To Capture the Heart of a Hero

Chapter 51 – Consolation

"Of course, I promise to never let harm befall him."

Words spoken in innocence, with only the best of intentions. And now, nothing more than an oath which had been shattered.

In the days following Ilia's accusations and Link's brusque departure, Zelda found herself wracked with guilt. She felt bad enough that Link had been wounded while trying to save her, but Ilia's words truly forced her to realize the extent of her sins. She hadn't just caused injury to Link. She had also caused Ilia a great deal of stress and unnecessary worry.

And this was after Zelda had specifically promised never to do so.

The Princess felt like a beast. A traitor. Someone who was cruel and selfish and didn't care enough to keep their word. And worse yet, someone who needlessly placed her loved ones in danger. How could she have allowed this to happen?

"Maybe I should have just went into the Arbiter's Grounds by myself," Zelda admitted aloud one day. "Maybe then this wouldn't have happened. Maybe then nobody would have gotten hurt."

King Caius sighed from his bed. He and Zelda were currently in his bedchamber working through some legal documents when he insisted on knowing what was going on with her. She had been moping around the castle for days, and he was truly starting to worry. It had taken some prodding, but Zelda had finally confided in him, and now she appeared all the worse for it.

"Zelda," Caius said softly. "Do not say things like that. Nobody at that camp would have wanted you to venture into that dungeon alone. Especially not Link."

Zelda frowned, and only dared to glance at her father out of the corner of her eye. "How can you be so sure?"

Caius shook his head, as if his daughter was asking some ridiculous question. "Link is a righteous Hero. A man who always puts others before himself. And from what I understand, he's a very close friend of yours. He would have never allowed you to face a horde of monsters alone."

Zelda couldn't help but question the confidence with which her father spoke. "Since when have you become so familiar with him?"

Caius simply chuckled. "Haven't you heard? He comes to visit me from time to time and we get to talking. Trust me, Zelda, I know him well enough."

She frowned some more, realizing that there was likely some truth in his words. Still, her remorse continued to cling to her heavy heart. "Maybe I should have just let him go alone then."

Caius slowly shook his head as he signed another document. "I think you're mistaken there as well, my dear."

"But if I hadn't been there, then Link wouldn't have had to save me."

"Zelda, you are misinterpreting what happened. Link didn't have to do anything. He chose to save you, because you mean a lot to him."

Zelda fell silent, stumped by this argument.

The King was quiet as well, taking a moment to dip his quill in the ink bottle before softly smiling. "No man risks his life to save another unless he absolutely wishes to. Remember this, Zelda. Link knew exactly what he was doing when he pushed you out of the way, and I guarantee that he doesn't blame you for any of it."

Zelda slowly nodded, recalling the Hero's own words about how he was just happy to know that she was okay, and how upset he had been when Zelda prepared to sacrifice her life for his. Link had truly wanted nothing more than to spare her a gruesome fate. And yet, Zelda couldn't allow these facts to console her. Not when Ilia's bitter words still echoed in her ears.

"But I…I still deserved to be judged for my actions," Zelda said quietly. "After all, Ilia-"

"Was upset that someone she loved got hurt," Caius supplied effortlessly. "And when we're upset, sometimes we can be overly harsh and say things that we don't truly mean."

Zelda scowled a bit, starting to tire of his attempts to comfort her. "Trust me, father, she meant every word. I could see it in her eyes. Hear it in her voice. She was so hurt because of what happened."

To her surprise, Caius simply shrugged. "Then the blame should fall on Link and the Gerudo in addition to yourself. They are equally responsible for the accident that transpired. There is no reason for you to accept all of the blame yourself."

Zelda lowered her eyes. She supposed that there was some truth in these words as well, but she found it hard to accept. "I still feel awful though."

"Well, that's to be expected. You did break a promise, after all. And someone you loved was hurt because of it. But as I've already said, when someone we love gets hurt, it causes us to be more harsh than we mean to. And that includes being too harsh to ourselves." Here, he paused, and gave Zelda a long, knowing look. "And if I've ever known someone to be the worst offender of this, it would be you, my wonderful daughter."

Zelda couldn't help but crack a small smile. Finally, after much convincing, she was starting to see his point. "I suppose all of this self-blame doesn't really help anything, does it?"

"I suppose it doesn't," Caius replied with a carefree shrug. "So what do you need to do?"

"I need to ask for forgiveness."

"From whom?"

"Link and Ilia…" She paused. "And myself."

Caius gifted her a grin that only a proud father could produce. "Very wise, Zelda. Now, do you feel a little better?"

"Yes," she admitted, still smiling. She soon walked over and gave him a hug. "Thank you for the kind and helpful words, father. It truly means a lot."

Caius just laughed as he tried to push her away. "Careful, Zelda, I've got ink and papers here!"

Zelda laughed a bit as well as she pulled back and helped set his workstation straight. Since the King was working from his bed, he always had to be careful not to spill ink or knock anything over. "Sorry about that."

"Oh, it's no trouble. I'm always happy to be here for you." He took a moment to sigh in contentment before dipping his quill and moving on to his next paper. "Now, when will you be off?"

Zelda just blinked at the query. "Be off? To where?"

"Why, to visit the Hero, of course. I'm sure it would help if the two of you talked things out."

"Oh…I'm not sure."

Caius gave a small shake of his head. "Well, don't wait too long. You and I both know that you won't feel better until you see him again."

Zelda slowly nodded. She couldn't deny that her father had a point. Perhaps it would be best to make a quick trip down to Ordon and see how the Hero's recovery was progressing. Not to mention, she would also have the chance to apologize and set everything right once and for all.

However, the situation wasn't as simple as Caius made it out to be, for the Princess still had a separate conflict to confront. One that only made her heart ache every time it crossed her mind. Even now, she could still hear the Hero's words echoing around in her head.

The two of us will always be friends…

When Zelda wasn't consumed by her guilt, she couldn't help but spend every remaining moment trying to interpret that line. What had the Hero meant by that? Was that their baseline? Was he saying that no matter what, they would at least be friends, and nothing less? Or was it the opposite, and "friends" was their limit? Was he saying that they would only be friends, and nothing more?

Zelda felt torn. She hated to admit it, but even after months of telling herself that it wasn't meant to be, her heart still longed for the Hero. Yes, even at this very moment, her annoying little blood-pumper held a great desire in being together with him. To grow closer to him. To support him. To love him as more than a friend.

But her mind was much more practical. More rational. It constantly reminded her that she didn't have a chance with Link and that she just needed to keep doing her best to move on. After all, she had stressed this to herself hundreds of times. Link was together with Ilia, and he was happy. The Hero and the Princess were simply not meant to be.

They would always be friends.

As the days passed, Zelda did her best to swallow her depression and ignore the issues of her heart. She soon resorted to her favorite pastime for issues such as these: focusing all of her efforts on her duties as Princess. After all, she found that it was easier to work on rebuilding a ruined Kingdom rather than sort out her broken feelings.

But this could only go on for so long before Zelda couldn't take it anymore. She realized that her father had been absolutely right. She couldn't keep trying to deal with this conflict on her own. She needed to see Link again.

And so, she soon planned to make the journey down to Ordon Village.

Without a word, Ilia slowly and carefully finished wrapping the bandages around Link's chest. Once they were nice and secure, she rubbed his shoulder a bit. "There, how do they feel?"

"They feel good," he responded. "Thanks."

It was evening in Ordon, with dark storm clouds looming overhead. Ever since Link's return to the village, Ilia had been visiting every day in order to check up on him. And of course, since she was the villager with the most medical experience, she had taken it upon herself to continue the treatment of Link's wound. She had just finished applying some healing salve to the injury before wrapping it up in fresh bandages.

Ilia soon handed Link his tunic, and he slipped it on over his bonds. "Good as new," he said with a grin.

Ilia softly smiled at his joke before walking over to the stove in the kitchen. She inspected the stew that hung over the bright flame, and once she was satisfied, prepared two bowls. She walked back to Link and handed him one.

"This will help your strength return," she insisted.

"Thanks again," he said before gladly helping himself.

They ate in silence for a while, but eventually, Link couldn't help but notice that Ilia's expression seemed a little dismal. And this wasn't the first time either. She had been looking like this a lot the last few days, and he felt like it was only ever at times when she didn't think he would notice.

But he certainly noticed it now.

Link finished off his stew before turning to her with a frown. "Ilia, what's the matter? You're looking down again."

She blinked a bit, surprised at having been caught, and nervously turned away. "I just…feel like I have a lot on my mind."

Link blinked back. If he recalled correctly, he knew a certain Princess that liked to use that excuse a lot too. He soon reached over and placed his hand in hers. "If something is wrong, tell me."

She managed to bring her eyes up to meet his, and soon sighed. "I'm sorry. I'm just a little worried is all."

"Worried? About what?"

"You, obviously…"

Link smiled a bit as he released a breath. "This again? Come on, Ilia, I already told you that this isn't a big deal."

"Maybe not to you, but I can't help it, Link," Ilia said softly. "It kills me to see you like this. To see you all broken and bandaged and barely able to move without hissing like a tea kettle."

Link shook his head. As always, he felt that she was exaggerating. "I'm not broken. I'm just a little hurt and as I've already told you, I'll survive."

"But for how long?" Ilia questioned with accusing eyes. "You know that those who are reckless tend to die young."

Link raised an eyebrow. "Who said anything about dying?"

"There's always a chance," she answered quietly. "Always a chance…that someday you won't be fine, and that someday, you won't come back…"

Link softly smiled before pulling Ilia into a hug. He rubbed her back a bit before speaking up in a gentle tone. "Trust me, you worry too much. I can handle anything that comes my way."

Ilia nodded, but when her voice came out, it was still rather somber. "I have confidence in you, Link. I really do. I just…I get a little scared sometimes."

"And that's understandable," Link assured her.

Ilia sniffed loudly before pulling out of Link's embrace. She then stared into his steady blue eyes for a while. "Promise me that you'll be more careful from now on?"

"I promise," he said resolutely.

"That helps," she said with a meager smile. She then took a second to wipe her eyes before any tears had a chance to sneak out. "Sorry about this. Sometimes I just think that you'd be better off if you didn't do so much adventuring."

This statement gave Link some pause. He soon frowned. "What do you mean?"

He almost expected Ilia to feel a little guilty as she explained herself, but to his surprise, she said her words with great conviction. "I wish that you'd stay here instead of running around so much. If your adventures are always going to be this dangerous, then I think it would be better if you just remained in Ordon. At least then I'll always know that you're safe."

Link furrowed his brow. He had never imagined that Ilia might say something like this. "But Ilia, I can't do that. I'm the Kingdom's Hero."

"Says the Princess…"

Link nearly gawked at how cold her voice sounded. If he didn't know any better, he'd almost think that Ilia was being bitter! "People need me, Ilia. The Kingdom is counting on my cooperation. I'm doing a lot of good when I'm not in Ordon."

Ilia was quiet for a while, but when she spoke up again, her words still sounded rather harsh. "Well, I hope that they appreciate it."

Again, Link gawked. He felt like he had more to say, but he didn't get the chance. Ilia grabbed their empty bowls without a sound and made her way to the kitchen in order to wash them. Link knew her well enough to realize that this was her way of saying "the conversation is over".

Link crossed his arms as he leaned back in his seat. He wasn't exactly pleased with how that discussion had went. In fact, he wasn't happy at all. He understood that Ilia was worried about him, but why did she have to question his role? His position within the Kingdom? Didn't she realize that he enjoyed his work? That he was happy to serve others and was willing to do whatever it took to make improvements? He truly believed that there were people out there who needed him. Relied on him. And not as Link the ranch hand, but as Link, the Hero of Twilight. So what if he wound up in a dangerous situation from time to time? He could never turn his back on the people who needed him, ever.

Just then, a low rumble sounded overhead. Link frowned before glancing out the nearby window. Sure enough, the gray clouds were growing blacker by the minute, and there was an awful gale whipping through the air. A storm was approaching.

Link cradled his side as he rose to his feet and made his way over to Ilia. He soon placed a hand on her shoulder, halting her dishwashing for a moment.

"Let me finish up here," he told her. "You ought to get going."

She deeply frowned and went to argue. "What? No, Link, I've got it-"

But Link was having none of it. "There's a bad storm coming. If you don't leave soon, there's a good chance you'll get caught up in it."

Ilia glanced outside and she could see that he was right. It would likely start pouring before too long. Her eyes found her way back to the Hero. "You'll be okay here?"

"Do you really need me to say it again?" he teased her. "I'll be fine."

Ilia couldn't help but smile. Link took her wet hands in his and pulled her in for a quick kiss. He then released her and handed her a towel to dry off.

"Thanks," she murmured. Once her hands were clean, she made her way to the front door. "I'll be back tomorrow, okay?"

"Looking forward to it," he replied. They both smiled.

"Love you."

"Love you too."

And with that, Ilia took her leave, bracing herself against the harsh winds before closing the door behind her. Link then faced the sink, leaning against the counter to support himself. He picked up the dishwashing where Ilia had left off, and after a few minutes of humming and listening to the low rumble of thunder overhead, he finished. He then smiled with pride.

See? I can handle myself just fine, he thought. Ilia clearly worries too much.

Just then, there came a sudden knock on the front door. Link glanced over, wondering who could possibly have come to visit him. With the storm about to start any minute, he figured that no one would be out and about.

"Ilia, did you forget something?" he asked as he walked over and opened the door. He then paused, startled by the sight of such an unexpected face. "What the…? Zelda?"

A strong gust of wind blew through the trees, and the Princess had to take a moment to brush her hair out of her face. She then gave the Hero a long, silent stare. "Hello, Link," she eventually mumbled.

"Hello…" he replied slowly and awkwardly. "Um, what are you doing here?"

Zelda simply frowned, looking a little guilty. "Forgive me for the sudden intrusion. Is this a bad time?"

The Hero blinked, only now realizing how badly he had forgotten his manners. "What? Oh, no! Now is perfectly fine. Please, come in."

Link stepped aside and Zelda timidly entered his home. Link then used both hands to slam the door shut against the howling wind which was fighting to enter along with her. The gale died with a ceremonious whistle.

"Phew," Link breathed, relieved to have the storm relegated to the outside once more. He then turned to his unexpected companion. "Sorry for greeting you with such shock. I just didn't expect you to show up out of the blue like this."

Zelda slowly nodded, showing that she understood. "The fault lies with me. I decided to come and visit on a whim. I hope that's okay."

"Oh, of course. You're always welcome here," Link assured her. He then took a moment to eye her up and down. "Did you come all the way from the castle?"

She nodded. "Yes."

"Alone?"

"It was just Reina and I."

"In the middle of this storm?"

"The weather was peaceful throughout most of the day. It only started getting dark and windy just an hour ago. Fortunately, I made it here before it truly started."

"'Fortunate' is putting it lightly," Link said with a shake of his head. "It looks like it's going to be pretty bad. Did you leave Reina outside?"

"I left her beneath the trees next to Epona," Zelda explained. "I assume she'll be okay there?"

Link nodded. He had a small alcove next to his home that was protected by the cliffs and trees. It was the perfect shelter for Epona when the weather turned miserable. And fortunately, there was more than enough room to share. "Yeah, the two of them should stay dry and warm enough. And of course, I'm sure that Epona will appreciate the company."

Zelda allowed herself a smile. "Good."

"So," Link said, walking into his den and inviting Zelda to do the same. They both took a seat. "Tell me, how'd you manage to sneak away on a surprise trip to Ordon without any guards?"

She shrugged. "I told my father and a few servants that I was leaving, and then I did."

"Does Fost know that you're here?"

"Does he need to?"

Link couldn't help but smirk. "No, I suppose not."

"Then let's keep this a secret between you and I," Zelda said resolutely.

Link just laughed. "Fine. So tell me, what brings you all the way down here? I'm happy to see you, of course, but I assume there's a reason for why you went to all this trouble?"

Zelda smiled a bit. Of course, her actions almost always had a practical reason behind them, and it seemed that Link understood this well.

"I wanted to come and visit you, to see how your recovery is going. And, well…" She paused, allowing her smile to fade. "I also wanted to apologize, to you and Ilia both."

"Apologize?" Link asked with a raised eyebrow. "Whatever for?"

"For putting you in a situation where you were injured," Zelda said firmly. "And for causing Ilia so much grief."

Link gave her a cruious look. "Whoever said that all of that was your fault?"

Zelda shook her head. "I…just feel responsible for what has transpired."

Link slowly exhaled before producing a sympathetic smile. He supposed that he couldn't blame Zelda for feeling this way. After all, he still recalled how Ilia had harshly reprimanded the Princess back at the castle, assigning all of the blame to her. Personally, Link had thought nothing of the sort, but for Zelda, the guilt must have been weighing on her. She was probably being too hard on herself, just as she always was.

"Zelda, you don't have to apologize to me. I don't blame you for what happened. Besides, it's all in the past now. I survived, and I only did so with your help, if you recall."

Zelda produced a weak smile. She wasn't surprised in the slightest. Somehow, she knew that this would be Link's position on the matter. However, there was still someone else who had a voice in this discussion, and her words weighed heavily on Zelda's heart.

"And Ilia?" she asked softly.

Link just sighed and started to shake his head. "I wouldn't worry about her. She and I have already talked through what happened and she's come to accept it for what it is."

Zelda frowned, feeling unsatisfied with this answer. "She was very upset though. I feel like I ought to apologize regardless."

"Honestly, I think it would be better to not bring it up at all," Link said with a look of doubt. "She gets so depressed whenever it comes up. I think it might be best to just let it go and move on. That's probably what she prefers too."

Zelda nervously bit her lip. "But…I don't want her to be upset with me."

"Why would she be upset with you?" Link questioned. "I mean, I know that she kind of scolded you back at the castle, but she didn't really mean it. I think she was just worried and lost herself in the moment. It's not often that she gets to see me all bandaged up like this."

Zelda deeply frowned as her eyes fell to the floor. Did Link really insist that Ilia hadn't meant what she had said? Zelda honestly couldn't believe that for a second. She could still hear the conviction in the girl's voice. Still see the frustration in her eyes. No, Zelda was positive that Ilia had meant every word in that moment.

"I deserved that scolding," Zelda said solemnly. She then quickly raised a hand before Link had a chance to argue. "You see, I made a promise to Ilia that I would never let harm befall you while you continued your work as a Hero. So it truly is understandable that Ilia became upset with me after hearing of what happened to you. I was supposed to keep you safe, and yet you ended up injured all the same, and now I am nothing more than an oath-breaker."

Link frowned, staying quiet for a long time. When he finally spoke, it was his turn to sound a little upset. "But Zelda, that's not your fault. The Gerudo asked me to go into the Arbiter's Grounds and I happily volunteered. If anything, the blame lies with me."

"Then I should never have made the promise in the first place," Zelda responded. "What good is an oath if you can't keep it?"

Link shook his head. "Nonsense. I'm sure you only made that promise with the best of intentions. You had no way of knowing that things would turn out the way that they did."

"But I could have done better," Zelda insisted. "I could've prevented this from happening. Link, you were only injured because you saved me-"

"And then you saved me!" Link suddenly declared. "Have you forgotten so soon? How you stopped the bleeding and ruined your clothes and protected me all through the night? And then how you got me back to the Gerudo's camp and defended me from that woman and stayed by my side through another night just to keep me safe? Because I certainly haven't!"

Zelda just blinked, feeling speechless. "Link…"

"You don't owe me anything, Zelda," Link said adamantly. "Not after all of the kindness you've shown me. Now please, stop torturing yourself with the past. I can't stand to see you like this."

Zelda gulped, her throat suddenly feeling dry and scratchy. She could hardly resist the power of the Hero's plea. The desperate look in his deep blue eyes. The humble request from one friend to another. How could she possibly insist on continuing her misery when he was practically begging her not to?

"V-Very well," she eventually choked out. "But Link, Ilia is still-"

"I'll take care of it," he said with a firm nod. He then grinned a bit, showing a surprising amount of confidence. "Trust me, I know Ilia better than anyone else. Sure, she's worried right now, but I'll comfort her. And as I've already said, if anyone is to blame for this, it should be me. So I'll go and beg for her forgiveness a thousand times if I have to."

Zelda gave him a look of guilt. She hated having to shift all of these issues onto him. "Link, are you sure?"

"Positive," he replied without even thinking about it.

Zelda continued to wrestle with her emotions for a moment, but she soon chose to submit. She realized that she was no match for the Hero. Not when he spoke like this. He was her weakness and he had used his compassion against her without remorse. A flawless victory.

In the end, Zelda conjured a small smile that somehow carried the enormous weight of her gratitude along with it. "You are far too kind."

"That's what friends are for," he replied simply.

Zelda just gave a small nod as the conversation came to a close.

Friends. Yes, that is what they were. And perhaps that was all she really needed.

Hmm…Link's being awfully protective of Zelda here. And he's protecting her from his own girlfriend, no less. Hmm…it would seem that the affection runs deep…