Chapter 38- The Taste of Twilight
In the tent, an ear-splitting storm of power raged. They could hardly stand against the gusts; they were so strong. The worry of not knowing what was happening choked the air with an inevitable dread. The fluttering flaps to the tent seemed to wrap around them as if to seal everyone away to the same doom of the dying girl that reeled in her bed. Every candle went out, and nobody could utter a word. A quake stirred beneath their feet, and when all hope seemed lost, and there would be no end in sight, everything suddenly ceased. A silence followed by an eerie calm. All those gathered stood still to chew on the mysterious change in the air, and the room fell to a hush.
Zelda inhaled rehearsed words she had played through her mind over and over, and just as she was about to break away from the safety of Link's hold to approach the wizard, he vigorously waved her back with a stretched-out cautionary hand. This was not over yet. More was needed to be done to fulfill this task.
The princess flinched, and the strange power that mystified the whole room earlier swelled up again and intensified around the sick girl in a stormy cloud of energy. All watched in terrific awe. Was she being saved? Or would this be her end?
A pale puff of cloud wrapped around her in a pillowy embrace, and pulses of bluish golden power magnetized to the corrupted parts of her bare skin. Glowing sparks that could rival the sun's glare danced atop her as she levitated where she lay. Her eyes were shut, and she was fast asleep during the whole ordeal.
The air current continued to charge around everyone causing the hairs on the back of their necks to stand on end, and the gale raged again. The princess raised her chin against the wind through fluttering bangs to seek the spellbound wizard and braced herself to speak to him, but his demeanor rapidly changed before she could utter a breath.
"And now… I cast you out!" thundered his voice with the fury of a hurricane.
Zelda gasped, and the swirling cloud that covered Riju from head to toe spun faster and faster until it intensified to solidify around her. At the climax of everything, a flash-bang of light flooded the whole tent.
In that instant, the fusion of rupee and crystal had electrified forming a glowing, golden blue wavelength of raw energy that morphed into synchronized symphony of silver starlight and Kelcifer was its conductor. With every breath he uttered and by every wave of his hand he whipped through the air or dance he stepped, the power to move mountains flowed from his fingertips to the spiraling cloud that encircled Riju. His orchestra of power breathing what everyone had hoped and prayed would be, renewed life.
Everyone fell back unto themselves, and they had to shield their eyes from its blinding glare.
And then...
A silence again. Blinded by the light, nobody made a sound. Though this time, the quiet was different. The static hum in the air that rang in their ears suddenly vanished, and the tent filled with life-giving color once more. The flaps settled, and the reek of sickness and dread which ranked the air earlier had passed away. A soothing calm fell over everyone and even the candles that were out miraculously relit again as if they were aglow all along. Peace was restored, and everything seemed to return to its proper oath to order.
Peeking through blurred vision, they all slowly opened their eyes to the sound of a voice. But not one of a wizard, but that of a confused young girl.
"What's everyone doing?" whispered Riju, lying in bed, rubbing the sleep in her eyes as she awoke. "Why, why are you crying princess? Is something the matter?" The young girl slid up on her pillow, still dazed but turned to face the others. "And you too, Buliara? What happened?"
Zelda could hardly mouth the words; she was so in shock, and Buliara had to finish for her. "You're, you're alive! You're awake, Lady Riju! It's a miracle!"
Riju gently smiled. "Is that what all the fuss is about? Of course, I'm alive. You didn't think you could get rid of me that easily? Did you? So why? Why are you crying? I can understand the princess with the tears, but you, Buliara? C'mon, we Gerudo have a reputation to protect!"
Zelda and everyone else had to blink over again. They couldn't believe what they were witnessing. The horrific disease that had racked her body with pain and torment for so long vanished without a trace. Where once was dead flesh transformed back to healthy, red, sun-kissed skin, and the youthful splendor returned to her cheeks. Riju survived.
The young chief then found her strength, sat up more firmly where she lay on her sheets, and studied the mysterious man who was still leaning near her bedside. Still preoccupied with his spell, he was trapped in a well-versed speech under his breath with closed eyes.
Everyone was so shocked by what had taken place, and seeing Riju awake, they nearly forgot all about Kelcifer. Wrestling in his right hand, he held a small glowing red orb that flickered and popped wet black sparks. After a bit of fussing, the wizard managed to keep it in his grasp and calm down its chaotic hopping. Before Zelda or anyone else could ask him what was happening, the energized orb faded and stiffened into a dim stone-like object. One that looked more like a rock than ethereal energy. It had rich, cooled veins of red blood encircling it.
Suddenly, his eyes opened, and he faced to speak to them. "Not to worry, I'll handle this," he reiterated while everyone watched. Before anyone could interject, he reached for the side of his belt under his cloak for a hanging jar. With a pop of the lid, he stowed the stone inside. Once sealed away, he then placed a curious pre-inscribed talisman at the top of the jar written in an unknown language.
Intrigued, Zelda cautiously leaned over to try and get a better look. "Sir, Kelcifer, forgive me for my ignorance on the matter, but what do you suppose that fascinating thing may be? That stone you materialized from the remains of the rupee and shard?"
"Oh, this little thing? There's no need to apologize. I wouldn't expect any of you to know anyways."
Purah scoffed, taken offense by the notion of being ill-informed, and rolled her eyes but relented to listen to his explanation anyways.
On the other hand, Zelda was still too intrigued to care and just wanted to know. Her eyes were wide with wonder as she eagerly listened.
The wizard hid the jar under his cape and stared at her, giving her a nervous glance that lasted for only a moment, then squinted, trying to decide what to say next. He breathed deeply and addressed everyone. "Alright then... I'll tell you. The curious object you saw before you is what is known as an Entity Shard. Or what the lost seers of the old world would call an Essence."
Everyone stood even more confused than before. Even the brilliant Purah was dumbfounded. She would often tout her ability to deduce information quickly. As a matter of fact, more so than others, but this time she was at a loss. With what she just saw, even she would admit that science still had a lot to learn when it came to unraveling the mysteries of forgotten ages.
The wizard cleared his throat and continued. "In no less than simple terms, you can just call this an Evil Crystal. A pure containment of concentrated malice. The disease that plagued your dear friend here was the workings of a malicious entity trapped in a loop of eternal misery. An entity enslaved to the dark one, doomed to do his bidding.
"Not a being of flesh or spirit but one of pure emotional resentment. A curse driven by the sheer power of lingering hatred and malevolence one may have had in this life. Like a painful memory, if you will. A very powerful force given license to consume her body and destroy her from within.
The only comfort such entities as that have in this world is inflicting the very same torment they face upon another. All I have done was merely trap it in a form of existence where it can no longer do any harm."
Riju spoke up. "T—Thank you, mister—whoever you are. But, if I may, I don't recall being possessed by anything."
"Of course, you don't, child. That part of you which makes you, you, was under the imprisonment of the entity." Kelcifer cleared his throat and twirled away from the girl to address everyone's concerns.
"And if you all must know, she is now healed of her affliction through and through. Despite her physical body remaining beaten with the injuries and wounds she had sustained from the arrow. Those I did not mend. But, not to worry, I have every confidence in this good doctor here that his work was true and that she will recover from them. That being said, she should make a full recovery after the bruises and swellings go down. My work is done here."
Astonished, the doctor had to drag his shaking hand away from his mouth with his other hand. "Remarkable. I don't believe it..."
Zelda leaned beside him and placed her hand on his shoulder. "Believe it. The stranger among us who has revealed himself as Kelcifer has shown not only to be kind but wise. And for that mister, we are all truly grateful to have you among us. You were honest to your word and for that, we are in your debt."
Riju was eternally grateful for him as well, obviously. However, her pride was pinched by being called a child at that moment, and she wanted to correct him on the matter. Seemingly, feeling good as new, except for some minor aches and pains, she was ready for a friendly tit-for-tat. Listen here, mister wizard man, you may have some pretty nifty talents, but I would have you know I am- She mouthed the words to speak up but got swept up by the commotion of others that interjected before her.
Kelcifer humbly replied back to the princess. "There's no debt. Freely have I attained in this life, so freely I shall give. I only seek for the knowledge as we discussed before and to aid in the unification of this kingdom under your rule."
Zelda smiled with a nod at his request. Happy to make friends wherever she can find them.
Link, who had been waiting silently this whole time, stepped bedside to Riju. "It's good to have you back, kid."
"I like being back!" Riju said, followed by a snarky laugh. "And besides, with me gone, who else would be able to crush you in the Sand Seal Derby? Now, with me soon to be good as new, you'll be eating my dust in no time!"
"You think so?" Link teased.
"Of course! If I wasn't here, it would be open season! Could you imagine what would become of us, my people, if you took home the gold? A travesty! A voe, beating us at our own game! The shame alone would kill me."
The princess butted in. "But, if I may… wouldn't you already be gone?" She said, poking fun. "Like, if you weren't with us, and Link was able to finally achieve first place, how could you? I don't think it's possible to die twice."
"Believe me, I would. The sad news would eventually reach my ears while I sat waiting at the good place of the heroines, and I would find a way to do so!" Riju declared.
Buliara teased. "What makes you so sure that you will end up in the good place?" The proud Gerudo woman said, still wiping her dried tears from earlier. "I've seen the naughty things you've done. Quite the mischievous vai you were growing up."
"What do you mean, were? I still am!" Riju corrected. "Life's too short to not have some fun!
"My point exactly." Buliara relented.
And just as Riju was to stand out of bed, a sudden dizzy spell fell over her, and she collapsed back down onto her pillow.
Zelda's smile faded into doubt, and she cautioned, covering her mouth. "What happened?"
But before anyone could panic, Kelcifer intervened. "Not to worry, princess. Perfectly normal, in fact. You see, her body was so preoccupied with staving off the sickness from the entity that she had hardly any time to do any real resting."
Purah chimed in. "You mean this entire time while in a coma, she wasn't sleeping!?"
"I'm afraid not. She was trapped in an endless battle for survival in her own mind. A prison not of her own making but one laid upon her by ancient sorcery."
The wizard then spun away, fixed his cape's creases, and sighed before facing the group again. "She will need some time to fully heal. In the meantime, I think we should finally let her get some needed rest. Don't you think?"
Zelda and all the others unanimously nodded in agreement.
But, before they could step away, Zelda turned to Link. "And what about you? You had quite the triumph today as well. Perhaps you should catch some well-earned shut-eye too?"
Link shrugged it off. "I'm fine. I can wait until tonight. Honest. Seeing Riju better has already awakened me."
No sooner had he said that he stumbled, catching himself as he nearly collapsed in the tent.
Zelda shook her head. "I don't think so. Not a chance, Link. It's off to bed and a visit from the doctor for you."
She then reached to help him up and continued her diatribe as the others watched. "And, don't worry so much. Everyone is safe." She whispered to his ear, joyfully and gratefully. "The war is over, and there's a literal army here. You deserve to relax and recover too, ya know? And when you awake, we shall celebrate your victory and mourn those we've lost. It can wait until you're feeling better."
As she reached to grab him and lift him up, she accidentally tugged his side, and he flinched. "And what about those wounds? The surgeon should probably have a look at them." She spoke aloud again.
"They're nothing. Just scratches and some bruises. It's fine."
"Are you sure? Link—"
"-Your highness, I'm fine. I promise. But, I will take you up on that offer and catch some sleep. That I can do."
"You better." She relented with a grin and fluttering eyes that only he could have seen beaming at him.
Simon then stepped closer to Zelda and halted the group before they could all break away. "Then if all is well here, then perhaps—"
Taleran then reached out for his shoulder, interrupting his train of thought, and shook his head, nudging the overzealous man to hold off. He knew exactly what he was about to say. Now was not the time. So, the high-strung lord thought better of it and changed his tune.
"Perhaps, the princess would also like some time to recover? Maybe a change of clothes and a hot bath drawn up would do nicely?"
Zelda was dumbstruck by his endearing sentiments toward her. She was no prissy little princess that needed to be pampered, not at all. Though that being said, in her current state she couldn't deny the feeling of wanting to be freshened up. Seeing and feeling herself full of sweat with a mess of tangled torn hair, muddied and bloodstained clothes, and the idea of what other nasties from the battle that could still be on her made her skin crawl, leaving her craving the luxuries of the nobility once more.
Simon continued. "She shouldn't have even been on the battlefield in the first place. And for that, I feel ashamed. It was my fault for allowing that. So, as penance for my lack of skill in navigating this war, I will at least make sure your stay here in camp is as comfortable as any we could accommodate. In the meantime, there's some pressing matters I must attend to in my quarters alongside my council. As soon as everything is in order, perhaps I can have an audience with you again, and we could discuss what took place here today and your plans for the future of this kingdom?"
Zelda couldn't contend his generous offering and nodded cheerfully. She then faced Link and leaned into his ear before he could depart. "You take as long as you need. I'll be waiting for you when you awake. Find me, okay?" Hopefully, when he returns from his slumber, perhaps I'll be the princess he remembers. Not this sloppy mess of a maiden he sees now.
Link nodded and made off from them as they all stepped out from the folds of the tent. He went straight for his and Sidon's tent to catch some rest.
Zelda then faced the others who remained at her side. "Well, if there is no other urgent business here, I'll be in my quarters and will be back shortly. I think that Lord Simon may be correct."
Purah interjected. "You think? He is correct your highness. We can't have our queen to be looking like some back-alley brawler, or worse!"
"Purah!"
"Well, it's true." She finished unapologetically while coolly fixing her glasses.
"I know, you're right. Both of you are. I should definitely look the part around the people when they see me. I know they look to me to be a beacon of hope for them. I understand that. And as much as I love adventure, you're right—tattered clothes and mud on my face doesn't exactly demonstrate royalty. Especially, when the others arrive who have yet to know me. I must be presentable to all the lords of the kingdom."
"Well, if you know that, then shouldn't we be off?" Purah said, hands fixed on her little waist.
"Certainly," Zelda said humbly.
And with that, Zelda departed alongside Purah toward her opulent tent that Simon had prepared for her.
As she left, Simon stepped away from Taleran and reached out for Kelcifer's cloak before he could get away. "I think I may have misjudged your character today, and for that, accept my sincerest apologies for being rude earlier. It was unbecoming of a man of my—" he said, pausing to chew and find the correct word to say, "...rank. Forgive me, sir."
The wizard could only nod in approval.
On that note, Simon continued as if not to skip a beat. Never wasting an opportunity. A man who once set his sights on something, went for it. "Perhaps, a man of your stature could accompany me and my men? You could be of great service when we hold council this afternoon. We could always use someone with wits such as yours around here."
It couldn't be deciphered if he was being genuine with his offer, that business of needing him around or if he didn't entirely trust him just yet and wanted to keep an eye on the wizard. Whatever it was, it worked.
Kelcifer smiled and offered a reply. "Sure, I have nowhere else to be except here. My Lord of Draene is yet to arrive. I am more than willing to aid in anything concerning the princess I am called to serve."
"Very well," replied Simon. "This way then."
Back under the privacy of his own tent, Link made it over to a wash basin straight away to clean his arms and face of the battle. Once finished, he wasted no time to unlatch his belts and loosened his gear from his body.
First, he flung away that ever annoying and clunky, battered chain mail which choked over his tunic. Once free of that, he couldn't wait to rip off that itchy shirt which had long worn its welcome. Finally, all he had left to drop were his trousers, leaving him with only undergarments, thus revealing his well-chiseled physique.
If only Zelda could catch a sneaky peek of him now. Too bad. He was alone. And for good measure too. He was in desperate need of some rest. One not disturbed by any certain pleasant interruptions. And with that, he made haste to his bed, and as he approached the ledge of it, the fatigue caught up to him and settled into his weary bones, and his eyelids became as anvils.
Fixing his cot quickly, he collapsed atop of it and stared up into the tent's ceiling where the center peg peaked through the folds. There he lay and reminisced about what happened that day and all the days before leading up to it. Fond memories of friends and family of days past quickly came to mind, moments never forgotten with him and the times they shared.
He hoped that perhaps now that things were made right, while still cherishing the ones they left behind, maybe he and Zelda could finally find peace to start anew. They could make the most of this new age together. A new life where war and calamity was nothing more than a distant memory.
Slowly succumbing to the drowsiness, he daydreamed sweet things as he watched the wind's subtle dance over the tent, causing ripples in the flaps. He was hopeful for a new dawn. And before he knew it, he fell fast asleep.
Dusk was rapidly approaching, and soon, the simmering summer sun would make its final cascade into the west, where it would rest until the morrow. Golden rays streaming through bright blue skies and scattered clouds would soon be giving way to soft, burning red glows past the hazy horizon, beyond the Tabantha Frontier. Early dimmed stars would compete against one another for their brilliance in the night sky as they make their first colorful twinkles of the evening. Hyrule's sunsets were as magical as the tales of the kingdom's legends of old.
The princess made her way to her quarters, and it would be sunset in just over an hour. It was a much more spacious venue compared to Link's and Sidon's. Well furnished with multiple entrances and an array of candlelit sconces scattered throughout, setting a cozy and delightful ambiance. Curious enough, a lady in waiting also stood poised for her, for goddess knows how long, on the grand, plush, fur rug they laid out, ready to answer any call the princess would ask of her.
Crossing the tent's threshold, Purah spoke up beside Zelda before she could suppose who the young girl was. "I already took the liberty to find you the best maiden in not only all the land, but what this camp had to offer. This here, princess, is Imeria, and she is the best there is. And if you haven't already noticed—"
"She's a—Sheikah?" Zelda finished for her, about to giggle. She knew her friend well and how deep her pride ran for her people.
"Ding, ding, right you are Princess. We are the best!" Purah finished with a wink. "And more importantly, she's one of my girls—which means, I can trust her. For when I'm not around to keep an eye on you."
"Oh, so, you're keeping an eye on me now?" Zelda said, holding a solid lean back, hands perched on her waist, wearing a sideways glance. "I'm not some wayward little girl, you know? Why, we're practically the same age!"
"Yeah, but unlike you, I was actually around for these one hundred years and learned a thing or two. Whereas, you—" Purah had to stop to poke her chin and fix her glasses for a second and stewed for a minute before continuing. Unsure what to say. It wasn't entirely certain what happened with the princess during all that time. "—You were doing whatever it was that you were doing, foolin' about!"
Zelda couldn't help but roll her eyes and smirk at the absurdity. "So, holding back the all might of Mandrag Ganon, preventing him from obliterating everyone and demolishing the Earth, is somehow now foolin' about?"
"Waiting for Mister Handsome, no doubt!" Purah jabbed. "I see what you did there! Trying to maintain your pretty looks for when he awoke! How convenient." She ribbed, squinting toward Zelda, fixing her glasses.
The princess gasped at the notion and was at a loss for words but managed to find them. "Convenience had nothing to do with it! I wasn't waiting for anyone. Or 'Mister Handsome' as you put it, I was merely buying him the time he needed to recover, so that he would be ready to challenge the Devil when the time came. It took everything I had to maintain that focus to hold back—"
"Easy, easy, I'm only teasing. It's fine."
"Well, it's true! Rumors like that are the very sort of thing that get people in trouble."
"Sure, sure, whatever you say, princess." Purah finished with a wink.
Knowing there would be no winning this spar, Zelda relented with a huff. This entire time the servant girl was stuck, head bowed, waiting hand and foot for what to do next, listening to them as they prattled on.
Purah quickly turned all attention back to the maiden who still stood curtseyed in front of them.
"And if all else fails, she's excellent company if you need an honest ear while I'm away."
"Away? Are you leaving?"
"Oh, you know me, I mustn't stay away from my research for too long. Robbie is watching my lab as we speak, and he's bound to break something if I'm not there. I'm getting too old having to scour the desolate parts of this kingdom for parts to fix his messes."
In an attempt to correct her about her preposterous age claim and her newly discovered youth, Zelda raised a finger and opened her mouth, but the miniature scientist beat her to the punch.
"But, I'll be here for a couple of days until you settle in and things get right at the castle. She's also a talented linguist as well! She can speak the Draenean dialect more fluently than most, Gerudo better than they can, and she's well versed in Labryneese and Holodorium too. But, her Old Kakarikan needs a bit of work, oddly enough. Since she's a—"
"—A Sheikah?" Zelda said cool-eyed, interrupting her with a smirk again. "I get it. She's a lady of many talents, and I'm sure she will do just wonderfully. There's no need for all the fuss."
"I'm serious, Your Highness."
"Will you stop calling me that! Purah, how long have we known each other? Hmm?"
"Well, if you put it that way… what a way to make a lady feel old!"
"Now, I'm serious! Purah, call me Zelda, please. When we're together, I'm not 'Your Highness'."
"Okay, but only because you asked me! Because if folks get wind of this, they all might start to think it's all fine and dandy to call you by your given name, and I won't stand for it! Nor will my sister. Your father wouldn't want us—"
"Fair enough." Zelda concurred, interrupting the mention of her papa. "If that happens, you have every right to correct them? Deal?"
"Deal."
Purah then realized they'd dribbled on enough and faced the girl waiting beside them.
"Oh, aside from being a brilliant scholar of languages, she is quite the wizard when it comes to fetching things. You can be quite forgetful sometimes, princess."
"Me, or is that you?" Zelda countered, glancing over her shoulder in comedic suspicion. Additionally, she insisted she didn't need all this pampering.
Upon noticing the disciplined calm of the girl in front of her, Zelda spoke up. "Well, after all this talk of languages, are you going to let the poor girl speak, or are you going to go on and on and talk for her?" Zelda said, finally able to laugh as the timid girl stood; still head bowed in front of them, hearing them speak so frankly about her as if she wasn't there.
Purah defended. "Well, there is a thing that still exists in this world called manners, 'Your Highness'—I mean, Zelda. We may have been in a dark age for one hundred years, but we're not savages. She was only waiting at my behest to greet you properly since she will be a part of your court and will be tasked to keep the other ladies in line. The ones that Simon fellow is definitely insisting on having courting you as well."
Zelda leaned back and evaluated Purah. "Hold on for just a second. Are you implying that I don't have any manners?"
"I didn't say anything of the sort." Purah smiled, bobbing her head with a tilt of satisfaction.
Zelda huffed and smiled. "Have it your way then."
"I will. Now—" Purah cleared her throat. "You may speak now, Imeria. Thanks for showing us all a gracious display of manners. Some could really come to learn from your example!" she finished quickly, getting it all out.
Zelda's eyes bulged at Purah. But, quickly composed herself and turned to greet the girl.
The soft-spoken, somewhat timid maiden slowly lifted her head through the soft, white, woven shawl she wore that cradled her face. Though Sheikah, she was dressed more akin to a Hylian lady.
With a smile of her own, the girl spoke. "So, sorry to delay and meet your acquaintance. I am Imeria, and I am honored to be in your presence, let alone in your service, Your Grace. And if there is anything I can do to make your stay here any more comfortable, I am here for you.
"In fact, I have already drawn up your bath and took care to apply some of those scented Zora ointments and tonics that were stowed in your trunk and added them to the water. I hope you don't mind. I hear they do wonders when it comes to healing and relaxing. Not to mention, their scents are like the forbidden love of a pastry shop and a flowery meadow."
"T—thank you, Imeria." Zelda nodded gratefully. "That's a fine… picture you painted for us." Zelda giggled, amused by the strange analogy even if it was so accurate to what she imagined heaven's scent would be. "But, it is true, I must confess, I do like flowers and pastries."
The young girl added. "I know! Paya told me. She has spoken much about you. She thinks very highly of you and told me of your tastes."
"She has!?" Zelda choked, remembering her scandalous reading of the diary and the awkward encounter just several days ago. Also, realizing that Purah was still present and had no idea of any of it. "I—I mean, oh, you, you and Paya know each other?" She stuttered, quickly asking a question for the girl to ward off suspicion.
Purah interjected beside them. "Well, yes, of course. She's a Sheikah, save for a few who don't live in Kakariko; everyone pretty much knows everyone."
Imeria concurred. "This is true, Your Highness. But, is… is this going to be a problem? Because, if it is, I can certainly cut ties—"
The girl was ready to do anything to make things right.
"Oh, no, no, no. Forgive me. I merely just got tongue-tied and choked a bit on my own throat. You're fine. Excuse me. Sorry." Zelda said, with a phony cough, waving away the notion of anything dubious while making it all the more suspicious.
She continued. "Of course, there's no problem. Why, Paya is practically family, and she's very sweet. In fact, from what I met of her, I would very much like to get to know her more myself. As soon as things settle down."
The young girl then explained, overjoyed by the sentiment, handing Zelda a fine silver goblet of water to quench her throat. "Well then, you'll probably be happy to hear that you might get your wish sooner than later, princess. I hear Lady Impa departed Kakariko days ago, and she is accompanying her here. They should be here this very evening, in fact."
"Is that right?" Zelda said, choking again on the sip of water as it dripped from her chin to douse her battle-soiled shirt.
Purah smiled secretly and Zelda took notice, even as she was locked in conversation with the maid. It wasn't certain if she knew or if it was just the princess's mind playing tricks on her, but nevertheless, that Purah was a tricky one. A total wild card. She often knew things that were impossible to know. The wise woman had a knack for detecting things missed by others in the room, and Zelda knew it. A bloodhound could do no better to sniff out the tension.
Upon noticing Zelda's stained shirt with freshly spilt water, the girl spoke up to lighten the mood. "Don't worry, soon you'll be out of those dreary clothes, and I'll have new ones freshened up for you right away. But, if I may, how about we prepare you for your bath?"
"Sounds good to me!" Called out Purah. "In the meantime, there's something I must do. I must have a word with that Simon character. My sister will be here soon as well as others. You get cleaned up, relax, and I'll return when you're finished. You're in Imeria's most capable hands now."
Zelda turned gratefully to face her and smiled to rub her shoulders before she leaned in for a hug.
"Well, hurry on now. Enough fussing about. There will be plenty of time for that at dinner. I'll be back in an hour or so."
Imeria beamed joyfully. "This way, princess. I have everything already ready. Follow me."
And with the young maiden leading the way, Zelda graced through thinly hung blue and pink veils that offered serenity to another wing of her tent where a large tub sat atop a bed of smoldering orange coals. Trying as hard as she could to not appear like a prissy princess or pompous, Zelda fought the urge to look desperate for the sensation of warm, sud-filled water to flow over her bare skin and calmly loosened all her attire to enter the large basin with the help of the maid.
Before she knew it, she was naked and was basking in the heavenly delight of clean, bubbly water sloshing over her. The steady stream of rejuvenation overcame her senses as her skin drank up the Zora potions that floated in the water while dirt and grime washed away. Imeria also helped with the hard-to-reach places, and for just a few moments, when the scrubbing subsided, Zelda sighed a breath of relief and dunked her head into the tub just to relax and soak it all in.
The bath continued on like that for what seemed like hours but was, in fact, only maybe, twenty minutes at most.
Zelda slid up, shoulder level in the steamy water, and broke the silence. "So, Imeria, where did you find the fascination to learn so many languages? Not every day do you find someone as schooled as you are. Not even myself, if I'm being honest. I don't know multiple languages; save the key phrases to get from here to there."
"Oh, me? Well, princess, to tell you the truth, my father and I would travel across the kingdom and even visit others when I was a little girl. He had business dealings in many faraway lands. We never really stayed in one place to the next, so I was kind of forced to pick up on the distinct tongues of native peoples. I became sort of a translator, if you will, for my father."
"Ah, now I see! That's why your Old Kakarikan is lacking a bit. You were everywhere else but home. Isn't that right?"
"Precisely, princess."
"Please, when I'm with my friends, I'm just Zelda. Call me that because I would very much like us to be friends."
"T-thank you, princess, Of course, I mean, Zelda. That would be nice. I would like that too."
"Good," Zelda said, sitting up in the tub, reaching for a vial of ointment that would kiss her skin with youthful invigoration.
Imeria splashed water over her shoulder in the meantime and spoke cautiously. "Now, since we're friends, if I may, it's my turn to ask you a question."
"Certainly, what is it?" asked Zelda, her interest piqued.
"That knight who travels beside you. The handsome one. The one they say who has no banners. Who is he?"
Zelda splashed forward, nearly dropping the vial, and carefully oversaw the ripples slosh as the girl continued questioning.
"What relation is he to you? Because from what I can tell, he certainly doesn't look like a relative of yours. His hair is much too dark, and his eyes are blue. He also doesn't speak like you at all. A commoner not from the capitol, I suspect?"
Zelda slid up, alarmed by the sudden question. "Oh, you mean Link. Purah or Paya haven't told you about him?"
"I'm afraid not. Is that a bad thing?"
Though they were now friends, Zelda still had to tiptoe around her feelings and had to stew a minute before she could answer her. Not that she suspected the girl would mischievously use any knowledge against her, but truth be told, they had only just met. So, she cautioned against saying too much.
Zelda spoke. " He's… he is my knight from a century ago. He has served me and this kingdom very well, and If I'm being truthful, he is the one that everyone should be showering with praise. Not I. For if it weren't for him, we'd all be lost."
"Really now? I had no idea."
Zelda concurred, still surprised. "It's amazing that Purah or Paya haven't mentioned anything to you about him? Curious indeed."
"Very, Your High—I mean Zelda."
They both chuckled, and Zelda inhaled a deep breath, sighing a reply. "But, if you must know. And, I don't even know why I'm telling you this. We had only just met. But, I feel like I can already trust you."
"You can," Imeria said, leaning in closer, her ears perked to hear better as she gently sponged drips of water over the princess's back.
"More importantly than anything, I care immensely about him. Perhaps, more than anyone." Zelda's voice trailed off a bit. It went low and to herself as if she went into a deep trance of reminiscences.
Unwilling to disturb her, the maid just stayed quiet and waited. But, in that short breath, she saw the princess's face light up like a midnight star at the mention of Link.
Before she knew it, Zelda already shook her head and continued. "That being said, I hope—"
Imeria interrupted, feeling as if she flew too close to the flame by prodding a response she really didn't need to know. "It's quite alright, Zelda, I understand. There's no need to go into the specifics of your feelings or the safe places of your heart. I understand. It's not my place."
Zelda slowly turned and faced her to ease the tension, sloshing in the tub. Feeling ever so grateful that Imeria could be so considerate.
Just as Zelda was about to speak, the maid spoke up again, changing the subject. "So, which shall it be? Shoulder or just below the ears?"
Zelda leaned back, curiously confused by the question. This conversation took quite a turn, she thought.
"Your hair, your grace. Certainly, you would like a styling. I couldn't help but notice earlier that a huge portion was ripped out right up to your shoulder while kneeling behind you as I washed your back. You were quite lucky, I'd say."
"Oh, yes! Of course!" Zelda exclaimed, cheeks rosy and embarrassed. "How about?" She said with a pause, only to smirk with her tongue barely poking out, cuffing her chin with only one eye closed, stewing over the decision. It was a very important one too. One that she knew Link would have to face her every day with making. So, she had to make the most of it.
"How about we go short but below the lobes of my ears? Barely floating above my shoulders with a slight curl? I think that would look right enough. Would that be possible?"
It was a tall order, but before the princess could rescind her demand for simpler ones, Imeria spoke.
"Done!" She hooted, readying her knife. "I think it will look just fabulous! In fact, one of my best talents that Purah forgot to mention is how skilled I can be with a hot blade. Your wish is as good as granted, your highness. Now, if I may, lean back against the rim, and I'll handle all the rest. We will have you looking good as new in no time!"
Zelda beamed and humbly bowed her head in satisfaction."Thank you very much, Imeria… thank you..."
No sooner, Link found himself asleep did he find himself waking to a violent crash. A thundering roar in his ears. It hadn't been long; it was still sunset. But, this wasn't the noise of war or any storm brewing outside, but one from his own mind. The room reeked of the stench of a burning volcanic pit. An eye-searing smell of scorched sulfur.
The Hylian champion stirred awake in his bed, drenched in sweat. He couldn't have slept that long. No way. He had just closed his eyes, drifted off for only a moment or two, and now he was struck by sheer terror. Robbed from his rest, in a daze between awake and asleep, he didn't have much time to dwell on it either. Instantly, he tossed the sheets across the tent that covered him and stood up. A fog dulled his senses, and everything seemed blurry. His temples bulged with a pounding headache. What's happening?
His heart drummed as if it were to burst out of his chest at any moment. And before he knew it, his right arm clenched and stiffened. A jolt of some unknown malicious power shot up his arm and raced to his shoulder.
Red malignant vines swirled from his knuckles and crawled up his wrist. Entrapped by this feverish sensation, his hand twisted full of corruption, and he lost all control of his arm. Until finally, it was as if the limb had become possessed with a mind of its own.
Link frantically fought back his hand, daring to break it free from whatever dark force clutched control over it. Tried as he might, he couldn't. No matter how hard he fought against it and just when he was on the verge of despair, things went from bad to worse. A disturbing voice cut through his thoughts. I'm still here.
The voice echoed in his mind again. We have unfinished business, you and I.
Link struggled with containing the bewitched hand as it pulled away from him and slammed against a nearby end table, knocking over some jars with it, causing a clash as they shattered on the ground. All he could do was lash out at himself to fight back.
"Ugh! What are you trying to make me do?... Get out! Leave me alone! I said, leave… ME!" He shouted, eyes blood red with fury.
Instantly, the corruption departed him at his command, swirling back into his knuckles until it was no more. Like it was never there, he was left alone again, and his arm seemingly fell back under his control, and his breathing returned to normal. But, unbeknownst to him, when he shouted with all of his might, a random squire from the army stood by in the entryway of his tent and had heard the whole distressing commotion.
Fearing the worst, the young lad ran inside to investigate, to help Link during his rage. But, was met with a roar by him instead. Startled, the squire fled back to the safety of the others and bolted far from the tent.
Link felt terrible for frightening the soldier who only came to check up on him, likely on orders from the princess, no doubt.
"Wait! I didn't mean to—" Link called out, swaying from leaning against his dresser attempting to explain, stubbing his toe on a nearby crate. But, the young soldier was gone. Weakened by the struggle, Link fell to the side of his bed.
With spaced breaths, he reached for the thin chain necklace that dangled on his bare chest and realized that the vial of medicine that once hung there, the one Impa gave him days ago, was gone; realizing he had lost it forever during his battle with Malroc atop the castle.
At that moment, he knew something terribly sinister was wrong with him. This was no mere illness that plagued his sleep with nightmares, and whatever she gave him was no simple tonic to end restless hearts. Whatever haunted him must be of otherworldly origin. But, what could it be? Whatever it was, he was determined to fight it and, more importantly, keep it to himself. The princess had enough on her plate to worry about. What with rebuilding the kingdom and all, he thought she didn't need to fret over him too.
Soaking in that realization, Link forced his body into compliance and stood up, muttering a few words of encouragement to himself. "Well, at least I got twenty minutes of sleep... I guess I should be grateful I'm not dead.—I should be fine until tonight. Maybe I could speak with Impa when she arrives here when Zelda isn't around. Maybe, she could procure more of that Lunar Tear Potion? If not, surely, she must know what is going on with me and will tell it to me straight. If not, I'll just have to convince her." He then shrugged off a laugh and continued his self-appointed pep talk. "Well, what choice do I have? It's worth a shot. In any case, I'm awake now."
The knight reached for the nearest clean shirt and slid it on. The lucky pair he chose just so happened to be a dark green one, one left to him by Taleran. It was one of their old ranger get-ups that they no longer wore, from another era, but it was suitable for blending into forest terrain. Not thinking much of it but to hurry back to the others, he threw on some comfortable yet workable pants and kicked on his boots. He was now ready to join the others.
With her hair renewed and dressed in the finest linens of the utmost queenly attire this side of Hyrule had to offer, Zelda waltzed around her tent, fussing from mirror to bench, fixing up the last details and finishing touches to herself. Imeria followed closely behind and would assist with whatever was missing.
Zelda turned away for only just a moment, reached for some garments she thought better of wearing instead, and at that moment, while distracted looking the other way ahead of the candlelight, the young servant of hers reached for the dimly lit dresser stand in the corner which still held her soiled clothes from earlier. The ones from the battle and all that pertained to them.
Something else of a curious fancy caught her eye among the bulk of her ruined belongings and through the rummage of weathered clothes. The shimmer of a shiny gold artifact. One that dangled at the end of a silver chain necklace. The girl was mesmerized by its reflective glow from the pile of dirty linens and couldn't tear her gaze.
While the princess was still preoccupied, she reached down and grabbed it, lifted it up, and marveled at its beauty. A gold medallion of the most pristine ore she has ever seen, for even the muck of war, couldn't dim its luster. This was a unique treasure. And just as she held it up, a shout hollered in the room.
"Stop! Don't touch that! That item is very precious to me!" exclaimed the princess instinctively. She couldn't help it.
"I—I'm so sorry, Your Highness, I had no idea. Please forgive me," Imeria said, dropping the large coin to the table.
"I was only just—I mean, I was just, I'm sorry—"
Zelda's face softened as soon as it happened, remembering that the girl meant no harm. The princess walked over to her, feeling instantly guilty, and kneeled beside her even as the girl was about to fall face to the floor in reverence. Zelda stopped her from doing so.
"It's quite alright. I shouldn't have frightened you or raised my voice to you; please forgive me. It's just—"
"My apologies, my princess, but, if I may be so bold, what is that coin you there possess?"
"It isn't a coin, but a medallion, made from the finest gold ever smelted in this known land, I believe. It's very old and dear to my heart."
The girl stood up and gave a confused look. "I don't want to sound rude, your highness, but couldn't you have as many gold medallions as you like? I mean, don't you?"
"You're quite right, but it isn't the gold that makes this worthwhile to me. I could care less if it were even made of wood; I would love it just the same. It's what the medallion signifies and represents; that is what matters to me. Not its face value."
"I see… I never knew..."
"Knew what?" Zelda said, tilting her head by what she may have meant. It was as if the girl could read her thoughts and knew exactly why she felt that way or what she was about to say.
"Nothing, forgive me..." the girl whispered as she bowed her head. "I'll leave you to your things. Call for me if you need anything, anything at all, Your Grace. I'll be just outside the tent to leave you to your private thoughts."
"Very well, thank you, Imeria, I will. Oh, and Imeria..."
"Yes, princess?"
"Keep this between us, okay?"
"Of course, I shall keep in confidence whatever you tell me. I give you my word."
And with that, the girl departed.
Zelda then turned, walked over to the desk which still held the glistening medallion, and her emerald gaze got lost, staring back in its twilight shine as the center hearth reflected light onto it, glowing back in her eyes. In no time, she fell back, deep into thought, to a memory of another time.
The sun burned red into the horizon and would soon be retiring behind the safety of the soft pillowy clouds in the sky. Zelda and Link were each on horseback, coming to a majestic fountain overlooking a grand vista that stretched over the kingdom. Cheerful about the long day they had spent together, alongside Link and atop her own horse, she spoke up. "Be sure to take the time to soothe your mount. That's the only way it will know how you truly feel."
She continued as they clopped along the trail, glancing over her shoulder to offer him up a well-earned smirk. "Your advice was quite helpful—Thank you. This little one and I are getting along quite well now."
She then leaned over and took careful evaluation of her magnificent stallion. "At first, I wasn't sure if I should outfit him with all of the royal gear. I thought, maybe he should have to earn it first. But it works! He wears it like a true natural."
Zelda eagerly smiled and faced Link again. "I'm trying to be a bit more empathetic. Benefit of the doubt, you know?"
"Empa—"
"Empathetic..." She corrected with a giggle.
Link wasn't an illiterate by no means and was more well-spoken than most peasants, but he had only the schooling of a common farmer. A rudimentary education at best comprising of only the basics of reading, writing, and the ground rules of arithmetic. Sometimes Zelda would forget who she would be speaking to and spoke in such a manner that would be over the heads and ears of the common folk. Because, unlike him growing up, she was schooled by the best noble scholars of the land.
Zelda explained. "It means to put oneself in someone else's shoes."
Link quickly nodded, undeterred by her correction, and threw a sassy grin back of his own. "Well, then, in that case, I sure hope you do like wearing soldier's grieves. They're quite heavy. After all, if that's the case, I am the one that taught you how to ride him."
Zelda gasped. "I don't mean literally to wear someone else's shoes! I mean—"
"I know, I know." Link teased.
"Then?"
"I just wanted to see your reaction. But, I must admit, it would be quite amusing to see you mustered up in some soldier boots to wear or, hell, even armor while wielding a sword, for that matter. What a sight that would be?!"
"Really now?" Zelda said, pausing for a moment before smugly glancing back. Then something unexpected happened. She halted her horse, causing them both to stop along the winding road, and leaned across to meet his face to whisper.
"Well, then, if there's that, I wonder… is there anything else you would like to see me dressed up in? Or, better yet, witho—" Catching herself going too far and very unladylike, indulging too much in the moment, she quickly corrected herself and cleared her throat before it got too out of hand.
Something got into her that she couldn't explain. Whether it be the moment or that gorgeous sunset ahead of them, she was determined to let go of some of her feelings and hope for the best. And in that same vein of delightful misbehavior, she couldn't help but press him further as he nervously sat there quietly waiting.
"Ahem, what I meant to ask was, what other secret fantasies do you have swimming around in that head of yours?"
Zelda spoke soft and slow as if to tickle his ear. But this time, she was wearing a different kind of smile, leaning mischievously toward him. One that Link had no experience with before. Even as her heart raced, she couldn't delay the moment any longer. These past few days shared with him were magical, and she wanted him to know it. She didn't care what anyone else thought, and besides, nobody was even around to see anyways. It was now or never.
Link gulped. The situation took a turn he did not anticipate in the slightest. He was woefully ill-equipped to deal with such things. On the battlefield, he had no rival, or at least that's what he believed at the time. But, a sticky situation like this, no amount of training could ever prepare him for what he should do or say next.
It also didn't help that he had nowhere else to look except into her gorgeous eyes as her lashes fluttered away. Her gaze was dangerously close to melting him. Behind their beautiful green glow, he could catch a glimpse of other intentions she may have had, and for whatever they were, she could no longer hide behind them. Her lips quivered inches away from his own and were plump and as delicate as he's ever seen, and her sweet stare shot right through him.
With a bit of wit and quick thinking, he swallowed up a nervous reply. "Knights don't have the luxury of waiting on fantasies, princess. Unlike others, we have real business to attend to and life to contend with, and I intend to—"
"-Intend to what?" Zelda said, interrupting him, heaving a disappointed sigh while leaning back on her horse, hands perched at her waist, mind racing as to why he wouldn't seize the moment.
"Well, I intend to triumph!"
The princess rolled her eyes. Apparently, not over this. Sheesh...
She spoke up. "Uh-huh? And triumph over what may I ask?"
"Why, your affection, of course..."
Zelda fell back, star-struck. It happened all so fast. Did he really just say what she thought he said? Did he for once admit his feelings? Was she dreaming? She had to pinch herself if it were true. It's all she has ever hoped for. Had the stars finally aligned? Has he really opened up that shell of a heart of his to her?
"And… Calamity Ganon of course." he finished.
"Whoa, wait a minute...That first part, tell me what you said. I heard you right, didn't I?"
"Heard what, right?" He said, wearing a grin. Clearly having a sport with her.
"Ah, c'mon, Link. You know what I mean! I couldn't hear you properly; the horse snorted the exact moment you said it. So please..."
"He did, eh?" He said, pretending to be astonished by his horse's behavior. "Atta boy Storm..." he said smugly, slapping a friendly pat to the top of his mane. The steed neighed in delight by his congratulations.
"Well!?"
"Well, what?"
The suspense was killing her. Ugh, Link, that jerk!He knows exactly what I'm talking about. "Fine! Have it your way then! Just as you were becoming handsome, sweet, and—"
"—All that, eh?" Link said, folding his arms to hear more. "So, what am I now?"
"Um, uh, it turns out now you're nothing but a showboating, sword swinging—"
"Go on," he interrupted. It was his turn now to lean into her.
Caught off guard by his sudden approach, her breathing quickened, and her skin went hot to the touch. But, she fought the inescapable desire to lean into him and continued to whisper her pouty response. Struggling to find the words. "Scruffy—uh, scoundrel!"
"Scoundrel, am I?" Link smirked.
His hands then gently went from easing over her knee to touching the side of her face, and then finally, to her chin, electrifying her whole body with a swell. Their breaths mingled, and his nose was grazing past hers.
Their lips were about to become one, and Zelda's soul was about to leap out of herself with excitement. It was all she ever wanted for these past few days. And just as he was about to make his move, a sudden boom rang overhead, and the horses stomped, separating the two several feet again.
Of course! My luck… How could I forget? The ceremony is tonight!
It was her own birthday ball, after all. Spending time with Link must have really made her forgetful as of late.
The first of the evening's twilight gave way to the first round of fireworks launched from the castle's ramparts. As a beckoning call for all the kingdom, one would be launched every hour, heralding that the castle's gates would be open to all denizens for tonight's celebration. An exceptional occasion indeed.
Usually, they were closed to the public, but tonight, noble and commoner alike would join hands in celebration. That at the final stroke of midnight, the grand finale would also take flight to the skies and light it up brighter than noonday.
Also, at this party, all the champions would be in attendance, as well as their families.
It was in this interrupted moment Link spoke up. "Perhaps, we should get going? They'll be looking for us soon. After all, your father—"
"-It's fine, Link. I would like to stay here for just a little while longer. If that's alright? I mean, being the princess does come with some of its caveats from time to time. We'll be okay if we're a little late. I would like to enjoy the sunset with you alone for just a few more moments. Then we can head back to the city, deal?"
Link nodded and slid off his horse.
Zelda hummed as she released the straddles to hop off. "And besides, these two sweet boys need some water before we force them to trek on again. I don't want to be too hard on them. How about we rest them for a bit while the sun goes down?"
"Sure, sounds good to me." He said, wearing a larger than usual smile.
Some time passed, and for most of it, they both remained silent, enjoying each other's company. Neither could quite find the courage to return themselves to the peak of their feelings prior to the first wave of explosions.
Nevertheless, they didn't have to talk to find satisfaction in each other's presence and both were content on trying another time. Link wasn't too fussy and for the most part, if a pleasant conversation didn't find him, he wouldn't need to talk at all. He did just fine living in the serenity of shared silence.
Zelda didn't mind though. She liked that Link was this way. She would be the one chatting from dusk until dawn, and Link would be dedicated to listening to her. And what she loved the most was that he actually listened. Not nodded off in one ear and out the other. That he truly took the time to hear the ever-most secrets of her heart and took a genuine interest in them. Because of this, she was determined now more than ever to get him to do the same to her. Though, truth be told, it has been a bit of work in progress. She will, though. Or she hoped.
It was then, after catching a view of the sun just as it made its final descent into the mountain ranges, that she spoke up. "See that mountain? That's Mt. Lanayru."
The princess then calmly strolled over to the edge of the cliff overlooking the entire lower kingdom. Link was close behind as he was just finishing up settling the horses for them to leave soon. To the sound of her voice, he turned to face her standing in the view of the dimming sun. He couldn't tell which was more beautiful, the sunset or her. But, if he had to answer now to someone, it certainly would have been her, hands down.
The princess continued. "It takes its name from the goddess of wisdom. Lanayru's decree is very specific. It states, no one is allowed under the age of seventeen… for only the wise are permitted a place upon the mountain.
"I've prayed at the spring of courage and at the spring of power. Yet, neither awoke anything inside of me. But, maybe up there…
...Perhaps, the spring of wisdom, the final of three, would be the one. To be honest, I have no real reason to think that will be the case. But, there's always the chance that the next moment could change everything."
Zelda then sighed, and after soaking up what was left of that bright fading star in the west, she spun slowly to gaze into Link's eyes. "Tomorrow is my seventeenth birthday. At the stroke of midnight tonight. I'll be ready for tomorrow. So, I shall go… and make my way up the mountain."
"Good evening!" Announced a voice out from beyond the entryway of her tent, alarming her to his presence and causing her to awake from her happy daydream to a real-life one.
"Your new handmaiden led me here and told me you were already dressed and decent. So, I hope you don't mind me interrupting. You told me that if I were to awake, to come find you—" and as Link finished mouthing those words, his head went under the tent's flap and caught a glimpse of her. Dressed in her new attire, his mouth nearly dropped how gorgeous she looked. A white dress with a dash of pink accents tied with blue ribbons. Yet, he composed himself well so as to not let her think he was too stricken by her beauty. And then, something else caught his eye.
"-Who are you, and what have you done with the princess of my memories?" teased Link from the tent's entrance. The last bit of sunlight glowed red behind him as it shaped behind his feet, outlining his silhouette to her eyes as she watched from the central hearth.
Snapping to, Zelda quickly sat the medallion she cradled in her hand on the table and faced to speak to him. "Oh, this?" she replied bashfully, nervously combing her short hair with her fingers. "Do you… approve?"
The knight then approached her slowly and waited to reply, dragging out the suspense, knowing full well it would rattle Zelda's nerves.
After he approached her, he pretended to bow and reached out for her hand to kiss as a knight would often do when greeting a new fair young maiden and teased. "I'm afraid we haven't met before, Milady—I'm Ser-Link—"
Zelda giggled and nudged him. "C'mon on Link!"
"Well, does that answer your question?" he said, gracing her hand with a smooth kiss and a smile. He couldn't help himself.
Zelda blushed and prodded him. "Get up! Be serious."
He quickly stood. "What? I am serious."
"You know what! Also—Shouldn't you still be resting? It's hardly been just an hour."
"I'm quite alright. I took a good power nap. I should be good until late tonight. Honest to goddess."
"You better be. I already lost you once, Link. I can't lose you again." Her voice quivered at the end, and she went serious as she reached to hold his battle-bitten hands in hers.
"Hey, it's okay...The war is over now. We won. And Riju is alive," he said softly, stepping even closer to her now, and as he did, his knee bumped the table.
"And you're-"
The sudden clatter caught both their attention as the shining, heavy medallion dropped from the ledge onto the rug. Link was about to caress her hair where it met her neck when the thud distracted him. Glancing to the floor, his hand swooped down instead and met Zelda's as they both attempted to pick it up.
Curiously, Link spoke. "My amulet… so, you kept it close this entire time?"
Zelda's eyes glistened from the hearth as she lifted it up to hold it between them. "Of course, I did. I wouldn't be caught dead without it. But you, you remember? When you gave it to me?"
"It comes and goes, but looking at it now, I think so," he said, wearing a softened smile.
"I still remember what you said to me that day you took my hand in yours, so long ago when we were standing by the water… Do you remember, Link?"
The knight then leaned his head back and gazed upward to the ceiling, trying to recollect. "Hold on now, it's coming to me..." He said, smirking another tease, playfully pointing to the side of his head.
Zelda nudged, also wearing a smile. "Well then, I'll just have to jog your memory."
The princess stepped away from the ledge of the canyon cliff, and the sun had finally melted away. The stars awakened, and the glisten of the sun was nearly gone. They were both about to make their way to the castle when Storm fussed. Link was still busy saddling gear to Zelda's horse and couldn't calm him. That's when the princess ran toward him to try her way with him.
"Easy Storm, easy! What is it?"
The horse kept jerking and pulling from his hitch latched to the fountain post.
"Calm down! It's alright. They're just fireworks!"
"Watch out!" Called out Link as he rushed between them. He knew something was off about his four-legged friend. "Stand back behind me!"
"Link, I think he was just spooked from earlier; I can tame him too, you know? After all, you taught me-" and no sooner than she said those words, the best flailed and bumped into Link, knocking him to the ground while he was distracted, making sure she was safely behind him.
"Oh my goodness, Link!" Zelda shouted, running over to help him up. "Are you alright?"
"Yeah..." Link groaned, sitting up where he fell on the dusty trail. "Why you no good, half-lynel, sorry excuse of a beast! We had a deal! Remember? You are to behave, and I'll set you free!
"But, I promise, if you keep this up and not keep your end of the bargain, I'll sell you to the meanest miner I can find from Draene! I swear I will! You'll be so busted busy every day, you won't have time to stomp around! How about that!"
Zelda couldn't help but giggle at their little feud, even as she helped Link up.
She chirped. "I think that did the trick. Look at him; he's as silent as the wind now."
Both of them gazed at Storm, who magically went more still and calm than the horse statue in the fountain.
"Well, it better have worked. We had a deal. Next time though, get behind me, okay? I don't know what could have stirred him up so bad. You could've gotten hurt. It wasn't the fireworks that spooked him."
"You think so?"
"Definitely."
"Well, whatever it was, it's under control now. Here, let's get you off the dirt."
"I thought you said you like me all scruffy?"
She giggled softly again as he stood up, and when he did, dangling from over his shirt, a necklace that carried a round pendant of some type fell loose. An amulet.
"Oh, that's a pretty thing. What is that?" she pointed.
"Huh? Oh, this?"
"Yeah! What is that? I've never seen you wear it before. It's been tucked under your shirt this entire time. Such a pretty artifact."
Link dusted his pants. "This amulet was given to me by my mother. I've had it all my life and have worn it for as long as I can remember. Since my birth." He said, standing up straight now, holding it out as it still hung over his neck.
The princess leaned closer to him and reached for it to curiously look it over. Lightly her fingertips graced its face, and she commented. "These initials inscribed on it, S,f...? What do you suppose they mean?"
"I have no idea. Probably nothing. Two names perhaps?"
"No, it has to be one name. Look, the second letter is shorthand. See?"
"Then, I couldn't tell you. It belonged to my mother, and as far as I know, she never said where she got the medallion from."
"And is that a lightning bolt on the backside?" she asked, eyes glistening back at him with the reflection of a million stars as the luster of its gold shined back in her face, curious about its origin.
"Just a symbol with two random letters etched on a large coin. I'm not sure if it's even real gold to tell you the truth."
"Then, what is it for then?"
"Nothing. The pendant does absolutely nothing. But I just feel better having it around me, even if it's just a useless medallion. I guess you can say it's my lucky charm," he said, stepping closer to her.
To her surprise, his hand grazed up her waist and gently pulled her closer, catching her off guard. Though, she didn't mind in the slightest. He had a better idea.
"Here, for tomorrow. I want you to have it," he insisted optimistically, lifting the amulet over his head.
"Take it with you to the mountain as you go up into the spring of wisdom. Perhaps, it will bring you better fortune than it has given me," he said, gently reaching for her quivering hand, placing the artifact in her palm. Her heart was about to jump out of her chest and dance before them. Link rarely revealed things that mattered to him and never really opened up about something so important and the first time he did, was to share it with her.
"Link, I couldn't possibly. It's a gift from your mother. It means so much to you, it's priceless-" Link interrupted, pushing his fingers up to her lips to shush her before she could protest any more.
"- And that is why I want you to have it. Because to me, you are pri—"
He was on the verge of striking up the courage to bear his soul to her, and in that instant, a horrible thunder of clashing mountains nearly knocked them to their feet. The horses panicked and jerked, snorting and fussing, pulling on the restraints that hitched them to the fountain posts.
Startled, Zelda exclaimed. "Link! The stallions!"
Storm was better tempered this time around but her princely steed was a different story. She had just barely got him to heel. The animal tore his reins and was about to bolt away. Link broke his hold of the princess and jumped to attention, hurrying to restrain him before he could scatter off.
"Easy big fella! Easy, it's over now! It was just an earthquake..." the knight said, finally able to run soothing fingers through his pale mane. The beast relented though remained flustered. Neighed and then settled down.
Zelda stepped beside them. "That was a close one." She then wiped her brow of the nervous bead of sweat and then spun to face the dimming horizon below them. There she saw all the lower kingdom, its small villages, mountain ranges, meadows, and the lit skyline of the capitol.
"So, that's what Storm sensed what was coming… these quakes… they are becoming more and more common. I fear... I fear he feels it too. That this could be an omen of things to come. We're running out of time. I have to move to awaken my sealing power, or it's all over. For everyone. Everyone we love and cherish in this world, they are all counting on me—"
"-Us." Link corrected. She spun to his encouraging, sweet voice. He was now standing right beside her, also gazing past to the early stars of the evening atop the plateau. "And besides, now you have my lucky amulet. You'll be sure to awaken your powers in no time, I just know it." He finished, reaching for her hand to hold.
Zelda beamed back at him. Sighing a breath of relief and gratitude that she wasn't alone. "Yes, us...T-thank you, Link...I don't know what I'd do if I ever lost you."
"That'll never happen, so long as you keep that lucky coin."
Zelda sighed again at his playfulness and a small laugh escaped her lips. And with that they continued to admire the majestic night sky that blanketed over them slowly, and that whatever she was to face, whether good or ill, they would face it together. Hand in hand.
Upon opening his eyes from glancing above, Link remembered everything. He remembered how beautiful she looked that day, the warm breeze in the air, and even the fidgety stallions that fussed about. But, even more than that, he remembered how much he cared about her and how he had fallen for her.
Zelda stood patiently on the edge of her seat, wondering if he recalled what transpired over a hundred years ago.
"Well?"
"Well, what?"
"Ugh, Link! C'mon! Do you remember?"
"Let's see, nope...I got nothing," he said, smirking again.
Zelda sighed, letting out a pouty response under her breath. "Ugh, What a way to ruin the moment."
He had been getting very good at that as of late.
And as she lifted her head up, Link leaned closer, catching her by surprise. "I do remember this though, that there's one thing left I still have to do."
Her face lit up, curious as to what he was saying. "Oh, and what is that-
And before she knew it, Link wrapped an arm around her waist and, with his other hand, caressed the back of her neck, where her new hair flowed above her shoulders, and he gently pulled her close.
Zelda's eyes instinctively closed as if she had been waiting her whole life for this. In lockstep, her heart and body took over all control of her senses and she surrendered herself to him. Spellbound by his touch, she cleaved into his embrace as their lips finally locked as one. It was all she ever wanted. He wasn't going to let anything get between them now. No more interruptions. No more ill-timed distractions or needs and wants of others...No more delays. Not this time.
Her heart hammered like a hummingbird's wings as she blushed with excitement, soaking it all in, daring never to let go. Held by the strong yet gentle embrace of the knight who ignited a flame in her soul. His lips tenderly pursed against her own and their tongues gently married as each would breathe each other in. The sensation was all she hoped it would be and more.
Letting loose of their kiss for just a moment, Link was also left in a blissful daze, and his arms trembled while holding her, intoxicated by the seductive touch of her smooth skin against the rough of his and the nectar of her lips. "So... how does that do for ruining the moment?" he whispered.
"Huh...wha—?" Zelda replied with spaced breaths, enthralled by his inescapable presence. Skin electrified and soul satisfied. She was entranced, shocked and everything in between. She could barely open her eyes she was so ecstatic and when she did, she could have imagined butterflies had lifted her off her feet. She felt so weightless.
When she focused back on him, the flutter in her chest was so intense she could have sworn she have floated off the ground.
They stared into each other's eyes for a sweet moment. "How about you come a little closer and I'll tell you," she said, unable to resist the urge to grip behind his head to pull him in for another round. She couldn't wait a moment longer, already an addict of his kiss.
"You can ruin my whole day if you like," She whispered, before joining lips with his again for another sweet taste of twilight. The last of the summer sun fell low into the tent and it went dark, the evening had come, and they stood in each other's hold among the candlelight.
Link tenderly wrapped his arms around her, and they continued a lifetime's worth of passion and desire for what seemed like hours but was just a few wonderful seconds.
If this truly was love that she felt burn her bosom and warm her cheeks; she never wanted to let it go. Her young heart was about to burst. The taste of him and the cologne of his skin against hers left her senses happily drunk as if she sipped the finest wine. Her body initially quivered in his hold but eventually relaxed into his safe embrace. Belonging to no one other except him, and he to her.
Before they had a chance to take it any further, the flap to the tent fluttered open, and both of them ceased and hopped away from each other respectively.
"I was looking for you both; Imeria said I might be able to find you here—"
It was Sidon, and as he rushed inside the massive tent, he barely had a chance to catch sight of them.
They couldn't be sure what he saw so they both played it off coolly.
"Is everything alright?" Sidon asked quizzically. "I hope I'm not disturbing anything."
Link shook his head, still buzzing from their kiss. Zelda's cheeks on the other hand were as red as ever. So, clearing her throat, she spoke up. "Not at all, Link and I were just—"
"We were just talking." Link responded for her.
Zelda glanced up at him with a smile and back to Sidon. "Yes, Link and I were just discussing plans for the evening. Isn't that right Link?"
Link happily nodded.
"That's great! Because that's why I am here. I have just arrived back from that errand at the castle. All is clear and I reported all that we've done back to Simon. You know, he isn't so bad once you get used to him. And besides, he was the one that mentioned if I could fetch you both. He too would like to discuss this evening's celebration."
Zelda nearly fell back. "Celebration?"
"Why yes, you don't know? The others will be here shortly. Scouts have already met with the Lady of Tarble's ships and told them of our location, and guess what?"
"What?"
"An entire regiment followed by a host of Draene will also be here at any moment as well! Isn't that good news? Everything is going as you planned princess."
Zelda smiled. "It is. Very delightful indeed."
"And that is also why Lord Simon as well as the others want to have a banquet in your honor tonight. There is to be a hunt this evening prior to the celebration. A feast as well. Today was a great victory. So, if you're both ready, come, everyone is waiting for you in to discuss this evening's plans."
"A hunt you say?" Zelda said, stopping before they could all rush out the tent. She tilted her head, cuffing her chin and with a grin she spun to face Link. "You like those don't you?"
Link smirked back.
"Well, then, I guess there's nothing left but to go see what all the fuss is about and talk with the others. What do you say?"
Link nodded and Sidon spoke flexing a cool fist in the air. "Very well, follow me then."
And with that, the three of them departed and made their way to the others. Evening had come.
Authors Notes- Hopefully this can satisfy you for a little bit as I finish up the next one. Big things are happening. Please, if you haven already, let me know if you enjoyed this as much as I enjoyed writing it. Or if you didn't. LOL I hope you did though.
I see that a lot of you are reading but are pretty silent LOL. I feel like this chap deserves your opinions unlike all the other chapters. You have no idea how much your comments help me, and help to get this story exposure, they help immensely. Thanks and stay safe wherever you are in Hyrule.