skin. Their veins were stained black." Dornan sat still for a few moments, his arms tightly folded. "You said the wound, on your leg, became stained?"
"Yes. When I was in close proximity to the boy." Rel recounted.
"Well, clearly it was one of them."
"Do you think the solution is that simple?"
"Yes."
The information hung in the air, everyone in their own head space.
"How did you treat the wound?" Dornan asked Rel.
"I retrieved water from the Eldin Province Spring." Link answered for her. "The light spirit granted Rel a reprieve."
"Is that so? Why won't Nayru show me anything?" Dornan mumbled, thinking aloud.
"Speaking of which-" Rel started. "I need to find somewhere to-" She made an unidentifiable gesture with her hands. "The-"
Dornan gave her a quizzical look before realization dawned on him. "Where is the nearest Forest?" He asked Link.
"Most likely Farron." Link replied, unsure what was going on.
"You'll need to escort Aurellia there, soon."
"Sure?"
"Aurelia, you also need to speak to that Captain."
"No, I don't think I will." She retorted.
"They apparently have information about the day of the murders." Dornan explained, somewhat frustrated. "A woman bore witness to the event, though she is reluctant to speak."
"Who?" Rel asked. "I hope she speaks up so I can go and find the assailant myself."
"Hmmm." Dornan trailed off. "As usual, you put up a fight."
The group came to a stalemate over the discussion. Link leaned forward, resting his head in his hands.
"So, now what?" He asked Dornan and Rel. "What do we do?"
"The only thing we can do. We wait for your princess to return." Dornan said with finality.
Rel wordlessly rose from her seat, heading toward the bathroom. Both men watched her as she entered the room, leaving them alone. Link's eyes lingered on the door, noticeable to Dornan who smirked to himself.
"I suppose you will not be too upset. Spending time with Aurelia, alone. In your house. That you share." Dornan smiled. "How awful."
Link attempted to pay no mind to what Dornan was saying.
"We visited an old friend of mine, a shaman and alchemist." He said, changing the subject. "He is interested in whatever is causing this affliction."
"Hmm?" Dornan hummed.
"He was also interested in Rel's talents."
"Really?" Dornan laughed. "What fucking talent? Running away or pretending that she is made of stone?"
"Renado said that she shows a great promise as a healer."
"Now that is interesting."
Rel made her way back to the men, this time with fresh clothing and loose hair.
"Dornan, how close are they to finding that island?" she asked suddenly.
"Not even remotely." He answered.
Rel's brow furrowed as she folded her hands and placed them on the table. "So realistically, we could be waiting for months. If there is such a threat, why are we not panicking?"
"We must have faith that Fienna will do the right thing. I cannot fault their ambition."
"Is there any way we can reach them?" Link asked, confused.
"No."
The days all started to pass by excruciatingly slowly, at least from Link's point of view. He was somewhat envious of Rel, watching as she went to work most mornings. He wanted so much to have a purpose and even considered asking Telma if he could go to work with her or perhaps even risk his sanity to study with Shad once more. He spent most days either drinking, reading or both, wondering what his next step would be on Zelda's return. He had to admit, he was happy to see Rel when she came home every day and appreciated the time they spent in the evenings together.
One morning, Rel asked for help tending to the garden she'd curated in Telma's courtyard, and it became a daily ritual from that point onward for them both.
The garden had changed from its summer hues, bursting into beautiful autumnal colours. The green of the leaves was starting to fade with golden and vermillion tones starting to creep into their foliage. Link of course spotted the seasonal flowers, admiring as they were starting to sprout.
"I'm still amazed at how nice this place is, despite your gifts." He observed. "I'd kill to be able to grow apples."
"Apples are dangerous." Rel shrugged. "There are too many implications."
"Like what?"
Rel lifted an eyebrow and made an awkward expression.
Link decided to change the subject.
"Why do you need to visit the woods?" He asked curiously.
"Because there is no temple of seasons here." Rel replied, her tone jovial. "I need to leave rather soon to be fair. I prefer to be there at dawn."
"Then we leave at dawn tomorrow."
The early hours of the morning were the most beautiful and blissful when visiting Faron woods. After leaving Epona to her own devices, knowing that this region was her home, Link escorted Rel as she made her way deeper into the woods. The canopy of trees created a chilling atmosphere, the air giving them both a pleasant chill. Rel had not said anything since their arrival.
After another short trek, she found a moss-covered log. She sat down gingerly, not before thanking the tree quietly for its gift to the forest. Taking a seat beside her, Link watched her as she closed her eyes, taking in the ambient sounds of the environment. He wasn't entirely sure of what she was doing, his curiosity piquing. He had a feeling that he didn't want to disturb her as she did whatever this task was.
"They don't usually like visitors." Rel smiled. "But I think Din will allow you. Just this once."
"Who are they?"
"The spirits of the seasons." Rel whispered.
"Even more spirits."
The quiet enveloped them once more, the trees rustling in the breeze as the golden sunlight filtered through. Suddenly, Rel caught her breath, her eyelids flickering as she was brought back to the present. Link almost swore that he felt a change in the air, like a small jolt of electricity.
"Is everything alright Rel?" Link asked her.
"I'm not sure. It felt different this time. Perhaps it is because I am not at the temple of seasons?" She said between breaths.
"I hope my presence wasn't an issue."
"It wasn't." She smiled. "They understand."
After a short while, small animals and insects began to stir, in a similar fashion to what happened when they left the Temple of Time. Birdsong returned gradually, the small creatures waking from the early morning. It was as if they were reacting to Rel's presence in the woods, greeting her and her enigmatic seasonal spirit.
"Link." Rel said quietly, breaking the silence. "The grounds on which your hometown stands, the fortress. What happened?"
Link took his time to gather his thoughts before answering. As always, with this sort of topic, there were two sides to the story, neither of which reflected positively on the other.
"You seem interested in this." He observed.
Rel raised an eyebrow. Both of them knew why she was so interested, there was no purpose in denying it.
"You know very much why I'm so interested. You've heard what everyone says."
"Do you wish to seek your family?"
"Not really." Rel replied indifferently. "I have an extended family of strange people. You've seen some of them."
"Then why?"
"Curiosity."
"I'll tell you on the walk back." Link stated as he stood up from his resting place.
Extending his hand to Rel, she waved it away as she helped herself up. Link was admittedly amused as she almost slipped on some moss within moments. They began the walk back to where Link had left Epona.
"Well?" Rel pressed, stepping carefully so as not to slip again.
"Do you remember what I told you about the man who was executed a century ago?"
"Of course. I also remember the codswallop I was fed about his people just simply leaving afterward."
"I know." Link said uncomfortably as he stepped over another log, assisting Rel despite her expression. "Of course, it's not that simple."
"Din left Hyrule because of Hylia." Rel explained, stopping Link in his tracks. "Did you know that?"
"I didn't know that." He said disbelievingly.
"Oh, I do." Rel smirked. "Some of her memories live on in me. Despite what I would like to believe. Nayru and Farore left too."
"That would explain- Never mind. The man who was executed, Ganondorf, was banished to another kingdom. The arbiters chose not to simply take his life. Instead, they banished him to the land that his original followers, centuries before that, the interlopers had created. The Twilight-"
"The darkness." Rel corrected him.
"I can assure you, they call it Twilight." Link continued. "Instead of perishing, he simply grew stronger. He poisoned the hearts and minds of the inhabitants there. Over the course of a century, he used one of their high-ranking advisors to take part in a hostile takeover. After the death of their king, his daughter was cast out and ended up here."
"Did that happen before or after they left?"
"Well, after his banishment to that place… The desert dwellers, the Gerudo, were placed under the watchful eye of the Royal Family. They didn't like it very much. The resentment grew and grew, erupting into a civil war."
"That sounds awful." Rel said quietly. "I know. They came to live with us. Though I do not know how welcome they felt. I am descended from Din… My ancestors have lived in Holodrum since her time." She paused. "Have they ever tried to take it back?"
Link nodded. "That was the frontier war. That's when my parents died."
"I'm sorry, Link." She said, stopping in her tracks.
"There's no need." He replied calmly.
"Do you have any other family?"
"I think I have an uncle somewhere." He shrugged. "I've never met him though."
They reached Epona by that time, watching her wander the general area grazing for grass. She swished her tail happily when she spotted Link.
"Rusl is a pretty good father figure to me." Link said as he watched Epona graze.
"We are close to Ordon, should we say hello?"
An overwhelming feeling of sadness swept over Link's thoughts. He couldn't think of anything worse than seeing his precious home only for it to be abandoned so soon after. He didn't want to think of what his cabin looked like or his favourite garden.
"We should head back to castle town." Was all he said as he made a reach for Epona's reigns.
The days continued to meld into one another as Link became more restless. Due to Rel's influence, he was making sure to really take notice of the changes in nature and take the time to appreciate them. It was more than clear that Zelda's ambition of being back by the turn of the season wasn't going to be achieved and he had no other choice but to put faith in Rel and Dornan's friend who they'd mentioned. He further contemplated what Auru would be doing up at the castle and considered arranging another meeting to discuss his findings. Having not one, but two wisemen on the case of this so-called curse would yield results eventually.
When not at work, Rel was collecting herbs for the mysterious apothecary in town, cultivating plants in their home or reading intently. She was very interested in the history of her ancestors, often staying up late at night to keep researching. It wasn't uncommon for Link to find her in front of the fireplace, fast asleep after a day of working, with a book about folklore in her hands. She insisted on being woken up and walking herself to bed, but Link preferred to simply place her in her own bed, giving her a few precious moments worth of extra rest.
On yet another one of her reading binges, this time on alchemy, Rel decided that she needed to cultivate a planter box on the landing of the residence.
After several days of overloading herself, Telma decided to give Rel an extended break, giving her around five days to relax and recoup and of course she chose to fill that time with self-appointed study and tasks.
On the chilliest morning of autumn so far, she awoke early, trying to sneak out before Link woke up. But, as usual, his sleeplessness had gotten the better of him and he heard her delicate footsteps as she tried to creep around the flat.
He got up from his bed, which felt particularly empty that morning and got dressed. He met Rel as she was fastening her cloak.
"Good morning." She said confusedly. "Why are you dressed?"
"Because I had a feeling you were leaving." He said distantly.
"You don't have to come with me." She said with a smile. "I will be looking for wildflowers and herbs. It will be quite boring."
"That doesn't sound boring to me." Link replied. "Are you looking for anything in particular?"
"Mostly just cuttings. There's a few draughts and salves I want to try and make."
"When you get excited about something, your accent is thick." Link observed, causing Rel to blush.
"I'm sorry."
"Why?"
"I- I don't know." She finished, still self-conscious.
"What other plants do we need?" Link asked, looking around at the various things she'd collected. "It's like a forest in here."
"We need everything." Rel replied with a shrug.
They chose against going on horseback, Rel insisting that she wanted to take her time and observe whether she could forage anything on the path there. Link was happy to see her finally wearing the cloak that he chose for her with it finally being cold enough to be comfortable.
They walked across the eastern drawbridge, heading toward the rolling green hills. Rel made sure to point out how the grass was looking crisp that morning. She further explained that she wanted to walk beside the riverbank to find yet another herb that would assist in sleep and other ailments.
"How do I get down there without falling?" She asked quietly. "I've wanted to walk along the riverbank for some time."
Without a word, Link led the way, showing her how to get down to the riverbank.
"Stay on the sand. If you walk on the grass, you will slip." Link informed her, showing her where to walk.
Rel looked around, her footsteps becoming heavy as she walked through the sand. Her eyes landed on a green bushel as the water ran over some nearby rocks.
"That one there-" She started, pulling a hand written note out of her pocket. "Will supposedly ward off evil spirits and bad luck."
Without a second thought, Link trudged forward, ripping one of the green bushels off the large plant. He shoved it in his pocket.
"I didn't expect that." Rel said amusedly.
"I want one hundred of these. I have had enough of my luck." He replied, his tone serious.
"You've had some good luck." Rel suggested.
Looking around, Rel spotted another plant in which she was interested. She leant forward, her loose hair falling in front of her face. She frustratedly tried to brush it behind her ear.
"I should have worn my hair up." She said as a strand stuck to her tongue.
Link couldn't help but notice how the slight breeze was shifting her hair and how the low morning light complimented her eyes. She looked like she was in her element as she tried to reach for the white flowered plant in front of her.
Having a feeling that she was about to fall, Link rushed forward, grabbing for the plant and placing the white flowers in her outstretched hand. Admittedly caught off guard, Rel was pleasantly surprised by the warmth of his hand as it warmed her cold fingers. Her hair, still caught in the breeze, was blowing into Link's face. He tried to push the feeling aside, but his first instinct was to run his fingers through it. His heart began to race at the thought, because he knew deep down that he might want it to lead to more with her.
Observing that his hand was still in hers, Rel let go, placing the white flower into her pocket.
"Is something wrong?" She asked innocently.
"No." Link replied, looking away.
Feeling embarrassed by his indiscretion, Link knew it wasn't the first time he'd thought about her this way, and he knew it wouldn't be the last. If anything, he acknowledged that this was the first time he was not in complete denial about having these thoughts. Recently, on yet another sleepless night, he found himself wondering if Rel had feelings for anyone.
"Nothing is wrong." He continued.
"Alright!" Rel laughed. "Sorry."
She reached forward again to grab the same plant, Link once again bringing it closer to her.
They continued onward, Rel keeping an eye out for whatever herbs and flowers she was searching for. Link watched her as she crouched down, delicately inspecting the stems and branches of the plants she wanted. Even when she took cuttings from the trees, she did so gracefully and respectfully. Such was the way of someone who was so close to nature.
They remained in a comfortable, quiet closeness, watching out for each other as the day progressed. By the late morning, they'd already been out for hours, Rel carrying a large bundle of greenery in her hands.
After a while, they sat down beside the riverbank, taking a much-needed rest. Link purposefully sat closer to her, hoping that she didn't feel uncomfortable. She didn't even so much as flinch, let alone move, which was a good sign to him.
"Your appreciation of nature is enviable." Link told her as the water lapped the banks of the river.
The tide was moving out by now.
"You think so?" Rel asked, perplexed.
"I do. I've never met someone who cares so deeply. The way that you see the movement of every plant, every tree. I saw you cutting the stems, it was almost- Gentle?"
She looked away, a small smile creeping across her lips.
"Animals seem to love you as well."
"Just the animals?" She joked. "They prefer Dornan to me actually."
Link shook his head, feeling caught off guard by her comment at the mention of Dornan.
"It is my responsibility to caretake nature." She explained. "For without it, we are all without purpose. Everything you do, your purpose in life is because of the land."
"I never thought of it that way." Link murmured. "You sound like a different person whenever we talk about these things."
"There's a lot of things you could think about differently." Rel teased.
They went back to watching the river, Link feeling as though Rel was glancing at him, though he felt too self-conscious to check.
"We will need to go home soon, to cultivate these." Rel announced, breaking him out of his trance.
The walk back was leisurely, Rel enjoying the scent of her flowers.
"The equinox." She said suddenly.
"I remember you mentioning that." Link replied.
"It is the halfway point in autumn. Like solstice." She paused. "Which means I will turn twenty-four soon after."
"I will keep that in mind."
Rel had set up a makeshift nursery on the oak table as the day was nearing its end. She had started to organize the plants, looking at their stems before placing them in water. This would encourage them to grow on their own, without the need for the existing plant, she explained. Link took a seat near the fireplace, making sure to keep and ear out in case she wanted assistance, a book in hand to keep him entertained.
"Wool production?" Rel asked. "I suppose it's more interesting than roof thatching."
Link shrugged and kept reading.
After a while, Rel stopped working. Noticing that their home had gone completely quiet, Link looked to her. She had a concerned look on her face, Link unsure what to make of it.
"Rel?" He enquired.
She had the slightest hint of a frown on her face as she clutched something in her hand.
"There's something wrong here." She muttered. "The stem, it's… odd."
"What do you mean?" Link asked as he put the book down.
Once he was by her side, Rel handed him the flower.
Looking over it, Link wasn't sure what he was looking at. He identified a black spot on the stem, so small that an untrained eye would have overlooked it. His mind immediately thought of the blight that had affected the crops in Ordon all those years ago, the disease that was indicative of the impending darkness. Rel was able to identify the look on his face as being alarmed, her concern rising.
"Do you know what this is?" She asked him calmly, breaking him out of his stupor.
"I can only guess." He replied. "Are any other like this?"
"No. Just this one."
"It could be a seasonal blight." Link explained. "It happens with vegetables som- you already know this."
"Maybe." She replied sadly.
"We can keep a look out." Link suggested.
The front door to their home swung open, Dornan standing in the doorway with a fishing hook in his fingers.
"Just knock on the fucking door!" Rel shouted at him, her demeanor a complete opposite to how it had been moments earlier.
"No, I don't think I will." Dornan said smugly. "Someone wants to see you at the that tavern."
"Who?" Rel demanded.
"Actually, it is two people. One of them is that idiotic captain that Zelda appointed. The other looks like he could be your brother. He wishes to seek work."
Rel's face lit up in recognition. "That would be my acquaintance."
"Who?" Dornan asked with a raised eyebrow.
Rel stood up and was within Dornan's personal space in moments. Similar to what he'd done to her on the day they visited Auru, Rel eyed him suspiciously, looking him up and down.
"I'm sure you've met him" Rel said slyly.
"Whatever could you mean, Aurelia?"
"You know I don't want to meet with that captain."
"You will be required too eventually." Dornan said gravely. "Don't make this any harder on yourself or I."
"I will come across to say hello to my acquaintance."
"Sir Farmer can come too."
"Don't tell me what I can and can't do." Link snapped at him, his blissful mood from earlier all but ruined in Dornan's presence.
Short of dragging her across kicking and screaming, Rel walked in front of the men, Dornan keeping an eye on her as she strode into the pub first.
"Don't make me put a fucking leash on you." He muttered to himself.
She made a direct line for the bar, sitting herself in front of Telma, completely ignoring Darpa as he waved to her from one of the booths on the opposite side of the room.
Link could see another person working behind the bar, someone who he thought he recognized. He observed the odd hue of the man's hair and his tall stature. Sure enough, when the new worker turned around, it was Kalen. He was sporting shorter hair and new clothing.
"I see you found the place." Rel smiled at him before turning to Telma.
"He showed up two days ago." Telma sighed. "I couldn't turn him away, given that he was so insistent that he knew you."
"I hope you don't replace me." Rel said sheepishly.
"I like to think of myself as an addition, rather than a replacement." Kalen joked, finally speaking.
"How has everything been since my time off?" Rel asked.
Telma's face fell. "I need to talk to you about that."
Link trailed Dornan as he made his way to the booth where Darpa and Liom had camped out during the day. He was aware of Zue's absence, contemplating where his friend had gone. Dornan walked away as soon as Link was seated, taking a spot near the hallway to the basement, smoking by himself.
"Zue went back to Ruffilio." Darpa said confusedly as he rubbed his chin. "I'm not sure why, but he said it was urgent."
Just as they had all become comfortable, Kalen arrived with a generous supply of drinks, placing one in front of each of the men. He lingered a little longer on Link's, leaning down to whisper in his ear.
"Thank you for your help." He said quietly.
"Don't mention it." Link replied.
He departed, leaving the men to their own devices.
Link's eyes landed on Darpa, an overwhelming feeling of annoyance washing over him.
"Dornan said you wanted to speak to me?"
"Yes, obviously. It's about Rel." Darpa replied.