Here's my second contribution to the Zelink Week 2024 event! This time, the prompt was "Enchantment". I've been dying to write a fluffy ALBW Zelink story for a while now, so I took this opportunity to run with it. I hope you enjoy!
What You've Been Waiting For
It was enchanting.
This simple painting, displayed in the main hall of the castle. A Hero and Princess from ages past, comfortably locked in each other's embrace. Their faces adorned by warm and loving smiles. Zelda's heart skipped a beat every time she witnessed it.
The castle halls were decorated with many portraits of Heroes and Princesses past. Some detailed the Hero in green fighting the pig-beast Ganon, or wielding the Master Sword beneath a golden Triforce. Others showed the Princess being captured and rescued before standing next to her brave and beloved champion.
But none of those paintings captivated the young Princess like this one did. There was just something so charming about it. So alluring. So soft and tranquil and hopeful too. A satisfied sigh escaped Zelda's lips. She would never grow tired of this image.
"Princess Zelda," the old, croaky voice of Impa soon called out from the nearby staircase. Zelda turned to find her elderly caretaker approaching her, appearing more than a little displeased. "What has you so distracted? Your studies await you, and I don't want to hear any excuses this time."
Zelda produced another sigh, this time in disappointment. In the prior weeks, the young Princess had come to loathe her studies. She knew they were important, of course (one day, she would have to become the wise and intelligent Queen that everyone expected her to be!), but she had found it rather difficult to focus recently. After being involved in a world-changing battle against the forces of evil, the mundane study of old texts and history and mathematics was…far from exciting. Not to mention, it was such a lovely day outside! And there were so many other ways that she wished to spend it…
"Impa," Zelda began, a small smirk tugging at the side of her lips, "perhaps we can save the studying for later?"
The kind yet stern woman narrowed her eyes. "Now, Princess, you've been putting this off all day. If you don't take care of it now, it may very well not get done at all."
Zelda flashed the most innocent smile she could muster. "Would that really be so terrible?"
Impa simply grinned at her gall. "Nice try, young lady, but a Princess is expected to be responsible, no matter how nice the weather is, or how alluring the romantic paintings are around here."
Zelda promptly blushed. She always tried to steal glances at her favorite painting in private, for fear of being teased about it. However, there were few in this world that knew Zelda as well as Impa did, and the old crone clearly had the girl's number.
"Come along," Impa insisted, her grin turning victorious. "If you promise to dedicate a few hours to your study, then your secret shall remain safe with me."
"Very well," Zelda agreed with slumped shoulders. She joined the nursemaid by the stairs, making the long trek up to her study. All the while, unwelcome thoughts of her favored painting plagued her mind, as did images of a certain boy. A boy who honestly rivaled the portrait in terms of enchantment.
She wondered what he was up to today…
Link frowned, clutching a half-empty bottle of milk in his hands. He was currently seated at the counter of the Milk Bar in Kakariko; his legs dangling over the side of the stool and failing to reach the floor. The Blacksmith whom he worked for had generously given him the day off, claiming that warm, sunny, and peaceful days like this one didn't come around often. He insisted that Link go out and enjoy himself for a bit, instead of working so hard for a change. He even asserted that Link should spend the day with a certain special someone, if the boy was wise enough to catch his drift.
Which, fortunately, Link was. However, the issue was that he had no idea on how to approach such a thing, thus leading to his current dilemma where he found himself glumly sitting inside of a bar, sipping on hearty milk.
Ever since he had returned home from his adventures in Lorule, Link and the Princess had grown quite close to one another. Or, at the very least, she had managed to grow closer to him. Her openly warm and friendly attitude honestly surprised Link. She had frequently sent letters, inviting him to afternoon tea or evening dinners at the castle, complemented with her pleasant company, of course. Zelda had also started seeking him out more, casually visiting him on his days off and asking what he was up to. She always giggled whenever he claimed that he had no plans.
One day, she had even visited while he was in the middle of his shift at the forge. She merely smiled and introduced herself to the blacksmith's family before inquiring about the Hero's work. Link barely had time to answer though before the blacksmith was practically shoving him out the door, insisting that the boy take the rest of the day off. At the time, Link thought it was rather strange behavior. But after spending a pleasant afternoon with Zelda wandering the markets of Kakariko, he finally managed to start clueing in.
He had a feeling that Zelda liked him…
And he liked her too…
Not only was she sweet and kind and brave and warm and pleasant and friendly and selfless and perfect, but she was also the cutest girl that Link had ever met. Big, innocent, rounded blue eyes. Golden hair that shined in the sunlight. Only the most adorable little hands which she occasionally used to affectionately graze his arm…
Yeah, he liked her a lot.
But…here was the problem. Link was just a young man, and kind of a doofus at that. He didn't know anything about love or romance or affection! And even if he did, he certainly wouldn't know how to apply any of that to a Royal Princess of all people! Sure, Zelda was sweet on him, but she was still such an important figure. Everyone in the Kingdom knew her name and she often spent time with only the most elite of nobles. By all rights, she basically belonged to an entirely different world.
And what was he compared to that? Some lowly kid who helped out around a dirty old forge? Sure, he was also a Hero who had taken up a sword, traversed the Kingdom, slayed monsters, traversed a second Kingdom, slayed more monsters, stopped more than a few villains and even saved the Princess's very life before sharing a wish on the Triforce with her, but what was that compared to nobility?
Well, he knew that Zelda appreciated his efforts, at least.
Still, acknowledging the problem wouldn't solve it. Link needed to brainstorm. He had been encouraged to spend time with Zelda. He wanted to. But how was he supposed to do that? What kind of experience could he offer her that would make her…well, happy?
He took a swig of his milk, trying his best to get creative. Surely he could come up with some sort of plan! Something he could do to make Zelda smile and laugh without behaving like a lowly doofus! Surely there was some way to brighten her day as she so often brightened his!
A few minutes passed. Link reached the bottom of his milk bottle. He had nothing…
The boy groaned before laying his head down on the counter. He wished that he were smarter. If he had Zelda's wisdom, or Hilda's cunning, or Ravio's common sense, surely he would be able to come up with something. Unfortunately, there were some days where Link felt like he was really only good at mindlessly swinging around a sword. Sure, it was a good skillset when it came to saving lives, but what use was that on sunny and peaceful days?
Just then, the door to the Milk Bar swung open, and a newcomer stepped inside. It took Link a second to recognize him, but once he did, it hardly did anything to improve his mood. Strange haircut. Shifty goggles. A moustache that was far too high on his face with a grin that was far too wide to match it.
The Rumor Guy…To be honest, Link didn't even know his real name. He was pretty sure that no one did. And yet, the man seemed to know just about everything about everyone else. He often contented to hide in his secluded home in the Lost Woods to the north, freely sharing gossip with any visitors who happened to find him. Talk about a strange man with even stranger information…
The gent in question soon took a seat on the stool next to Link. The Hero merely squinted and turned away, hoping to be left alone. Unfortunately, he was not so lucky.
"Well, if it isn't the Hero boy!" Rumor Guy exclaimed. "What's the matter, child? You seem rather down today."
Link wiggled his nose as he sat up. He wasn't exactly keen to be starting a conversation with the man who was only looking for juicy stories that had nothing to do with him.
"Oh, come on now," Rumor Guy insisted. "Don't give me the silent treatment. If you've got some new rumors, pass 'em along, would ya? The gossip ain't gonna spread itself!"
Link crossed his arms, pouting. He knew it. This man was just looking for a quick story, and he was not going to take the bait.
The Rumor Guy widened his smile. He was no stranger to getting the information he needed, even if he was dealing with difficult sources. "Come on, pal. I shared so many useful stories with you, didn't I?"
Link felt that the quality and usefulness of some of those rumors were very debatable.
"Do me a favor, and share some news with your old buddy! After all, sealed lips ruin friendships!"
Link was pretty sure that wasn't a real saying.
"All right, kid, tell you what," Rumor Guy continued shamelessly. "I'll buy you a fresh bottle of milk if you spill the beans."
Link couldn't help but perk up at this. He did enjoy free stuff. Free food and drink especially…
"Fine," the Hero accepted. "But you have to buy it first before I talk."
"Fair enough," Rumor Guy smirked. Within seconds, he had the owner's attention and both he and Link were sipping on fresh bottles of white heaven. They even lowered their bottles in sync after the first swig, exclaiming content ahhh's into the air.
"All right, Hero boy, now what's on your heart?" Rumor Guy insisted.
Link sighed a bit as the reality of his dilemma returned to him. "I want to hang out with the Princess today, but I don't know how to approach her, or what I can offer her."
"Oooh, you two getting sweet on each other, eh?"
"Maybe," Link admitted with a slight blush. Leave it to the Rumor Guy to blow things way out of proportion…Or maybe hit the nail right on the head…
"Well, what are you so worried about?" the man asked with a snicker. "You're a strapping young lad, aren't ya? I'm sure that's more than enough to capture a Princess's eyes. And maybe even her heart too!"
"But I don't know how to make her happy!" Link complained. "I mean, I just wish I knew what I could do for her. I feel like I'm really clueless about all of this stuff."
"Hero boy, clueless with romance!" Rumor Guy mused to himself, as if reading out an enticing newspaper headline. "Now this is some juicy gossip…"
"Hey!" Link shouted. "Don't tell me that you're just fishing for rumors!"
"Pfft, do you even remember who you're talking to?" Rumor Guy sneered. Nevertheless, he soon took a drink of milk before smiling wide again. "But listen, kid, if you're really having a rough time, then how about I give you a little tip?"
Link immediately perked up at this. "A tip? You know how to help me?"
"I know a lot of things," the man said with a wink from behind his shades. "And I can tell you that there's no shortage of rumors about that favorite Princess of yours. One of which I happen to recall sharing before…"
Link's enthusiasm quickly deflated. He wasn't in the mood for riddles. "I don't know what you're talking about."
Rumor Guy reflected the boy's expression. "Come on, buddy, you're smarter than that! I know you can take a hint! Now, don't you recall me telling you a real juicy rumor back at my home in the Lost Woods?"
Link furrowed his brow, trying to brainstorm. To be honest, he always felt like most of the gossip that came out of Rumor Guy's mouth was nonsense.
"I'm gonna be real disappointed if you don't remember! What good is gossip if no one recalls it?"
Link tuned him out, still thinking hard. Thankfully, the answer came to him sooner rather than later. "Oh! The painting! In the castle!"
"Bingo!" Rumor Guy beamed.
Link grinned as well, thinking over the rumor that he had heard about Zelda a while back. How every night, she would sneak around the castle halls, ultimately finding her way to a beautiful painting of a past Hero and Princess cuddling in each other's arms. Apparently, Zelda adored that painting, and would stare at it in silence for long periods of time, completely entranced by its wonder. Link recalled thinking that it was kind of a cute story. To know that Zelda so innocently longed for romance was practically the pinnacle of adorableness.
But wait…how was this supposed to help him?
Link voiced his concern aloud, which only caused Rumor Guy to sputter. "You serious, Hero boy? If you can't even figure that out, then you're truly hopeless."
Link crossed his arms and pouted. This man had proven himself far less useful than Link had hoped. And on top of this, there would probably be a bunch of new rumors floating around town come tomorrow! This exchange hardly seemed like it was worth the free milk…
With no other option, the Hero returned to brainstorming. He tried to figure out what Rumor Guy had been hinting at when he mentioned the painting rumor. Apparently, there was some clue in there that would help Link. Some idea of how he could draw closer to his Princess and make her happy, as she absolutely deserved to be.
Thoughts and memories continued to flow through Link's mind. He tried to imagine the painting. What it meant to Zelda. What she found so appealing about it. How it related to him. He then recalled all of the time they had spent together. Meeting in the castle. Rushing to her rescue when Yuga confronted her. Saving her from Lorule and making a wish on the Triforce with bright, hopeful smiles on their faces. How Zelda had taken such an interest in him after his journey had concluded.
Link paused as an imaginary lantern flared to life over his head. He…He suddenly realized it! What the Rumor Guy was hinting at! What he could do to make Zelda happy! The one true thing that she adored about him!
"I've got it!" he exclaimed, immediately hopping out of his seat. "I've really got it! I know exactly what to do!"
"Oh, figured it out, huh?" Rumor Guy said with a smirk. "New rumor: Hero boy is a little dense. Takes too long to realize the obvious."
Link just ignored his teasing and grinned with pride. He couldn't care less what kind of embarrassing gossip the Rumor Guy would start spreading. He had far more important matters on his mind! Specifically, this beautiful day and his even more beautiful Princess!
"I have to go!" Link insisted. He downed the last of his milk without missing a beat. "Thanks, Rumor Guy!"
The gossiper merely snickered as he waved the boy off. "Good luck, kid."
Link provided the courtesy of waving back before rushing out the door. He had no time to waste. His Princess was waiting for him, even if she didn't know it yet! Sure, she may have been out of his league. Heck, she may have belonged to an entirely different world of high status and nobility. But Link had no fear.
This wouldn't be the first time that he had crossed between worlds…
Zelda lightly yawned as she pressed quill to parchment, taking notes on long and dull math equations that she honestly couldn't care less about. Reaching the limits of her boredom, she allowed herself a glance at her open window. The golden rays of the sun were still shining brilliantly outside, and she was fortunate enough to be blessed with a warm breeze from time to time. She smiled a bit, wishing that she could enjoy this gorgeous day. Wishing that she could be free of this prison that was her office.
She shifted her eyes to the door, which, to little surprise, was shut tight. Impa usually joined her for her study sessions, tutoring her and aiding her when she was having difficulty. Occasionally, she would step out, though, allowing the Princess some privacy and a chance to study on her own. After all, what good is a future Queen that couldn't even teach herself a thing or two?
Zelda supposed that she appreciated the alone time. It meant that she wouldn't be reprimanded for gazing out the window, or daydreaming about heartwarming paintings, or thinking of a certain boy…All of which were wonderful luxuries for a drained teenage girl.
She just wished that she didn't have to be so lonely.
Zelda nearly jumped and squeaked upon hearing the familiar creak of her door. She immediately buried her nose in her parchment, pretending to be busy. She prayed that Impa wouldn't notice that she was holding her quill upside-down…
"Good afternoon, Your Highness," came a familiar, yet entirely unexpected voice. Zelda barely dared to hope as she glanced upwards with wide eyes. She couldn't help but crack a smile when she finally realized who had greeted her.
"Link!" she exclaimed in a hushed tone. "What are you-"
"Shhh!" he immediately interrupted her. With a brave smile, he approached her desk, taking careful and quiet steps as he did so.
Zelda just gave him a weird look as he snuck towards her like a rabbit. She knew it would be best to keep their voices down for fear of Impa discovering them, but why did the Hero seem to be going the extra mile when it came to silence?
The next thing she knew, Link was by her side, ushering her to her feet. With raised eyebrows, she chose to comply.
"Come on," the Hero breathed, before quickly shuffling back towards the door. He cracked it open and peeked outside, as if checking for something.
Again, Zelda eyed him like he was a lunatic. "Link, it's always a pleasure to see you," she whispered as she joined his side. "But what is all of this about?"
He turned to her, eyes bright and grin even brighter. "I'm here to rescue you."
Zelda was taken aback by this. "Er…rescue me?"
He nodded without fear. "Yep."
"From what, exactly?"
"This dusty old room!" he said with a quiet laugh. "It's a beautiful day outside, you know? No point in wasting it away in here."
Zelda continued to eye him, almost wondering if he was an illusion that her weary mind had conjured amidst her daydreams. This couldn't actually be real, could it?
As if to counter that very thought, Link fully faced her, shining blue eyes staring deep into her own. "This is what you've been waiting your whole life for, isn't it?" he asked, his voice both innocent and sweet. "For someone to come to your rescue?"
Zelda promptly flushed. She couldn't believe it. This boy. This handsome, sweet, and enchanting boy had discerned her secret. A desire which she had long kept locked away inside of her heart. And yet, he had just cast the truth right out into the open, as if it were the most obvious thing in the world.
She tried to speak, but merely stuttered. "H-How did you…"
"Don't worry about that," he insisted with a casual shake of his head. "Just tell me, you want to go, don't you? Away from here?"
Thoughts of sunshine and green grass and warm winds brought a smile to her lips. The answer should have been obvious. Why was she even hesitating?
"Of course, Link," she said with a nod. "Take me away, would you?"
He grinned in response. "It would be my pleasure!"
Wasting no time, the Hero turned his attention back to the door, scanning the hall for any errant guards or suspiciously perceptive nursemaids. Once he was satisfied, he gestured for her to come closer. He then stunned her by offering an open palm.
"You have to hold my hand," Link insisted. "So we don't get separated."
Zelda just blushed. His demeanor was so innocent and warm and gentle. She would take his hand any day. She'd even hold it for the rest of her life if she was simply given the chance.
Her nervous yet excited fingers intertwined with his, and he squeezed her hand with only the utmost affection. Behind his bright expression, she could tell that he was blushing too. But it wasn't long before he set that aside. He was a man of courage and action before all else, especially when it came to saving his loved ones!
Without another word, the pair dashed out of the room. Zelda used one hand to hold up her skirts while Link giddily pulled her along by the other. They glided through the halls, nearly hovering with glee. They came to an abrupt stop at every corner, checking for guards and making sure the coast was clear. They'd soon pick up the pace once more, doing their best not to giggle every time they succeeded in avoiding a close call.
Within minutes, they were home free. Link pulled Zelda through one of the castle's unattended side doors. The Princess had to squint a bit as the golden sunshine fell upon her eyes, but she soon adjusted. The sight she was met with was gorgeous. An expanse of greenery. A clear stream babbling beneath the nearest bridge. The wonderful boy that was tethered to her, now laughing freely as he celebrated their escape.
"Well, what do you think?" he asked. "Better than an office prison, right?"
"It's breathtaking," she whispered, admiring the current portrait that rested before her. She wished that she could capture its beauty and appreciate it forever, but she supposed that the memory would suffice. She soon bowed low for the lovely boy beside her. "Thank you, my Hero, for always coming to my rescue."
Link smiled bashfully as he accepted her praise. It filled his heart with joy to see her like this. So grateful and relaxed. So happy to just be alive. To just be with him.
For some reason, he suddenly recalled words spoken long ago. Words from a horrible man with a cruel heart. When that dastardly villain, Yuga, had turned Zelda into a painting, and Link had failed to save her in time.
"I wish only to possess your beauty, Princess Zelda of Hyrule, not all these ugly words of yours!"
Link hated to dwell on such things. It filled him with frustration and remorse. He would never let someone like Yuga draw close to Zelda again. He would always be there for her. He would always be her beloved Hero, who rescued her from evil and boredom alike.
Besides, what did that artsy fool know? Link found Zelda's words to be just as charming as the rest of her! Why, even now, he could still recall her soft voice as the two of them stood in front of the Triforce together. How they had drawn close as their hearts and minds became as one. The simple truth that Zelda had offered.
"After all that we've seen, do we not share the same wish?"
The scene was like a ray of light, parting the storm that was his clouded thoughts. Link reveled in it. He loved this sweet and innocent girl with all his heart.
She was honestly enchantment itself.
Beneath the bright sun, Link offered her an even brighter smile as he tugged on her hand. "Come on. Let's go south and snack on apples in the woods!"
Zelda merely beamed as she scurried alongside him. "Okay!"
Impa wandered into an empty office, promptly scowling. On the desk lay an abandoned quill and notebook. She soon shook her head as she wandered over to the nearest window and peered outside. To little surprise, she saw the Princess running off with a boy clad in green. She softly sighed as she shook her head some more, and yet her lips cracked a smile.
"Young fools," she mused.
The nursemaid spent the rest of the day waiting by the castle's front gate, casually working on her writing and knitting. It was nearly sunset when the Princess finally returned. The girl entered the courtyard, bidding her lovely boy a fond farewell. As the Hero scurried off, Zelda was practically radiating contentment. She casually hummed a happy tune as she approached the older woman.
"Well," Impa began with raised eyebrows, "care to explain where you've been all day? I noticed that your studies remain unfinished."
Zelda didn't shy away. She was on top of the clouds and even Impa's prodding wasn't enough to sully her mood. "I had a lovely day in the forest, with some rather enchanting company," she said in a matter-of-fact tone. She soon cupped her hands over her heart, nearly swooning on the spot. "I think the studies can wait, because this joy is priceless."
Impa couldn't help but grin. Despite the Princess's blatant disregard for her schooling, she still shared in the girl's abundant bliss. It was just so very rare to see her in such a wonderful mood.
"So you'd say it was worth it?" Impa teased. "Handing over all of your precious time to another?"
"Of course it was," Zelda insisted as she gracefully swept past her. "Because someday, I'm going to marry that boy."
For this story, I wanted to focus on the things that Link and Zelda find charming about each other. Or in this case, enchanting, if you will. They obviously like each other because they are both selfless and kind and sweet, but I think it goes a bit further than that too. I like to headcanon that ALBW Zelda spends her entire life wishing for a warm and loving hero to one day come to her rescue. She wants to be like the Zelda in the painting: rescued and loved by a charming hero. And then the events of ALBW happen, and she actually does get her wish to have a hero save her. It's just so sweet to think about! :)
This was my first time ever writing young love, so I tried my best to make everything innocent and kind of silly. I also threw in that last line because when it comes to youth, I feel like there's nothing more romantic than saying "I'm going to marry you someday". And then it's so sweet when the kids grow up and actually do get married hehehe.
Anyway, that's about all I have to say. This is my final contribution to Zelink Week 2024. Thank you once again to Zelink Community for hosting the event! And thank you all for reading :)