To Capture the Heart of a Hero

Chapter 46 – Silent Dungeon

The meal eventually came to a close, as did the afternoon, and the orange glow of the setting sun soon settled over the sand. The Gerudo began preparing luxurious, well-furnished tents for their guests to inhabit for the duration of their stay. As expected, the visitors settled in amongst the comforts that their hosts had provided for them. However, there were still two guests that had work to do, and they wasted no time in getting to it.

Link and Zelda marched towards the Arbiter's Grounds, accompanied by Kanora and a small group of Gerudo. They approached a long set of stairs which was surrounded by stone pillars, some of which had been chipped and cracked and eroded away by the harsh, sandy winds. At the stairs' summit was a single entrance, which led directly into the dark depths of the dungeon.

The Hero and Princess halted at the bottom of these stairs, taking a moment to look over their equipment. As always, Link was armed with both sword and shield, and he carried his bag which contained most of his adventuring equipment as well. As for Zelda, she had her ornate bow as well as a full quiver of arrows slung over her shoulder. Additionally, she donned a sash around her waist from which her rapier hung in its sheath. She was more than prepared to handle any threats that came her way, both distant and close.

The two of them planned to enter the dungeon alone. The Gerudo that currently accompanied them had only come to see them off and wait at the entrance should they need anything. Fost had tried to argue that Zelda should take her entire battalion of guards with her, but she refused. She claimed that having all of those soldiers would just slow them down and put more lives at risk. Link and Zelda would be able to move around much more quickly on their own, and would thus be able to find the source of darkness that much sooner. Therefore, the guards would be nothing more than a hindrance, much to the Minister's disappointment and frustration.

However, it seemed that Fost wasn't the only one who was concerned, for Kanora soon took a moment to pull Zelda off to the side and have a quick word with her. "Are you sure of this, Princess? I know that I am not the most knowledgeable about this structure, but I would be happy to accompany the two of you in this quest."

Zelda gave the Chief a grateful smile before shaking her head. "I appreciate the offer, but it will not be necessary. Link and I should have everything under control."

Kanora stared at the Princess for a moment, before her eyes widened a bit and her lips curled into a smirk. "Ah, I see now…"

Naturally, this expression just confused Zelda. "See what?"

"I see that you wish to spend an evening alone with your dearest Link," she replied confidently. "It's okay, Princess. I understand. After all, he is quite dashing and handsome, hmm?"

Zelda's face quickly turned red from embarrassment. "No, absolutely not," she muttered under her breath. "That is not what I am saying at all!"

"No, no, it is truly all right, Princess," Kanora said as she placed a hand on the girl's shoulder. "I get it. Really, I do. Under normal circumstances, I might have insisted on accompanying you, just to be safe. But in this instance…I will gladly allow the two of you to go alone. I wouldn't want to be a third wheel, after all," she finished with a tiny giggle.

Zelda just glared at the Gerudo Chief. The Princess knew that she and her party had come to the desert for diplomatic purposes, but in this moment, she could hardly resist the growing desire to reach out and give a powerful tug on this woman's hair.

Fortunately, Kanora laughed some more and released the Princess before she had a chance to do anything untoward. She soon made her way over to Link, where she playfully grabbed his arm and wished him luck in his quest. She then retreated to the safety of the other Gerudo that accompanied her.

Feeling positively steamed, Zelda made her way over to Link, who just turned to her with a friendly smile. "Well, ready to go?"

"Yes," she hissed bluntly. She then cast a look in Kanora's direction before stomping her way up the stone stairs.

Link just watched her for a bit, wondering what that was all about. The behavior seemed a bit odd for a Princess who was usually so composed and cordial. But now that he thought about it, he felt that there was something strange in general about everyone's attitudes today. Almost as if everyone was acting "off" or "awkward". Perhaps it was the stress of two different parties meeting for the first time? Or perhaps the overwhelming heat was getting to them? He wasn't sure, so he soon shrugged and followed Zelda up the stairs.

By the time he made it to the top, Zelda seemed to have been restored to her calm and collected self. She stared into the dark entrance before them, looking for any movement and listening for any sounds. Thankfully, there was nothing to report.

"Did you bring your lantern?" she asked the Hero.

Link nodded before fetching the small fire-holder and lighting it. The stone walls of the dungeon were instantly bathed in its light, and the two of them were able to see the path forward. With a small nod of approval from Zelda, Link led the way inside.

The duo moved slowly and cautiously, keeping an eye out for any dangers that might pounce on them. Before long, they managed to make it to the first room without any trouble. Here, the path split into multiple hallways, and Link took a moment to eye each of them. The only sounds that could be detected were the occasional shifting of sand (which was natural in this dungeon) and the soft thuds of their boots on stone. Once he was sure that there were no creatures around, Link allowed himself to relax.

"Well, we're in," he declared with a small smile. "Are you able to sense this 'source of darkness' that the monsters are spawning from?"

Zelda frowned a bit before closing her eyes. She then called on the Goddesses to lend her their power, and her hands promptly began to glow with the use of magic. She stood there for a minute, still and silent as she tried to detect any strong gatherings of dark energy. It wasn't long before she sensed numerous sources, dotting the dungeon from top to bottom, but these were likely monsters, and not what she was searching for. She was seeking the source that had spawned said monsters, and she soon discovered it. It felt like a black void of twisted aura, much stronger than any of the others surrounding it. Zelda simply flashed a troubled expression as she opened her eyes.

"I've found it. It's a few levels below where we are now, and to the northwest."

Link smiled, looking impressed. "I guess it really was a good thing that you came along." He then reached for his bag and rummaged through some old documents. After his adventure with Midna had concluded, Link had taken it upon himself to give away most of the maps that he had acquired. He specifically gifted them to the people that probably needed them more than he did. The map of Death Mountain was given to the Gorons, the map of Snowpeak Manor was given to the Yeti couple, and the map of the City in the Sky was given to the Oocca. However, there were some maps that didn't really belong to anybody, and the Arbiter's Grounds was one of them. He soon managed to retrieve the old parchment, and he spread it out on the floor.

"Let's see," he said as he familiarized himself with the layout. "It sounds like it could be coming from this large chamber here. Fortunately, there's a relatively straight path that leads there. We'll just have to take that left hallway, make a few turns, and then keep an eye out for a set of stairs. That should at least get us close, and then if we need to stop and have you check for the source again, we can."

Zelda nodded, feeling a bit impressed by how quickly Link had formed this strategy. In spite of all his typical clumsiness, he really was in his element here. "Sounds like a plan," she agreed.

Link took a second to carefully fold up his map and store it in his bag. He then grabbed his lantern and held it high once again. "Ready?"

Zelda simply smirked a bit. "By all means, lead the way my dear, wonderful Hero," she said, doing her best imitation of Kanora's voice.

Link just took a half-step forward before immediately stopping. He then turned to Zelda with an expression that could only be described as a cringe. "No, not you too. Please."

Zelda nearly had to stop herself from laughing at the desperation in his voice. She placed a hand over her mouth, trying to hide her widening smile. "Oh? Is it not to your liking?"

"No," he replied bluntly.

"You do not wish to be showered with praise, dear Hero?"

Link sighed. "Come on, Zelda, cut it out. Please?"

Zelda finally giggled a bit before shaking her head. "Forgive me, I couldn't resist having a bit of fun. Those Gerudo are quite the interesting bunch, don't you think?"

Now that the two of them were alone without any of the Gerudo present, he felt inclined to agree. "You can say that again. They were practically worshiping me earlier."

"For good reason," Zelda pointed out. "You did them a monumental favor."

"Yes, but that doesn't make their praise any less awkward," Link insisted.

Zelda smiled some more before walking up and placing a comforting hand on Link's shoulder. "Well, if it helps, you'll always be 'Link' to me. Just Link."

"Hmph, that hardly seems to match what you said a second ago."

"Starting now, I mean."

In spite of his reservations, Link couldn't help but smile at her playfulness. He appreciated her attempts to comfort him, even if they did come at his expense from time to time. Additionally, he couldn't help but recall their last visit to the desert in which Zelda had questioned how he would enjoy being referred to as "Hero" or "Sir" all the time. Well, as expected, it turned out that he didn't enjoy it much at all. Because of this, he was grateful to have people like the villagers of Ordon in his life. He knew that they would always call him by name, no matter how high his status seemed to surpass him. And it seemed that Zelda could safely be counted among their number as well.

"Thanks, Zelda," he said plainly. "Now perhaps we should move on with the task at hand?"

Zelda blinked, a bit surprised at how mature and responsible he suddenly sounded, but she smiled all the same. "Yes, let's be off."

The two adventurers silently made their way through the deserted chambers one after the other. Occasionally, Zelda would stop and sense for foes while Link navigated using his map. Because of this, the two managed to avoid any rooms with dark auras coming from them, and successfully evaded any encounters with enemies. However, not all of the monsters were avoidable. They eventually encountered some Moldorms in one of the rooms' sandpits, but Link retrieved his bow and his and Zelda's arrows made quick work of them.

Before long, they managed to arrive at the staircase they sought with hardly any trouble. Here, Link paused for a moment and turned to Zelda. "Well, down we go."

"Right," she said with a nod.

However, as soon as Link took his first step down, something startling happened. A flock of something small, black, and winged shot out of the dark tunnel, rushing towards the adventurers while releasing several agitated squeaks. Then, something even more startling took place. Zelda promptly shrieked and jumped close to Link in order to cower behind him. She closed her eyes as she balled her hands into fists, holding them close to her chest.

Meanwhile, Link drew his sword, ready to face the oncoming foes. However, he was surprised once again to watch as they simply flew straight overhead, not paying him any mind. They soon disappeared into one of the corridors beyond, leaving the two of them alone once more.

Link sighed a bit before sheathing his sword. He then glanced back at his companion, only to find that she was still hiding behind him. And not only that, but it seemed that at some point she had tightly grasped his green tunic, as if holding on for dear life. He couldn't help but smile a bit as he looked at her.

"Um…Zelda?" he called out quietly.

"Yes?" came her equally quiet reply.

"They're gone. You can let go of me now."

"Oh…" Zelda slowly opened her eyes and carefully unraveled her fingers from Link's tunic. She then took a step back before taking a deep breath and placing a hand over her heart. She wasn't sure why she had been so frightened. She supposed that she was just surprised by how suddenly those creatures advanced, and it didn't help that they were quite a horrid sight as well. "Um…" she said, slowly finding her voice, "what were those things?"

"Keese," Link replied simply. "Or large bats, if you will. They must have been sleeping in this stairwell before we disturbed them."

Zelda couldn't help but shudder a bit. The thought of those terrifying winged creatures swarming her was almost too much to bear. However, her nerves were hardly a concern as she soon took note of a new dilemma. Link was staring at her, and he was softly smiling. The Princess quickly began to feel self-conscious.

"Wh-What?" she stuttered.

Link flashed her an expression of doubt. "Er…Maybe it would have been better if you had just stayed behind at the camp."

Zelda simply blinked at this. "What do you mean?"

Link laughed a little. "Well, I just never expected you to be so frightened by a harmless flock of Keese. Especially considering that you once claimed to be a Princess who wasn't afraid of anything."

"I…" Zelda's words quickly died in her throat, and she suddenly felt rather upset. He seemed to be implying that she was showing some sort of weakness! "I am not afraid," she said adamantly.

Link just rolled his eyes, not buying it for a second. "Zelda, come on. I heard you squeal."

The Princess merely gawked at his gall. "I was just startled is all!"

"Just startled?" Link repeated.

"Yes!"

"Then what about the cowering? And the shaking? And holding onto me?"

Zelda deeply frowned as her cheeks started to turn red. She knew that he had a point, and she was incredibly embarrassed by it. The Princess had never allowed herself to show any sort of weakness if she could help it. She was a royal; a leader, and she was not meant to be one who cowered in the face of mundane fears. Unfortunately, it seemed that her actions had already betrayed her, and Link had been all too quick to pick up on her discomfort and point it out, plain and simple.

Still, the Princess was nothing if not stubborn, so she soon resorted to the only option available to her. She simply put on a brave face and made it seem that all was well.

"I should not have to listen to this!" she stated, her voice full of pride as well as a touch of arrogance. "I may have hesitated for a moment, but that does not imply that I am too weak to go on, and it most certainly doesn't mean that I belong back at camp where I am of no use to anyone. I promised that I would direct you to the source of darkness in this dungeon, and I fully intend to keep that promise. Now then, Link, would you kindly stand aside? I would be more than happy to lead the advance from this moment forward."

And without another word, Zelda pushed past the Hero, descending the stairs with her head held high. She would do whatever it took to show him that there was no fear in her heart!

Naturally, it wasn't long before the Hero called out to her. "Zelda, wait."

She quickly paused and turned, almost expecting an apology from her companion. However, what she received instead was another playful grin pasted to his lips, as if her speech hadn't fazed him at all.

"If you're going to lead, then at least take the lantern."

Zelda scowled before snatching the lamp out of his hand. She knew that he was just teasing her, but she insisted on showing him just how brave she could be! Raising the lantern high overhead, she descended the stairs one by one, making her way into the depths of the dungeon. Link just followed behind while smiling and shaking his head.

Eventually, they reached the end of the stairs, and the two of them paused in order to get their bearings on the new floor. Zelda sensed the general direction and Link deduced a proper pathway for them. Once they were satisfied, they set off once more.

As they had planned, they continued taking the route that avoided most enemies, and so they came upon many empty and silent chambers. As they traversed them, Link decided to strike up a conversation.

"Hey, Zelda?"

"Yes?" she replied, still sounding a little blunt and angry. Not that her frustration was with him, of course, but rather herself.

"Can I ask you something?"

"What is it?"

There was a slight pause. "Why were you so insistent on coming along with me?"

Zelda halted her advance and turned to glance back at him in the soft glow of the lantern light. She remained silent as she flashed him a curious expression.

"Not that I mind," Link was quick to clarify. "Or that I think you are incapable or too frightened to be here-"

Zelda simply scowled again. "Please choose your next words carefully, Link…"

"I just said that I didn't think that!" Link insisted as he waved his hands a bit. He soon sighed. "My point is that everyone else at the table was encouraging you not to go, and yet you insisted upon it anyway. Even though you knew that this place would be scary and dangerous. Why is that?"

Zelda pursed her lips before facing forward and continuing her march. Naturally, Link followed behind her; the only noise in the dark hall being the soft thuds of their boots. "I thought that should be obvious," she answered quietly.

"Then say it," Link replied quickly and simply. "If it's obvious, then you might as well say it aloud."

Zelda's expression soured once more, but Link didn't have the pleasure of witnessing it this time since she was facing ahead. "I wanted to help you."

Again, there was silence.

"Did you think that I wouldn't be able to handle it on my own?" Link asked quietly.

"What? No, of course not," Zelda said with a quick shake of her head. "I fully trust you, Link. You should know that. It's just that…" Here she paused, before her expression and voice became a bit more solemn. "It seems like you always have to carry the burdens of others. To carry the burden of keeping this Kingdom safe, and, well…it wouldn't exactly be fair if I left all of the work to you, now would it?"

Link smiled a little in surprise. "Zelda, you don't have to feel bad about that. I'm happy that I'm able to be of use to others."

"I know," she said with a nod. "But I don't want you to push yourself too hard and feel overburdened by any of this. You have done so many services for Hyrule, and I am forever grateful. And I…" Again she paused, surprising herself with how open and sincere she was being, but she gathered her courage and continued all the same.

"I could never forgive myself if something happened to you."

Quiet. And then a soft laugh. "So your solution is to jump into danger with me? Even if it frightens you?"

"I am not afraid," she reminded him

"Right, of course…" Link replied, his tone dripping with skepticism. Nevertheless, he soon smiled. "Well, in any case, thank you, Zelda. It seems like you always have my back."

Zelda couldn't help but smile a bit in return, even though she was still facing away from Link. "That's what I should be saying to you, Hero."

"I thought you said that you wouldn't call me that anymore…"

"I can't help using your title from time to time. Sometimes it just feels appropriate."

Link sighed and Zelda giggled a bit, amused by their interactions. Fortunately, it seemed that any tension originally caused by the Keese had already evaporated away, leaving nothing but two close friends who deeply cared about each other.

Zelda couldn't help but smile some more as she went to speak up again. "You know, Link, I-"

But her voice was abruptly cut off by a loud click from beneath her. With wide eyes, she glanced down, only to spot a square pressure plate sinking into the floor under the weight of her boot. She suddenly felt her heart drop into her stomach.

Link was equally alarmed, and quickly began to shout. "Zelda, get back!"

But it was too late. For as soon as the pressure plate clicked into place, the floor fell open beneath them, and both Hero and Princess plummeted into a dark abyss.

Oh nooooo! Will our brave hero and princess survive? Tune in next week (well, in two weeks) to find out!

On a more serious note, I want to talk about Zelda's encounter with the Keese. Personally, I tend to feel that TP Zelda isn't afraid of many things. But I was replaying Spirit Tracks a while back, and I remembered that Zelda in that game is terrified of mice, and that made me start wondering if most Zeldas tend to be skittish around rodents. And what's worse than a rodent with wings? So, I figured I could justify having a scene where she is a little spooked by a sudden flock of Keese, thus leading to her and Link's silly interaction.

Besides, I already established earlier in this story that Zelda is afraid of worms, so what's one more hideous creature to add to her list of terrors, right? XD