Rel still hadn't emerged from her room when Link woke up the following morning. He found himself continually glancing at her door, trying to consider how he would approach her and what we would say to her. He contemplated just simply barging in and demanding that she talk to him, but what he would even say to her he didn't know.
There were so many things he wanted to talk to her about, most of which were distractions from what he really meant. Deep down he knew that he couldn't move forward without telling her how he felt.
He certainly wasn't in the mood for the arrival of Ashei. She brought with her the news that he was being summoned to yet another meeting. She refused to disclose any of the details and insisted on escorting Link to wherever it was that they were going.
He was of course left to dress haphazardly, his eyes glancing toward Rel's door as he left.
She waited for him on the street, wearing one of her grand fur coats. Ashei looked just as irritable as she usually did, rolling her eyes as Link met her side.
Link gave her a shrug.
"Follow me." She said flatly.
"Can you at least tell me where we are going?" He sighed. "I'm not in the mood for anymore secrets."
"I've been instructed to not tell you anything." Ashei shot back.
"Why?"
"Loyalty."
She led him through the town square, which was predominantly covered in snow. Ashei gave Link a disdainful look, suggesting that she was blaming not only Rel, but him. Link looked around, refusing to meet her gaze. He focused on the small patch of blue sky that was peeking through the clouds, the first real rays of sunlight in weeks shining down on the pale ice.
They finished the journey in silence, weaving in and out of the streets.
Ashei led him to a seemingly normal housefront in one of the back lanes, further toward the western town wall. After she knocked on the door, they were ushered inside by Darpa.
Link was surprised to see Zelda inside the house who was accompanied by Auru. She wore the closest thing that she had to civilian clothing, trying to look as inconspicuous as possible. No one else was present, suggesting that this was going to be a very small and very critical meeting. Link could sense right away that whatever they were speaking about was going to be intense and divisive, preparing himself for the worst.
"Princess." Link said with a half bow.
"There is no need for that." Zelda smiled. "As always."
Darpa stepped outside the door, into the freezing cold air of the morning.
"I'll stand watch." He chirped before closing it behind him.
A few moments passed without anyone saying anything. Link could tell by the look on Zelda's face that she was measuring her words, thinking carefully. Auru looked just as concerned, his eyes fixed squarely on the floor, avoiding everyone's gaze. With everything that was happening in his personal life, Link had very little patience for whatever was unfolding, his thoughts scattered and panicked.
"Has something happened?" Link asked, concerned.
"No. Not yet." Zelda answered.
"I need someone to explain-" Link started.
"Wait!" Ashei snapped.
Zelda looked up.
"I need to know about the oracles." she said firmly. "I have my reservations."
Auru glanced toward Link.
"Is that all?" Link replied, relaxing. "What do you need to know?"
"I don't know where to begin." Zelda faltered.
Auru cleared his throat. "We are concerned about them."
Link frowned. "Why?"
"They seem oppositional and unwilling to help the cause." Ashei added.
Link shook his head.
"That's not true." He explained. "They've come to every single one of your meetings. If I'm not mistaken, it was Dornan who warned you about this in the first place."
Nodding to himself, Auru looked at Zelda. They made eye contact before Zelda turned her attention back to Link.
"In the spirit of honest disclosure, I will be blunt with you, Link. We are concerned about one of the oracles in particular." Zelda went on. "This is primarily where my reservations stem from."
Already knowing the answer, Link folded his arms.
"Aurelia has been difficult, to say the least." She continued.
"Can you blame her, Zelda?" Link replied. "She was falsely accused of murder, tormented by your father's chosen head of counsel, imprisoned and whipped. We should consider ourselves lucky that she's cooperating as is."
"You call that cooperating?" Ashei snapped. "She acts as a divisive troublemaker, offering little help and guidance."
"She can only provide so much guidance! Her connection to Din was all but severed on the day of her arrival- and the culprit sits in your court, Zelda!"
Auru's eyes snapped to Link. "Do you have proof?"
"Only the word or Dornan and Rel."
"And how do I know I can trust them?" Zelda countered.
"What more trust do you need, Zelda? All three of them have left their homes to come here, to help you."
"Except for Aurelia." Ashei interrupted.
"What makes you say that Ashei?" Link challenged her.
"Perhaps she would be better suited to being around her people."
"Her people?"
"You know exactly what I mean."
"I don't know what you mean."
"I would have thought that lovers shared more amongst themselves."
"Careful." Link warned her.
"Enough." Zelda commanded. "I promised you that I would speak plainly. There are small groups of Gerudo descendants gathering not only here in this city, but outside the walls."
"What has that got to do with anything?" Link objected.
"I do not need another enemy."
"Who is the enemy?"
Zelda paused. "The number grows by the day. Gresham has poisoned the entire counsel against me. They dote upon the ward, Ezra. What his intentions are, I have not figured out yet."
"So, start there." Link urged her. "Dornan and Rel are sure that Ezra has something to do with the attack and the murders."
Auru nodded. "Dornan has been nothing but truthful in my interactions with him."
"And what of the snowstorm?" Zelda continued. "Why hasn't Aurelia stopped it?"
"She explained on the first night that you met her- the connection."
Thinking for a moment, Zelda paused. "Is your friendship with her a distraction?"
"A distraction from what?"
"Your duties."
"Have I not been present at everything?" Link sighed. "What more could you ask for?"
"My father grows weak." Zelda murmured. "I need you by my side."
Ashei hissed through her teeth.
"I am going to hold a final meeting. In two nights time." Zelda explained. "I need the oracles to swear that they are loyal to my cause."
"Dornan would also like to address all of us. Pertaining to his visions." Auru added.
"We need a contingency plan- for if something goes wrong."
Link sighed. "That's fine."
"She needs to stop this snow." Ashei hissed at Link. "Our crops and livestock are dying."
Looking worried, Zelda's posture collapsed. "I do not need another faction of traitors." She explained. "If I have the Gerudo ancestors plotting against me, I cannot promise that we can protect them. I am trying my hardest to remain impartial and fair."
"And what does that have to do with Rel?" Link asked flatly.
"What if she were to join them?"
"What if they were to join her?" Link snapped back, remembering what she'd said when they were fighting over the mirror piece.
"Do you think that would happen?" Zelda queried. "You are sworn to me. Would you raise your sword against her and the others?"
"Do you genuinely believe she would betray you, after all she's been through?" Link asked facetiously. "Perhaps you could do more to reassure her."
"You speak so insolently in front of your own princess, who you swore to protect?" Ashei spat. "You do very little to convince us that you aren't her lover, mocking us from the sidelines."
"And you mock my sacrifices, Ashei." Link refuted.
"My apologies, again." Ashei argued. "Remember to remind me how difficult it is, being the chosen one."
"And I will tell you what I've told everyone else. Just take it."
"Whatever personal problems you have, you will need to rectify outside of this." Zelda interjected. "I will not have two of my closest friends fighting amongst themselves."
"Whatever personal vendetta Ashei has against me needs to be put aside for the greater good." Link rebutted. "It is her constantly trying to start conflict with me."
"The only vendetta I have is against the distractions you face." Ashei snapped back.
Link turned his attention to Auru. "Is that all?"
"I do believe so." Auru replied softly.
"Am I dismissed?"
Zelda looked to Auru before giving Link a brief nod.
Feeling an overwhelming sense of guilt, Link gave Zelda a quick bow before turning on his heel to leave. He didn't say goodbye to anyone else as he stormed outside. Darpa tried to stop him for a chat but was waved off.
He arrived home a short while later, feeling heated and angry from the walk home. He'd been left alone to ruminate with his thoughts, causing him to only feel angrier as he considered what was said. To even imply that Rel would betray after being given every reason to was insulting and hurtful. As he stomped up the stairs, Link found that the front door to his home was already unlocked, opened ever so slightly.
Dornan was waiting for him inside, wrapped in several layers of clothing. He had a look of concern about his features, an unusual sight. Link took notice of this right away as this almost unfamiliar person stopped him in his tracks.
"Dornan?"
"Have you seen Aurelia?" Dornan asked without missing a beat.
"Not since last night."
Somehow completely free of the effects of a hangover, Dornan strode toward Rel's room. He knocked softly on the door, waiting for an answer. After a few moments of quiet, he turned his attention back toward Link.
"Did she say she was busy today?"
"No-" Link blurted out, knowing full well that the only conversation they'd had in a week was during the sparring match.
"Hmmm." Dornan hummed.
He turned back to Rel's door, grabbing for the handle. It stopped as he tried to turn it.
"Locked." Dornan murmured. "I wonder where the key is?"
"Maybe she's still asleep?" Link flustered.
"Maybe…"
Link's mind jumped to the conversation he'd had with Dornan the previous night. He remembered every last aspect of it, right down to the tone of voice used. He'd been over it so many times in his head, wondering if Dornan knew what went wrong.
"Last night- Why did you ask me if I rejected Rel?"
Dornan turned to Link and folded his arms. "Really?"
"Why can't anyone just be upfront?"
"Why can't you?"
With a swift motion, Dornan threw off his cloak. Link watched in shock as he rolled up his shirt sleeves. In a few quick strides, Dornan threw open the doors of the landing, stepping outside into the cold. Stepping forward, he brushed the snow off the railing, gripping it tightly.
"What are you doing?" Link asked in shock.
Dornan climbed over the balcony, hanging above the street below.
"You're going to fall off!" Link called out.
Ignoring him, Dornan climbed across the exposed beams on the outside of the flat. After a few pain staking moments, he reached Rel's window, using his hand to pull the frame outward. Link watched as Dornan climbed inside Rel's room, his shirt now drenched with water and his fingers red and swollen.
Unexpectedly, Link heard a loud crash.
Walking back inside, he saw Dornan storming out of Rel's room. He'd pushed the door open so hard that it hit the wall. Gripping his hair, Dornan snarled in frustration.
"Fuck."
"What?"
"She's gone." Dornan growled.
"Gone?"
Feeling his heart sink, Link rushed to Rel's room. Dornan stepped to the side, giving Link a good look inside the room. He saw that her bed was untouched, yet most of her belongings remained. The cloak that he'd bought for her was nowhere to be seen.
With his shirt drenched with melted ice, Dornan went back to the landing, shivering and tense.
"The sun is out." He observed. "Did you notice?"
He was right. Link hadn't even noticed that morning that the sun was out, the first time it had done so properly since before the trial. He hadn't even thought twice about it, his frustration with Ashei taking precedence over this small detail.
"She's left her things though?" Link asked, slightly panicked.
Dornan grabbed his hair, shaking his head.
"Fuck!" He shouted.
"Surely that would mean she's coming back?"
Dornan pulled a seat out aggressively, throwing himself into it.
"She's done this before!" He yelled. "I'm so fucking stupid- I should have seen this coming!"
"I'll go find her."
Trying to fight back an overwhelming sense of panic, Link ran to his room. He changed into his travelling clothes, with the addition of a few extra layers. He was fastening his sword as he met Dornan in the main room once more.
"Could she just be somewhere in town?" Dornan asked Link as he watched him prepare to leave.
"Check the apothecary." Link suggested.
"I suppose-"
"Where else would she go?"
Dornan thought for a moment. "I know exactly where she would be going. She would be trying to get back to Holodrum."
"Should we both go and check the apothecary?"
A sharp whistle carried out across the way.
Both Dornan and Link made their way to the balcony. Of course, Telma was standing out the front of the pub.
"Your horse is gone!" She called out as she pointed to Dornan. "Just thought I'd let you know!"
That was all the information Link needed. He made sure that his sword was fastened tightly.
"I'm going east." Link panted, rushing to the door. "She couldn't have gotten too far in this weather."
"Fuck!" Dornan cried out. "Fuck! If I hadn't had been so distracted by your fucking kingdom and it's stupid fucking problems!"
"You're just trying to help."
"And now my best friend is gone!" Dornan snapped. "For fuck's sake! Why couldn't either of you just been honest with one another!"
Link was about to leave when he remembered the conversation from that morning, the one with Zelda.
"Zelda is calling a meeting in two nights time." Link worried. "If we aren't back by then, cover me."
"Just bring her back quick!"
"I will."
Link found Epona nestled into the warm stable, curled up in hay. She was looking rather disgruntled, most likely due to the empty stall beside her. In Link's mind, this was as good of a lead as he was going to get. Red mares weren't particularly common, so he knew that was something he could keep a look out for.
If she'd left around the time that Link got home, she would be half a days' worth of travel ahead of him, if she were lucky. Knowing full well that this was unlikely due to her travel difficulties, Link guessed he could at the earliest catch up to her by the evening. That way, he could bring her back and get to Zelda's meeting on time. He well and truly didn't care about this meeting, the only thing he was worried about was the effect this was going to have on the perceived conflict. The last thing he needed was for his friends to feel as though he was against them.
"Come on, Epona. You'll warm up as we go." Link encouraged her.
He set her off at a brisk canter until he reached the town gates, progressing to a gallop as he set forth east.
The once vibrant, rolling green hills of Hyrule were now awash with heavy white snow. The trees, that were starting to turn only a couple of weeks ago, now stood bare and skeletal against the frozen landscape. Despite the jarring difference, there was a certain beauty to the frozen fields, a true example of nature's fury and power.
The only thing that stood out against the white were the cleared pathways and roads. Even now, the people of Hyrule were helping one another in small ways, making sure they could still travel despite everything.
The cold was becoming overbearing, the wind chill burning Link's exposed skin. He took to wrapping his face in a hood, which also acted as a means to avoid unwanted attention.
He eventually passed a farmer who was dragging a cart with great difficulty. Unfortunately, the farmer claimed that he hadn't seen anyone, let alone a woman with auburn hair out here in the vicious cold. Link felt especially bad knowing that he couldn't stop to help the man with his cart. Thankfully, the farmer didn't seem to mind and went back to his business as Link left.
The next stop after some time was a farmstead, like the one that they'd visited near Ruffilio. After a quick inspection, it was clear that the barn and adjoining house hadn't been occupied for many years. Another house nearby was occupied by a mother and daughter, both of whom said that they might have seen a horse like Epona travelling east but hadn't taken any notice of the rider.
The icy gust picked up again as the sun was getting lower in the sky. Knowing that he was running out of travel time, Link raced through Kakariko village until he got to the sign that they'd stopped at a few weeks earlier. He remembered Rel pointing out which direction she'd travelled from and set forth toward that path.
With nightfall looming, Link cursed under his breath. He genuinely thought he could have caught her by now and considered the possibility that she hadn't come out this way. Perhaps he was simply wasting his time and she had returned home to their shared residence. Epona was becoming irritable and low in spirits, the bitter cold a new experience for her. Knowing that she didn't have much left in her, Link's priority was to get her rest.
He reached a small village after sunset. The inn was one of the only buildings, a small establishment with an attached stable. Usually, he would have gone inside first, but this was an extenuating circumstance.
The inside was as quaint as the outside, an old building that hadn't been maintained for years. Link guessed that there were maybe two rooms in the entire building as he examined the interior, admiring its resilience in this weather.
On entering, Link was greeted by an older man behind the counter.
"Can I help you?" The man wheezed.
"I need to know if you've seen someone."
"Who?"
"I'm looking for a woman, with Auburn hair-" Link said between panting.
The man looked him up and down, watching as Link tried to catch his breath.
"Calm yourself!" He burst out laughing. "What is auburn?"
"It's dark red."
The man thought for a moment.
"Haven't seen a woman with that hair colour." He shrugged. "Haven't got any rooms either."
Feeling his stomach drop, Link exhaled sharply. The look on his face must have spoken volumes, because the man looked at him sympathetically.
"Ahhhh-" The man continued. "I'm feeling generous tonight. You seem like you've had a bad day. You can sleep in here?"
He finished the sentence with a warm smile.
"Thank you." Link muttered back.
The man led Link into the combined sitting and dining room. It was very minimalistic, with only a few tables and chairs scattered throughout. It did, however, have a large fireplace in the back corner of the room, providing a cozy nook for Link to rest in.
The man gestured to the exact place Link was looking at, giving him a nod of encouragement.
Link reached the corner, laying his cloak down by the fireplace before stretching out and resting his head on his arms. With nothing else to do, he found a spot on the wooden ceiling to concentrate on, observing the patterns to pass the time. This, coupled with the circumstances of the day was exhausting and confusing him. Why had Rel left? What would happen if he didn't show up to Zelda's meeting after their conversation that morning? He was so lost in thought that he didn't even notice the innkeeper standing nearby.
The man looked down on his with a friendly expression, the wrinkles around his eyes showing his years. He held two mugs, one in each hand, shaking them proudly. Link sat up right away, feeling rude for not noticing him.
"What's her name?" The innkeeper teased with his crooked smile. "How in trouble are you?"
Link shook his head in embarrassment.
"Her name is Rel." He said quietly.
The innkeeper let out a laugh. "So, you are in trouble?"
"Yes."
The man sat down on the wooden floorboards beside Link, handing him one of the mugs. He chuckled uncontrollably as Link retrieved one. It was an ale, something that Link gladly accepted.
"How much do I owe you?" Link asked sincerely.
"Don't worry about it!" The man laughed. "I couldn't give you a room."
Link downed the entire mug in one gulp.
"My name is Ben." He continued. "You clearly needed that."
"Thank you, Ben. I really did."
Ben eyed Link curiously, the shadow of a smile still on his face.
"Is she pretty?" He smirked.
"Yes. Very." Link replied calmly.
"So, what did you do?" Ben asked slyly.
Link recoiled slightly. "It's a case of what I didn't do."
Ben laughed boisterously before taking a sip of his drink. "To be young again." He sighed. "You're just a rookie."
"This is the second time I've let this happen." Link admitted. "Fool me once."
"You let another girl walk out of your life?"
"Yes. Years ago, when I was a stupid kid. I don't have an excuse this time."
"Is it the same girl?"
"No."
"Do you know where she is?"
"Not at all. I just had a feeling I'd need to chase her this way."
"Really? Why?"
The fire crackled as Link went quiet, mulling over his reason.
"She isn't from Hyrule."
"A foreigner? Interesting." Ben paused. "I suppose she'd be heading for the port?"
"I have a feeling that's where my journey will take me."
Jumping to his feet, Ben ran away. A few short moments and a confused look from Link later, Ben was back with the mugs, now full again. He sat back down on the wooden floor.
"What was your name again?" Ben asked.
"It's Link."
"Well, Link. I've actually got a cousin. He and his wife run the inn and tavern right by the port. It's nice- Much nicer than this place. If you end up there, tell them you know me. For safety."
Link gave him a confused look. "For safety?"
Gesturing to Link's sword, Ben raised his eyebrows. "You've got a sword."
"I do."
"Nobodies don't carry swords."
"I can assure you, they do."
"Well, you look like you can actually swing it!"
Link smiled to himself.
Leaning closer, Ben surveyed Link's features. He extended his hand, grabbing Link's shoulder.
"You're a good-looking lad. Built solid." He said before letting out his signature laugh. "She must be crazy!"
"She isn't."
"What did you do to offend your love?"
Link inhaled his mouthful of ale. He began coughing and spluttering as Ben patted him on the back. He hadn't expected that comment and most definitely didn't expect how it made him feel. Is that what she was to him? He already knew the answer.
"It must be pretty bad!" Ben prattled on. "You're out here in the snow and everything! And what is going on with this snow? This is the first time I've ever experienced it! And I've been around for almost fifty years!"
"I already told you-" Link coughed. "And besides, we aren't together."
"You won't have trouble finding another girl!"
"I don't want another girl." Link blurted out.
"You just said you weren't together!" Ben wheezed. "Stay here, I'm going to find you a pillow."
Ben scampered away, returning shortly after with an old pillow and a tattered looking blanket. Link thanked him graciously. It didn't matter to him that the linen was old and worn. The hospitality of an innkeeper who wasn't making money off him was enough to lift his spirits.
With a third round of drinks, Ben returned. The two men spent a while chatting and getting to know each other, trying to distract one another from their own problems.
As the hours drifted away, Link knew that it was time to wind down and try to get some sleep. He struggled more than ever to relax, the pressure of needing to leave at first light only adding to his worry.
The morning couldn't have come soon enough. Link was painfully aware of how much time he was losing as the snowstorm picked up again, the brief reprieve of sunlight now a distant memory. The only positive he could think of was that there would be no ships leaving the port in such weather and that if Rel were out that way, she would be grounded.
Epona was disgruntled, especially after being made to leave the warmth of her stable. She didn't appreciate having to walk through the now several feet deep snow and she jerked her head away a few times. The sky remained dark and gloomy as they set off, a fresh descent of flakes in the air.
The road forward was sparsely populated, with only a few houses here and there. There was no one that Link could really stop and ask questions to and he all but gave up by the next fork in the road. Link knew that the coast was near when the wind picked up fiercely, tearing his hood off. He shivered violently, despite the extra layers of clothing.
It was the first time in years that he'd set his eyes on the vastness of the ocean, watching as the grey water swirled and crashed.
Ben had given him directions to his cousin's establishment and Link was overtly grateful for that. The road toward the ocean was almost empty, but after laying eyes on this region, Link could finally see some settlements. Thick plumes of smoke rose toward the sky, and he sincerely hoped that he'd made the right choice in search for Rel out this way.
It was evening by the time Link reached the inn. He could hear the sound of the ocean as he took Epona to the stable nearby. He thought about how he was going to explain his absence to Zelda, given that her important meeting was tonight. These thoughts were all but forgotten when he considered that Rel might be inside, waiting to leave Hyrule forever.
His heart raced as he led Epona toward the stalls. He made sure to check every post, looking for another red mare.
Tucked into one of the stalls was Dornan's horse, Aurelia.
Apologizing to his loyal steed, Link haphazardly tied her up beside Dornan's horse. He made sure that she was blanketed and warm before rushing to the front door of the inn.
He was covered in snow by the time he got to the front counter, brushing it off as he walked forward. He felt a little guilty, knowing that the floor would be frozen from the water soon. A middle-aged woman stood behind it, writing in a ledger. She glanced up at the sound of an arriving customer, giving a warm smile. Link assumed that this was Ben's sister-in-law.
"Come inside out of the snow." she said warmly. "We've got supper, a big fireplace and good wine to serve."
It took Link a few moments to compose himself. The warmth of the interior was especially welcoming as the feeling returned in his fingers. He was able to feel his own face for the first time since that morning. He rubbed the tips of his ears.
"Oh!" The woman gasped. "Is it really that bad out there?"
Link nodded. "Really bad."
"Good thing we have a room available." She reassured him. "For the right price."
Link gave her a sad look.
"I'm actually looking for someone."
The woman nodded and continued writing in the ledger. "We see everyone out here! You'll need to be more specific than that!"
"I'm looking for a woman with dark red hair. She's taller than you. Her eyes are hazel, they may look yellow in some light."
She stopped writing, placing the quill down beside the ledger. The woman raised an eyebrow, giving Link a slow look up and down.
"We don't see many Hylians out here." She smiled. "It looks unusual when they mingle with the common people, like us."
"I'm an unremarkable Hylian." Link shrugged, trying to control his tone.
"I'll take you word for it."
"Have you seen her?"
The woman tapped her fingers on the counter before sighing.
"Leave your sword here." she instructed. "You seem like enough trouble- from what I've seen."
"What do you mean?"
The woman raised her eyebrows and made an awkward face.
Link unstrapped the sword and its sheath, handing it to the woman behind the counter. She looked at it closely.
"This is a nice sword!" She gushed. "I'll keep it as collateral."
She gestured with her hand toward the dining room of the inn.
It was far nicer than Ben's place, with several booths lining both walls. A second hallway branched off from this large room, Link assuming that it led to the rooms.
The booths were all occupied, the dining room full of a wide variety of people. Link was somewhat surprised to see a Zora sitting in one of the booths, wearing what appeared to be a makeshift cloak out of a blanket.
"It was too cold, even for us." The young Zora man explained to a woman in the same booth.
"I came in here for warmth." She replied. "My house isn't built for this!"
A group of young men and women sat at another booth, all very much close to one another.
He took his time to examine every single booth, the number whittling down as his search continued.
Link found himself becoming more and more nervous as the number became smaller, encountering a booth that was full of young women. They seemed to be merry despite the bizarre weather, making the most out of the situation. They stopped talking and looked at him as he searched the booth with his eyes. Putting his hand up apologetically, Link moved on.
He reached the final two booths.
Holding his breath, he found a woman with long auburn hair hunched over the table, at the furthest corner of the room. It couldn't be anyone other than Rel.
Link felt an overwhelming sense of relief, coupled with an intense sadness. She had her fingers wrapped delicately over the rim of a crystal wine glass. Her hair was loose, falling around her face. After a few moments of staring at her, Rel hadn't even looked up, not noticing that he was there.
In the center of the table was a mostly empty wine bottle.
He took a deep breath, standing beside her.
"I'm not interested, sorry." She mumbled.
"Rel?"
Rel looked up at him. Her eyes widened in shock.
"Link-" She gasped. "What?"
He took a seat opposite Rel in the booth. Link covered his face with his hands before letting out a deep sigh. Days of fear and anxiety were behind it.
"You scared the fuck out of me."
"What?" She stammered. "What are you doing here?"
"I came here to find you." He muttered.
Rel opened her mouth to say something, but stopped before she could find the words. Instead, she continued to stare at him in disbelief. There were so many things she wanted to say to him, not knowing where to start. She refused to let herself feel anything other than anger, despite what her heart was telling her.
"I don't know why you came here to find me." she said, measuring her tone.
"Of course I came here to find you." Link replied.
"Why?" She snapped back.
"I'm not here to argue with you."
She took a large gulp of the wine.
"Then why are you here?"
Link thought for a moment. "Because I wanted to see you."
The chatter of the other patrons carried across the inn. A serving girl was making her way around the booths, collecting the left-over cutlery and cups. Link flagged her down, asking her for another bottle of wine.
"I shouldn't drink anymore." Rel murmured. "I don't want to be too drunk."
"It's for me." Link replied. "I deserve it after all of this."
He grabbed the bottle in the middle of the table and started drinking from it. It was the first time he'd been able to relax in days. He remembered the meeting that Zelda had called and laughed to himself.
"I'm supposed to be at one of Zelda's meetings." He chuckled. "I'm going to be in trouble."
"You probably should have stayed."
The serving girl put the fresh bottle in the middle of the table, where the last one had sat. She walked away.
"You keep using that tone with me." Link observed hurtfully.
Rel looked away.
"Rel- I don't understand. What's happened? Why did you leave?"
"I couldn't stop the snowstorm." She bit back.
"That can't be the only reason."
"I thought that if I left, I would take my misfortune with me."
Link could hear the deep hurt in her voice. The deep hurt that she was trying to hide behind a veil of anger and resentment. He considered reaching out to touch her, but he didn't know how she would react. She'd rejected him days earlier, a wound that was still so fresh. Still, he couldn't stop how he felt. His desire to help her was greater than his hurt.
"I can help you." He tried to reassure her. "Just let me. For once."
Her eyes downcast and swollen, Rel didn't look at him. Link was beginning to feel frustrated, encountering another proverbial wall.
"You've been guarded and distant… Ever since that night in Ordon. Tell me what happened. What changed?"
Rel took another sip.
"It doesn't matter." She whispered.
Link took another large sip, mirroring her movements.
"It does matter." He insisted. "Clearly it fucking matters."
"I feel humiliated."
"Just tell me why."
"No. When the ship is ready to leave, I will be gone."
Link started to worry, panic setting in. He shook his head.
"No." He shot back. "No, you're not leaving."
"Don't command me." She hissed. "I'm not one of your squire subordinates."
"And I'm not your enemy!" Link snapped back, his voice barely above a whisper. "Though these juvenile arguments you've been starting with me would suggest otherwise."
Her anger swelling, Rel let it consume her. Tears gleamed in her eyes as she trembled.
"And yet, for over a week you have said nothing to me! Pretending that I don't exist!"
"What else would you have me do? After what happened? The other night- I tried-"
Rel's expression changed to one of sorrow.
"I can't share-" She stuttered. "I don't like this- I'm scared. I'm afraid of how I feel."
"You're allowed to be scared, but you can't just take it out on me!"
"Taking it out on you? As opposed to being a second thought? Knowing that- that my feelings don't even matter."
"All I want is for you to just fucking talk to me. Even If you are drunk and belligerent."
"I don't want to."
"If that's how you feel." Link paused. "Please at least come back, they need you."
"Oh, they need me, do they?" Rel raised her voice in anger. "I have no ties to this land and yet they still expect me to bend to their every whim! Why should I lend my gifts to those who would imprison me and then beat me when I was halfway to death?"
Taken aback, Link didn't know what to say. He had been arguing the same point on her behalf.
"I care not for the troubles of the monarchy. I have felt resentful and burdened by them since arriving."
"And we share that Rel!" Link rebutted. "I can't do this without your friendship. Without having you by my side!"
"I stayed-" Rel continued, her eyes distant. "I stayed because I cared for Telma. Then, I got to know you. And your annoying friend."
Link let her speak, watching her with apprehension.
"And then- Something happened that I did not intend. I came here because of Dornan's vision of the future. I didn't expect to meet you. Then- You came to me on the night of midsummer and I thought- When you said I looked radiant- I felt seen."
He wasn't expecting her to say that.
"I travelled with you. We started on this strange journey together."
"So, continue this journey with me!"
She glared at him.
"And then after all of that, I was so sure that I was right. I thought I read the signs. I did this amidst the backdrop of your kingdom and its inner turmoil. Your princess abandoned all of you. She was off fucking around. She could have asked Dornan to help her find that island… Instead, she wasted her time. Now, we are expected to help her cause."
Link stayed quiet.
"And I could live with all of that. But what broke me? Even just the other night, all that was present in my mind was the words of your friend who disclosed your true feelings." She started to tremble. "What broke my heart was-"
As her tears began falling, Rel looked him in the eyes. She pushed the crystal glass away, sending it across the table. The wine spilt everywhere, Link grabbing for the glass. Before he knew what was happening, Rel had taken off from her seat, heading toward the back door.
The booth full of young women were all staring at the situation intently, one of them shaking her head in disapproval. They whispered amongst themselves as they watched Link follow Rel.
He trailed her outside, running after her. Even in the freezing cold, all he could focus on was comforting Rel.
When Link found her, his heart sank again.
She was leaning up against the back wall of the inn, covering her face with her hands. Even from where he was standing, Link could tell that Rel was sobbing. He'd only seen it once before, the sound unmistakable.
Within moments he was by her side, feeling his throat tighten.
"Even now-" She sobbed. "Please just go back."
Link tensed his fists.
"No!" He snapped. "You're not just going to run away from me like that!"
"Oh really?" She replied, her tone petulant. "You can't stop me!"
"You're not leaving me!" Link almost shouted at her.
She stared at him, her eyes glassy and swollen. She wiped her damp eyelids.
"No- No, I'm not letting this happen again." Link stammered. "I made the same mistake years ago."
"Again?" Rel growled. "So, it is true? There's someone else?"
With his anger building, Link felt as equally vulnerable. He didn't want to express his emotions like this, outside in the open and to someone who was halfway drunk. He was starting to feel afraid that he couldn't make her stay, no matter what he said.
"Fine!" Link raged. "You want to argue with me? Why do I even fucking care? You just push and push. You push me away no matter what I do!"
"You pushed me away by not being honest with me!"
"What are you talking about? I laid my heart out for you, and you just pushed me away like I was nothing!"
Rel started to cry again.
"I'm tired of this Rel!" he continued. "I'm tired of you not letting me in. You pretend that you don't feel anything. That every moment we've spent together is meaningless! That I mistook all of it, that I misread everything."
"What if you don't feel the same way that I do?" She whispered.
"Are you even listening to me? Or are you just so focused on being right that you can't even hear me? How are you misconstruing this?"
"I- I don't-" She stammered.
"Every day it's harder- Because there's a fire burning within me. One that I didn't even know could be ignited. I can't fucking control myself around you anymore."
"My fire has been extinguished. In every way. I don't even know who I am anymore."
"So let me help you!"
"You can't help me. Your attention is divided, you have a duty now. You gave me up when you took that oath again."
"I took that fucking oath for you!" He hissed at her. "They wouldn't let me in that court room unless I pledged loyalty once more."
"I didn't know-"
"Because you didn't ask me. The last thing I wanted to do, in my entire life, was serve again. You are the only reason I even considered it."
"Does that mean I will always come second to it?" she asked between tears.
"That's bullshit and you know deep down that isn't true! You just want to be angry at me!"
"You want bullshit?" She ranted. "You said I treat you like you're meaningless! Every moment I've spent with you, I've cherished."
"Is that why you're leaving me? Because you cherish me?" Link demanded.
Not liking his tone, Rel could feel herself becoming furious. Her inhibitions were all but lost as she tried to walk in the direction of the harbor though she was slowed down by the deep snow. She tried to take off, but Link was too fast. He grabbed her around the waist and lifted her up, pulling her back in the direction of the inn.
"Enough of this!"
"No!"
"You're not leaving me!" He hissed through gritted teeth.
"Fuck you!" Re shouted back, kicking her feet.
"No, fuck you!"
"Why!?"
"Because- we need you here!"
"I told you, I don't give a shit about that!"
"I need you!"
"I need to go back to my home!" Rel snapped at him. "I can't share you!"
"Where are you getting this from?"
"Your friends! So let me go!"
He put her back on the ground and let go of her waist. With an overwhelming sense of defeat, he took a step back. Both were panting, breathless from the confrontation.
"I can't fight it anymore. I can't force you. I can't keep you here out of my own selfishness." Link murmured.
Link had stopped feeling desperate and angry. Instead, he now felt a profound sense of grief, knowing that he would have to say goodbye to her. The troubles of the kingdom didn't even matter to him. He would find a way to do it without hurting Rel.
"You've got your heart set on whatever it is that you have your heart set on." He paused. "You're not even listening to what I'm saying. You're focused on an outcome- I can't."
Still reeling from the quarrel, Rel went back to leaning on the wall.
"Tell me in plain words what you want." Rel said, her voice quivering. "Tell me why I'm wrong."
"I want you to tell me why you're betraying me." He whispered.
"Betraying you?"
"Everything was falling into place. You were in my arms, I wanted so badly to keep going. Even now, with you acting like this- I can't not be around you."
"You told me to tell you to stop." Rel wept.
"And I've never felt hurt so deep." Link paused. "If you're so unhappy being here in Hyrule, with me- I can't bear seeing you so unhappy."
"I'm unhappy-" Rel stopped, collecting her thoughts. "I want to hate you, but I can't."
Link rested close to her.
"I'll take you there. At first light in the morning. I'll take you to the port." Link murmured, not even recognizing his own voice. "If that's what you really want."
Everything he was saying was going against how he truly felt.
"Is that what you want?" Rel demanded quietly.
"It doesn't matter what I want." Link replied flatly.
"No!" Rel snapped. "Tell me now!"
"That isn't what I want." He replied quietly. "Of course it isn't what I want."
Rel gazed at him, her anger giving way to her longing after a few short moments. The façade that she'd spent the last week or so building all but faded away. She knew full well that she didn't hate him and that it was a lie she told herself to justify her anger. She knew that she was smarter than this- and if she'd had the backbone that she believed she had, she would have spoken to him about what was said to her.
As she leaned against the wall, Link found himself admiring her beauty, his eyes tracing her features as snow fell on her. Even now, after everything that was said, he wanted to ignore all of it and comfort her.
Before he could even think to second guess his actions, Link brushed the flecks away from her face. Her eyes spoke of her nervousness, her breath hitching as she felt his touch.
Feeling a similar sense of impulsivity, Rel threw her arms around him, burying her face in his neck. His hands dropped to her waist, slowly tracing her curves. She quietly sobbed again, finding comfort in his embrace.
"I'm sorry." She cried. "I should have- So many things. I should have just spoken to you that night."
"You're so fucking frustrating." He whispered in her ear.
"Tell me what you want."
He didn't even know where to begin telling her what he wanted. So many thoughts raced through his mind as he remembered all the time they'd spent together. He couldn't deny the times he'd found himself watching her from afar, wanting to be close to her. He thought about the nights he'd spent fantasizing about running his fingers through her hair, feeling her against him and admiring her openly. He could only think of one thing he wanted at that moment.
Rel's heart raced as he pulled her closer. She shivered as she felt his warmth, breathing in his scent. After a few moments, she broke the silence.
"Do you want me?"