"And… there," Zelda mumbled to herself.
With a sigh, she pushed herself up from the floor she had been leaning over, choosing to rest on her knees as she lifted a moist rag she had been using to scrub the stained floorboards. Having been down there for some time now, Zelda reached her hands up into the air, stretching her back out until all the tension in her back muscles had been released. It had been a while since she had been given such a cleaning challenge. She and her lover had been cleaning the house for the past few hours, getting the glass shards off the floor, replacing the weapons that had fallen back onto their display walls, refolding clothes that had fallen, and so much more.
After choosing to accept the area on the floor she had been wiping down— the part where the wine had been dumped on her— she twisted her waist to look at the one helping her. The table that had been flipped over was still on its side, but now it was like that for intentional reasonings. As Zelda had been wiping down the floor, Link (who had changed from his once again destroyed Champions Tunic into a fresh sweater) had pushed it more toward the wall and was now sitting next to it with his legs crossed. He hadn't noticed Zelda look at him, for he was focused on ensuring the table's legs hadn't been broken or loosened from their earlier abuse. Every now and then he would try and shake one of them, and if it wasn't to his liking, he would try and fit them properly back into place. With a smile, she crawled over to him before returning to her knees, now choosing to lean her arm against his.
"How's this coming along?" she asked, watching as his hands worked.
"It's coming alright," he said without taking his eyes off the wooden leg. "Were you able to get the stains out of the wood?"
"For the most part," Zelda replied, now resting her cheek on his shoulder. "It won't vanish completely, but it isn't noticeable. Unless you know where to look, that is."
"I guess that's the best we're gonna get," Link said. "We're just gonna have to live with those for now. Sorry."
"It isn't so bad. I'm sure we'll get used to them," Zelda said calmly, silently enjoying the feeling of Link's shoulder muscles massaging her cheek. "Maybe I can come up with a solution to clean them out completely sometime later."
"You think you could do that?" Link asked, tugging slightly on the leg he just finished adjusting, ensuring it was as stiff as he wanted it to be.
"With enough research and testing, I'm sure I could," Zelda said. "But, it's fine if they stay. They'll fade over time."
"I guess they will, huh," Link said.
Noticing the slight change in his tone, Zelda glanced up to see that his focus had shifted from the table's legs to the weapons that had been returned to their places on the wall. After a pause, she wrapped her arms around one of his, pulling it away from the leg and against her body.
"I miss them too," she said. "A lot."
"You handle it so well," Link said. "Way better than I have."
"Well, I didn't see what you did," Zelda explained. "I felt it, but that was a hundred years ago. The time I spent with the Calamity in the castle felt like a dream, but time still passed. I still had thoughts. I'm sure if I relived the events and actually saw what happened to them, I'd be just like you. Maybe even worse if I'm being honest."
"Worse than me? That would be something," Link said.
"Hey, you saw me before the Calamity," Zelda playfully argued. "You aren't the only reckless one here."
"Oh, you're finally admitting that?" Link chuckled. "You always got on me for being reckless, yet you would always go off alone. Even ran into some Yiga in the desert—"
"Stop that! Don't remind me of my own foolishness," Zelda said, now gripping his arm tighter. "You'll make me regret being honest with you."
The two laughed before growing quiet. They continued sitting next to the overturned table, silently watching the champion's weapons glisten in the morning sun rays. Despite the conversation they just had, Zelda wasn't a fool. She knew one of the champion's weapons was missing: the one that belonged to the champion sitting right next to her. The Master Sword wasn't anywhere to be seen on or near its owner, nor was it in any of the Sheikah Slate's slots. Something else had happened, and she was sure it had to do with whatever conversation Link said they needed to have. That amongst other things that needed to be discussed. Now staring at the scimitar, she chose to speak.
"Are you still thinking through some things?" she asked quietly.
"Yeah," Link answered quietly. "Sorry, I know we needed to talk. It's just—"
"There's no need to explain. I understand," Zelda replied, adjusting her cheek on his shoulder. "Take the time you need, however it is you choose to take it."
"You don't think I'd go do something stupid with that kind of freedom?" he asked teasingly.
"Well, I would hope not," Zelda said. "But, it is your choice in the end. I can't force you into doing something the way I have been. That was wrong of me. I even pushed you to do things you may not have done before. I always said those trials were affecting you, but I was as well. I should have trusted you more."
"And I should have trusted you more," Link said. "I was being reckless— more than usual. I should have talked to you properly. If I had actually thought about what you were saying, maybe I wouldn't have lost my way as much as I had."
"Well… Then, next time we'll have to listen to each other—" Zelda started.
"—and trust in each other," Link finished. "I like that plan."
"It's a good plan, isn't it?" Zelda asked cheerfully. After a few moments though, her face fell slightly. "Still… Even having said all that, I do wish there was a way I could help you feel better. A definitive way— a remedy— one I know would soothe your pain."
"Wouldn't that be nice?" Link said with a sad smile. "Trust me, if I knew what that special thing was, I'd tell you. I'm starting to think that thing doesn't exist though. I think something my father said before had to do with time, and maybe that's just something I need to accept. That's kind of what you said a few moments ago, about how you had so much time to process in the castle."
"Yes… But that doesn't mean there aren't certain things that could help," Zelda said. "I doubt just wallowing in pain for a certain amount of time would be enjoyable."
"Are you saying I wallow in pain?" Link asked, looking down at her.
"No!" Zelda said quickly, but after a brief pause, she cleared her throat. "Okay, maybe a little… What I mean to say is, you could still do things that would help during that time, right? You're a really fun person, Link. That's why the children are so attached to you, you know."
"I can be pretty fun," Link admitted, choosing to use his free hand to reach over and lightly tickle Zelda's side. The moment his fingers rubbed against her side, she gave a sudden loud laugh before quickly covering her mouth. Link blinked before asking, "are you—?"
"I'm not."
"But you—"
"I'm not."
They sat in silence again, with Link looking at a now blushing Zelda, who was averting her eyes.
"You're ticklish," he confirmed, saying it randomly so she couldn't cut him off. "I never knew that. Wait, did I know that before?"
"Maybe, maybe not," Zelda said, blushing furiously as she refused to look at him. "Oh, that was the one thing I hoped you'd never remembered!"
Link grinned, something Zelda noticed the moment she glanced at him.
"Don't you dare!" she said sternly. "There is a reason I never reminded you!"
"Oh, I won't do it now," Link chuckled evilly. "I'll wait to get an opening."
"Link! Oh–!"
Upset, Zelda moved from his side and disappeared behind his back before wrapping her arms around his torso and placing her cheek between his shoulder blades.
"There. I'm safe from your advances back here," she said.
"You can't stay back there forever," Link chuckled. "But, fine. I won't. For today."
"Promise?"
"I promise."
"Good, but I'll stay back here just in case. For safety," Zelda affirmed.
"See? You do help," Link said quietly. Gently, Zelda tightened her arms around him.
"I want to do more for you," she said. "After everything these past few months… and all these years. I want to do something meaningful for you."
"Just you being here is enough—" Link replied, but Zelda shook her head against his back.
"Don't say that," she said. "Not after all that happened. I don't deserve to hear that. Isn't there anything you'd like? Something that could help you that I could give? And don't say my love is enough… I'm being serious here."
"I…" Link started, but paused. He sat in silence before frowning. "I couldn't tell you. Not right now. I'm sorry."
"That's alright," Zelda said. After a pause of her own, she pushed herself onto her knees and leaned over his shoulder. "If me being here is enough for now, then that's what you'll get. For now. Don't think I haven't given up yet."
"Really, Zel, you don't have to make up for anything—" Link said, but was silenced by the sudden softness against his lips.
His lips were warm and had a softness of their own. Zeld scooted closer to him from behind, allowing her to lean a bit more into the kiss. The two remained locked together before she slowly pulled away.
"It's got nothing to do with making up for anything," she said, but after seeing the look in Link's eyes, she sighed. "Alright… Maybe a slight bit, but I'd want to do it regardless. Before, I thought keeping you home to relax was that thing, but I see now I need to do something else. Something a bit more caring. I want to do it because I love you, so please, let me figure out what that thing would be."
Link gave her a stern look, but sighed, accepting defeat.
"Okay, I got it," he said with a tiny smile. "But, for today, I'll just be happy having you around."
"Great," Zelda said with a smile of her own, "unfortunately, you'll have to do your best to be happy without me for a little bit."
"Huh? What?" Link asked, somewhat taken aback as Zelda suddenly stood. "Where are you going?"
"Back to Kakariko to see Impa, actually," she said, heading toward the staircase to go up and grab the Sheikah Slate. "We straightened up a lot faster than I thought we would, and the get-together at the inn isn't until evening, so I figured it was best to go now. The last time she saw me was when I was severely injured and covered in blood. As calm and collected as she was, I'm sure it would put her at ease to see that I'm safe and sound, along with letting her know that you're okay as well."
"Are you sure you don't want me to go with you?" Link asked, pushing himself to his own feet.
"I think I'll be alright," Zelda said. "If you'd like to come then you're more than welcome to, but you said you were still thinking, right?"
"I did, and I am," Link said. "I'd actually like to stay in the village then. I am still sorting through a few thoughts."
"You know I'm here when you're ready to talk more," Zelda said with a smile. She went up the staircase and took the slate off the desk she had reorganized earlier before looking over the loft's railing. "I'll be off then. I'll see you when I return."
"I'll be here waiting, though I might go for a walk in the village," Link said. "See you in a bit."
With a nod, Zelda tapped the slate's screen. As her body began to glow blue, she brought up a hand and waved as she disappeared and flew off as a river of blue lights. With a deep breath, Link rubbed his stomach (still sore from his wounds) and looked down at the table that was still laid on its side.
"Okay… Let's get this standing and put it in its place."
...
Having arrived in Kakariko and greeting the two Sheikah guards that stood at the ready, Zelda trekked up the tall staircase that led up to the elder's front door. The moment she reached the top, she stepped onto the wooden porch to find the elder's granddaughter, who was on her knees while scrubbing away at the floorboards, something Zelda herself had been doing not even an hour ago.
"Good morning, Paya," she said down to the woman, who jerked in surprise and looked behind and up at the one who called her name.
"Prin… Prin… Princess—" Paya began to stutter, but Zelda cut in.
"You know you only have to call me Zelda," she said. "How are you this morning?"
"H–how am I? How are you?" Paya asked as she quickly got to her feet. "Grandmother told me only afterward that you and Celessa were hurt! And… And I was walking so fast to the Great Fairy Fountain when I guided you! I-I'm so sorry! Di… Did the Great Fairy heal you? Is Lin… Link alright?"
Zelda had never thought she would hear someone talk so slowly and yet so fast at the same time.
"Myself, Celessa, and everyone else involved are all perfectly fine," Zelda assured her, "all in thanks to the Great Fairy and the little ones that came with us. And yes, Link is healing up just fine."
"Thank the goddess," Paya said, exhaling the breath she had been holding whilst placing a hand on her chest. "I'm glad everything worked out. Are… Are you here to see my grandmother again?"
"I am, actually," Zelda confirmed. "I want to let her know everything is alright and talk to her about a few things. Is she busy?"
"Not that I'm aware of," Paya said. "I'd actually be more surprised if… if she didn't know you wer… were already here. Please, head right inside."
With a nod of thanks, Zelda opened the front doors and entered the large home.
"Welcome back," the familiar old but cheerful voice greeted. "I see you look much better than before."
"All in thanks to you, Paya, and the Great Fairy," Zelda said as she walked toward the elder, who was still sitting on her tall stack of pillows. "It's good to see you again, Impa, without a crisis happening."
"And it's nice to see you healthy again," Impa smiled. As Zelda came to a stop in front of her, the old Sheikah patted her knee. "While I'm sure you're here to show me you're well, I sense you have something else you wish to discuss with me."
"I do, yes," Zelda confirmed, choosing to sit on her knees in front of her friend's pillow stack. As she leaned to the side, taking one of the pillows that lay on the floor to place under her, she continued. "Impa… I'm not sure what it is I should do."
"In what regard, child?" Impa asked, raising one of her white eyebrows.
"In regards to… Link," Zelda admitted. "You see…"
She explained all that had happened in the past few months, from how she had handled Link, to the actions he took, and finally how everything ended. Impa didn't say anything. She simply listened, allowing her old friend to rant, wanting her to let everything go. After what felt like hours, Zelda took a deep breath, needing to make up for the lack of air she had after speaking for so long.
"I just want to make things better for him," she ended. "I want to make things easier, to help him come to terms with what he saw, but clearly I've been going about that incorrectly. Horribly incorrectly. I feel awful, Impa, despite his comforting words."
"Child," Impa said in a soothing tone. "You did what you could in the only way you knew how. You are still new to this world, to this lifestyle. I watched how you were raised firsthand, and while it's true that your father was under stress far greater than most could understand, that doesn't mean he didn't affect you in some way. No one can blame you for the actions you took."
"But the same way I understand my father's actions, that doesn't make them okay. That's what you're implying," Zelda said. "The same goes for me. The thing is, I'm still here to make amends— to fix what I've done."
"During your rant, you said that you told Link you wish to help him because of your feelings for him," Impa said. "Was that a lie?"
"No! Not at all," Zelda answered immediately. "But I can't help but feel guilty… It feels so overpowering. This must be only a fraction of what Link feels…"
"And that is something you'll have to deal with for a while," Impa said, "but, the best way to do that is to act in accordance with what you want in the future, not what you feel about the past. A similar lesson Link seems to be learning at this moment, wouldn't you say?"
Zelda nodded before thoughtfully looking down at her knees.
"I want to help him. I do," she said after a moment, "but what is there? What would truly help him accept what happened to the Champions? I know he needs time, but as I've told him, there has to be a way to make that time easier."
"There you go again," Impa said teasingly. "Trying to rush to a conclusion. You're just like that knight of yours, always hurrying, just in a different manner."
"What?" Zelda asked.
"You need to slow down, girl," the elder clarified. "You don't need an answer at this very moment. You have the desire to heal the one you love, but just as Link has come to realize, maybe what you need is time to come up with something— to come up with an idea. You don't need to rush. Be patient, and the answer will come to you."
"I feel as though I've been far too patient these last few months though," Zelda admitted. "I sat there, just waiting for him to get better, hoping my plan would work if I stuck to it."
"Is patience what you would call your actions?" Impa asked curiously. "I'd call that stubbornness, something else you and that boy have in common."
"Impa!"
"I speak nothing but the truth," the elder said, waving Zelda's whines away. "I want you to think back to all you've told me. Would you really call that patience?"
Zelda guiltily frowned. Immediately, vivid memories of Link, Jules, and even Prima appeared in her mind. All the times she had allowed her frustration and jealousy to take over. The times she actively ignored Link's concerns. The times she took the help she was offered for granted.
"No…" she admitted again. "You're right. I really am a mess."
"Not a mess, just ignorant," Impa laughed, something that made Zelda frown even more.
"I don't remember you being so snarky," she said, to which Impa laughed again.
"You aren't a princess, right?" she asked. "I'm treating you as any old woman would, looking down at a youngling making mistakes. Though, I'd be doing the same if you still went by that old title of yours."
"Would you really?" Zelda asked.
"Once you're my age, you tend to loosen up, especially with my experiences," Impa said. "Though, maybe I only feel that way because it's you. While you were still my princess, you were also my friend. Knowing how you are, you prefer this, don't you?"
"Yes… I do," Zelda sighed, allowing the smile she tried to hold back spread. Suddenly, though, her smile faltered, something Impa quickly noticed.
"What is it, Zelda?" she asked. "I sense something else on your mind… A concern."
"Yes… Well… Speaking of my old title," Zelda stammered quietly. "Impa… Do you remember what you said when I first arrived? When I was freed from the castle?"
"I do," Impa answered. "'In this era of ignorance of what was before, you are a princess no longer.'"
"Yes… That," Zelda said. "You gave me a choice… To rebuild a new kingdom, or live as a normal girl in Hateno. You said rebuilding would be difficult, especially with how things are, and how small the Hylian population is. As of then, I chose both: to live a life in Hateno, and when ready, continue my responsibilities in line with keeping the Calamity at bay, and that I would rebuild Hyrule at some point. That's what I've been living by and doing for half a year now."
"Where are you going with this, Zelda?" Impa asked.
"Impa… I love the town of Hateno," Zelda explained. "I've lived amongst my kind as you've recommended, and I love them. I feel so at home, so loved. I feel like I'm one of them, something I hadn't felt when I was a princess back then. But…"
"But?" Impa repeated.
"When I first arrived in Hateno, the mayor gave me a choice," Zelda continued. "He asked if I would like to take over as leader of the town. He said I deserved it by birthright and what I accomplished. I rejected it, not wanting to intrude, but… Impa… I can't help but admit that I said no—not only because I felt I didn't deserve it— but because I didn't want it. I didn't want to be put in a position of power again. It… It scared me."
"That is not wrong of you," Impa said. "I gave you a choice, remember?"
"And I chose both," Zelda reiterated. "To live amongst them, but still handle my responsibilities. I feel like I'm failing them in a way, choosing to avoid a position of power because I like the freedom I've been given. But, now… Now that I've bonded so well with them, I feel as though I'm doing them a disservice, like I'm running away and avoiding my duty."
Zelda looked down at her knees again.
"You said the old kingdom of Hyrule was gone," she said, "but you also said that doesn't mean a new kingdom couldn't rise from the ashes."
Her mind flashed back to the old man, Leop, who had mentioned the Age of Burning Fields and helped her when she was having difficulty cleaning the inn's stables, along with the old lady that helped her in Tarrey Town during the Yiga's first attack when she had escaped the castle. Both of them, along with Reede and others, were scared of the Calamity itself, the Age of Burning Fields, and the eras which followed. Zelda's brow furrowed.
"There are some in the village who wish to see us prosper again, not continue to live in the remains," she said. "I feel as though I've started neglecting the rest of my duties— neglecting them— while I only focus on what I enjoy and want to study. I hate feeling that way as I live with them, knowing that even if many are ignorant of what came before, I could give them something better."
"Are you saying you wish to take the mantle of princess so soon?" Impa asked. Zelda pursed her lips.
"I… I'm not sure…" Zelda said. "But, I do know that— even without holding my title as princess at the moment— I could never just abandon my responsibilities. I said I would take the throne if a kingdom was to rise again, but I can't just sit by and wonder if that'll happen the way I have been. I want to give my people what they deserve. I grew complacent… I grew selfish, wanting Link to just heal so we could be happy as I work my job, wishing that nothing would change. But deep down, I felt guilty. I said it before, and I was right: I would never be able to forgive myself if I allowed the kingdom to remain this way."
"I told you before that there is no wrong answer," Impa said sternly. "You do not have to take the title again, nor rebuild the kingdom. No one can ask anything more of you. If that is what you desire, however, then I support you."
"Thank you, Impa—"
"But," Impa cut in, causing Zelda to look up from her knees and into the old lady's eyes. "I do believe you should take a little time to think. We just talked about patience, and not making decisions based on guilt. Take some time, and think about if you are truly ready for this. If you decide it's time to start rebuilding, you won't be able to turn back. Think about that with great care."
Impa's old eyes sparkled with care, something that made Zelda feel warm in her chest. With a grateful smile, Zelda nodded.
"Thank you, Impa… I will," she said. With a deep breath, she stood. "I best head back now. We're having a get-together at the inn, something to lower the tension that built up. I'll come by again once I come up with an idea for how I wish to help Link."
"Oh? You still want advice from this snarky old woman, do you?" Impa teased.
"Yes, I do," Zelda giggled.
Controlling her laughter, she stepped forward and gave the old woman a light hug, making sure not to hit her head against the large hat she wore.
"Thank you," Zelda whispered.
"Anytime, Zelda," Impa said. "Anytime."
With that, Zelda pulled away and headed toward the door, waving before disappearing from the home. Impa waved back right up until the doors closed. That was when a nervous frown appeared on her face.
She had felt it: the Calamity's presence. It had appeared, and from what she could gather with what Zelda had just told her, it was most likely when Link had gone to fight the Yiga in the castle standing in the heart of their forgotten kingdom. She could feel the sword and the knight had been separated, yet the sword's whispers were still carried by the wind, echoing for its owner to head to the Lost Woods.
Trying times are ahead of us, just as before. Something is awakening, moving in the shadows, carefully watching. The gears of fate are starting to turn again, she thought as she stared at the door Zelda had disappeared through. Enjoy your time, my dear Zelda and Link, for you both will be needed far sooner than I had hoped…
...
...
...
Quick note: this story will be going on Hiatus soon! As you all know, TotK is rapidly approaching, and, of course, I will be playing it. HOWEVER, that is not why I'm putting a hiatus on this story.
If you can't tell by now, I have been putting very little seeds that connect this story to TotK. Not enough to make massive connections because, obviously, I haven't played the game yet, but just enough to where you could see how I could make connections. That being said, I want to play the game before these next two arcs to really get my plan down. I have the next two arcs somewhat planned, but who knows? Totk may affect those arcs.
So bam, hiatus to 1.) Fully plan out the next two arcs, and 2.) to see how TotK plays out so I can keep this story going properly! The next arc will be just like how I did CotW; it'll continue in this same story, so be on the look out for new chapters HERE when it returns.
THAT DOESN'T MEAN I WILL STOP WRITING THOUGH.
I've been planning a second story on the side and I'm super excited to write that as I play through TotK. More information on that later. For now, enjoy these last few current chapters of A Couple of Trials!
Thank you guys so much for reading this far. I appreciate you all.
Kenny
