Inspiration: Closure
Original Final Shout Outs: Dina Guiterrez, Mitsuki13, TheSpiritMaiden, Zeldax, and JediMayukiDAWESOME. ~ZR~
Shout Outs: A-Scarred-One, Yu, Princess of Ikana, Runa234, Bubba, Roark, Bdlige, GodonX1R, Sonia Gomez, Pikachu271, and aubreylovesthegames. I haven't forgotten any of you and I'm sorry I didn't shout you out when you first reviewed.
Author's Note: The original from 2012-2015.~ZR~
Word Count: 4,845
Chapter 50 (originally chapter 40)
Zelda's POV
Link and I stared up at the sky from the terrace, feeling slightly surreal with what just happened. A thousand years of guardianship over the Sacred Realm? At least Hylia would have the Hero of Sky to keep her company. Even so, it seemed like a steep price to pay for what she did to protect the world. Though, one could rightly say the world would not have needed protecting had she let the shards stay scattered. It was just as well, but I was going to miss her. It was then I looked over at Link as he too cut his gaze from the heavens to look over at me.
Suddenly, we both started chuckling. It was all we really could do. I didn't know what to think.
"Did that really just happen?" I asked.
The hero nodded.
"Indeed it did," he replied, "and it seems Hylia is as crazy as ever."
I nodded.
"True," I said, then asked, "do you think she'll be alright?"
Link peered up at the heavens once more.
"I'm sure of it," he said.
I sighed
"Well, I'm glad to at least know she won't be lonely," I said.
Link's smile broadened.
"I'm happy for her regarding that too," he agreed, then added, "she deserves to be with her hero again. They've been apart so long I'll wager she's happy with her sentence."
It was a different way of looking at things.
"Perhaps you're right," I said with a nod.
The hero chuckled again.
"The Hero of Sky… who would have thought, huh?" he said.
I raised my brows. He was quite surprising to me too.
"I had no idea he was so… cavalier?" I replied, not sure if that was the right word to use to describe him.
We both laughed again.
"I've never heard a person talk that way," the hero admitted, "do you have any idea what mazel tov is?"
I shook my head.
"Not one clue," I replied.
We laughed more, then afterwards Link took me in his arms. He squeezed my body gently when he stared into my eyes.
"You know, I give him credit for this," he started, "he did haveonegood idea."
I paused for a moment before a mischievous look came into my eyes.
I grinned.
This man...I thought.
"Oh really?" I whispered, wrapping my arms around his neck. "What could that be I wonder?"
Link didn't bother to answer and came close to kiss me softly on the lips. I naturally kissed him back and couldn't have been happier to see him. I was so glad he was here with me… I missed him so. I kissed him deeper to show him that. It soon turned deeper on both our ends, and that was when I pulled away to look him in the eyes again. Perhaps he was having the same inkling as I was. Perhaps he was missing me a great deal too.
"You know… I could lock the door and not take anymore guests if you'd like to stay with me for the rest of today…andtonight," I whispered.
Link looked at me surprised.
"Todayandtonight?" he repeated, making sure he heard me right.
I nodded and giggled.
"You still have a lot to teach me," I replied, "and I'm eager to learn."
Link's surprised expression didn't change.
"What did I unleash in you, you naughty girl?" he whispered then smiled.
I stared into his eyes.
"Apparently not enough," I replied.
I reached up to kiss him again before he could reject me. I had a feeling by his tone he was going to do the honorable thing and say no. However, I wanted him to know he was still the only man for me. When I pulled away I awaited his answer.
"Well?" I asked.
Link sighed and hesitated.
"If this had been a little while ago, even a week, I would have said yes," he admitted, "but I don't feel as though that would be appropriate since I want to start actively courting you. When we make our engagement public I don't want there to be any scandalous scrutiny in that regard. There's already going to be enough idle talk from the naysayers. I want everything to be honorable between us."
I knew it.
I was silent for a moment and stared into his eyes. He had a reasonable argument, but I was still disappointed. I was really hoping he would say yes. Even so, he was right in that we did need to be proper examples for the people. It would be supremely audacious if we engaged in salacious activities again before we were married. I didn't want to catalyze moral decay within Hyrulean society. I understood why he wanted to do things right.
I'm so glad he has foresight,I thought,even when I don't want to.
I took in another deep sigh.
"Very well," I said with a shrug.
Link saw my disappointment and then took hold of my hands. He kissed the back of my palms tenderly.
"I promise when we're together again, it'll be everything you want it to be and more," he vowed.
I grinned at his reassurance.
"I know that," I replied, "you're too giving of a person for it not to be."
He looked at me seriously just then and kissed my hands once more.
"I've missed you Zelda," he whispered, "a month away from you is really too long."
I squeezed his hands when he said that.
"I've missed you too Link," I whispered back, then pulled on his arm to guide him over to the table. "We have so much to catch up on. I want you to tell me everything that's been going on in Ordon. How is everyone?"
Before we went forward, Link reminded me of something else.
"Not to change the subject," he started, "but shouldn't we inform the guard that everything is okay? He might go telling everyone you're in danger if we don't at least update him."
I completely forgot.
"Dear Hylia, you're right," I replied, letting his hand go and hurrying over to the door, "thank you for reminding me."
Link just shook his head as he watched me scuttle past him and I rushed to open the door. On the other side the guard looked like he hurried to get into a standing position because he was resting his ear on the wood. I gave him an offhanded look regarding his actions.
"Good sir…" I trailed in minor disbelief.
He immediately looked apologetic.
"I'm sorry my lady," he said, "but I hadn't heard back from you and I was worried about you."
I placed my hand on my hip.
"Didn't I tell you Master Link was here to help me?" I replied.
He nodded.
"Yes, but I couldn't help myself," he said.
I couldn't stay too upset. He was only concerned.
"I just came to inform you that everything is alright," I said.
He looked past me to inside my chambers.
"What was that thing your majesty?" he asked.
I needed to be cautious.
"An apparition of light," I replied, "nothing more."
The guard then cut his gaze back to me.
"An apparition of light?" he repeated.
I raised a brow at him questioning me.
"Yes," I replied firmly.
He looked unsettled.
"But what were those voices my lady?" he asked.
I groaned softly.
"You heard voices!" I accused. "Were you listening at the door?"
He raised his hands in surrender.
"How could I not?" he implored. "They were loud!"
I ran a hand over my face and Link behind me at the center of the room started laughing.
"Be easy on him my lady," the hero chided, "he was just concerned."
I groaned again.
"Alright, alright," I replied to the hero, then directed my attention back to the guard. "Listen you are to speak on this to no one. Nothing ill came of the situation, so if a rumor gets started I'll know it will have come from you."
The guard gave me an offhanded look.
"But my lady-" he tried.
"I mean it," I interrupted, "if I hear one word of this throughout the castle, you'll be commissioned elsewhere from now on."
The guard looked at me at a loss.
"Very well," he said.
I nodded.
"Back to your post soldier," I said with a hint of finality.
The guard presumed his position and afterwards I closed the door. I walked back over to the table and sat down. Link sat down across from me still shaking his head.
"That was a little harsh," he chastised, "he only wanted you to be safe."
I ran a hand through my hair.
"I needed to be affective," I said simply.
Link chuckled again.
"Whatever you say," he replied.
I then gave him my full attention.
"Now enough of that," I said, "tell me how everyone is doing in Ordon."
The hero tapped his fingers on the table and leaned forward a little bit before he began talking.
"Everyone is well," he replied simply, "but because it took a moment for things to stabilize that's why it took me so long to get back to you. There have been some major changes with some of the villagers."
I was eager to hear what he was talking about.
"Like what?" I asked.
The hero shrugged.
"Well, Malo is trying to become a vendor in Castle Town," he explained, "you see, he started a business selling pumpkin goods and wants to expand his reach."
I gave him an offhanded look.
"Malo?" I repeated. "Isn't he thirteen years old?"
Link nodded.
"He's always been a pragmatist," he stated, "even at a young age. He'll be fourteen in a few weeks."
That really didn't rebut my question, but I suppose that was good enough of an answer.
"I see," I replied.
Link went on.
"He even got Talo to go into business with him," he said, "they're going to call themselves the 'Pumpkin Brothers'."
I chuckled.
"The 'Pumpkin Brothers'?" I inquired.
He nodded.
"It makes it easier to understand what you're getting," he said.
It seemed rational enough.
"I guess that makes the most sense," I replied, "Malo… what a truly remarkable young man."
Link nodded.
"But That's not the only thing Talo has planned," he went on, "he's catching up on his academics so he can take the entrance exams for the Royal Knight Academy."
I raised my brows impressed.
"Really?" I asked.
Link nodded again.
"Yes," he said, "Talo stated he didn't want Colin to be the only soldier from Ordon."
I smirked when I heard that.
There's a regular rivalry that's been started between the two of them,I thought.
"Well, that's commendable," I replied, "Colin's actions seemed to put a fire of good underneath Talo's belly; at least he has some reachable goals now."
The hero chuckled.
"That's true," he said, then added, "he… also wanted me to tell you that he's in love with you."
I raised a brow.
"Oh…" I replied.
There was a brief silence that came over us before we both started laughing. We couldn't help it.
"Did he really tell you to tell me that?" I inquired.
Link nodded.
"Talo stated: 'be sure you tell her that she is as beautiful as the sun, and if you –meaning me- don't marry her I will,'" he stated.
It was hard for me to keep a straight face.
"How kind," I said softly.
Link chuckled again.
"How many men are in love with you again?" he asked jokingly.
I shrugged.
"I don't know," I said, "I've lost count."
The hero chuckled some more.
"You've got to stop being so charming Zelda," he said.
I shook my head and moved on.
"What about Rusl and Uli?" I asked.
Link nodded.
"They're both well," he replied, "Rusl is the new mayor and things are going well under his leadership. He's the kind of man the village needs in order for it to flourish."
I nodded.
"I agree," I replied, "he's been indispensable to you when you worked together here at the castle."
Link agreed.
"He has helped me through some grit that is for sure," he admitted, "Ordon is in good hands."
I then redirected.
"How is Ilia?" I asked. "Is she well?"
Link raised his brows at her name.
"Ilia is the most surprising change to be frank," he said, "in fact, she actually no longer lives in Ordon."
My eyes widened slightly.
"What?" I replied.
He nodded.
"Yes, she left about two weeks ago," he explained.
I wasn't expecting this.
"Where did she move to?" I asked.
Link paused for just a moment before he answered.
"Dragon Roost," he answered.
My mouth dropped open.
"Are you serious?" I asked.
He nodded.
"As I can be," he replied.
I was still thrown for a loop.
"Really?" I replied.
Link nodded again.
"It was her choice," he said.
I found this news fascinating.
"What made her up and leave Ordon for Dragon Roost of all places?" I asked.
Link raised his hands in surrender.
"She said she wanted a new start at life," he explained, "and considering all she's been through, I don't blame her."
It was no wonder she didn't want to take the ambassadorship with me. She had her own plans. Perhaps seeing me with Link all the time would have been too much for her too. I hadn't even considered that.
"Well bravo for her," I said, "it isn't easy uprooting your life and starting someplace new."
Link looked away for a moment.
"I know," he said, "it took me by surprise too."
I studied his face for a second.
"Are you worried about her?" I asked.
He sighed.
"I would be lying if I said I wasn't," he said, "but I think she'll be alright. She's a smart girl."
I nodded.
"That she is," I agreed.
There was another brief silence between us after that and that was when I realized there was a stall on both our ends. Mine for a totally different reason than his, but I noticed it nonetheless.
"Darling," I said, reaching across the table and taking his hand in mine.
Link then gave me his undivided attention.
"Yes?" he inquired.
I looked down at the table for a moment.
"Do you want us to have a long engagement?" I asked suddenly.
He found the question odd.
"What's generally the custom?" he countered.
"According to royal tradition, it's usually a year after the proposal is announced," I said.
He nodded.
"A year is fine with me," he said with no qualms.
I then bit my lower lip, hoping he wouldn't agree to those terms so readily.
"What if I told you I'd like to marry sooner?" I asked.
Link paused and stared at me for a moment.
"Then I'd ask you why the rush?" he replied.
I took in a deep sigh, then finally looked him in the eyes.
"I just don't want to prolong it if we don't have to," I said.
Link studied my face for a moment.
"A year isn't a great deal of time Zelda," he said.
I saw his point and went to counter it.
"True," I said, "but why wait if we don't have to?"
The hero paused for a moment.
"I understand your supposition," he started, "but if you want me to be quite honest I'd like to have the year so I can better myself for you."
I raised a brow.
"What do you mean?" I asked. "You don't have to better yourself for me. I love you as you are."
He nodded.
"I know that, but I'm doing this for me," he divulged, "I wasn't going to tell you this right away, but since we are on the subject I might as well. After we announce our engagement I'm going to Dragon Roost for six months."
When he uttered that I felt the pit of my stomach drop. I felt an immediate feeling of foreboding.
"What?" I replied.
He looked away from me again.
"I'm going to work in Dragon Roost for six months," he replied, "It was an opportunity that was brought to my attention by Elbourne last week. He sent me a letter offering me the position and I accepted."
I stood up from the table just then.
"Elbourne wrote to you?" I demanded. "And you didn't think to tell me?"
I didn't understand why I was suddenly upset.
Link just stared up at me from his seated position for a moment.
"Zelda… I don't think it's necessary to tell you every little thing that goes on with me," he replied carefully, "besides, I told you, I'm doing this for my own betterment. I want you to be proud of me."
I looked at him helplessly.
"Iamproud of you," I insisted, "you don't need to go away to prove anything to me. You saved the bloody country for Hylia's sake!"
I probably sounded fantastic to him, but I didn't care. Link then stood up from the table and looked at me in a nondescript way.
"I think you're being a little irrational here," he said gently.
I was equally as stubborn.
"And I think you're being imprudent," I replied, "it isn't like you to trust Elbourne."
He raised his brows.
"And who said I trusted Elbourne?" he inquired.
I rolled my eyes in frustration.
"Then why are you going?" I demanded.
Link hesitated for a moment before he answered.
"I'm sorry Zelda, but I've already made my decision," he said, "if you want me to be king you do realize there are going to be situations just like this where we don't agree, right? You're going to have to learn to trust me."
My throat tightened.
"Trust isn't the issue," I replied.
He gave me a quick once over.
"Then what is?" he asked.
I cut my gaze away from him.
"Elbourne put you up to this, didn't he?" I demanded more to myself than to him. "He wrote you that letter to purposely try to keep us apart."
Link closed his eyes and shook his head.
"Zelda what are you talking about?" he asked.
I looked into his eyes desperately just then.
"He was just here," I confessed.
Link's expression didn't change.
"I know," he said, "I saw him in passing in the hallway."
He didn't seem to understand the gravity.
"He's still in love with me Link," I said, "he doesn't want to give me up. He told me he did not want me to marry you and that all he needed was six months to turn the tide. The same six months you're talking about now!"
Link then looked at me taken aback.
"What?" he asked.
I nodded.
"This is a game for him," I tried to reason, "he's trying to get between us. He's trying to take me away from you."
The hero took in a deep sigh and groaned.
"That son of a bitch," he muttered to himself, "I should have known he was up to something."
I in turn walked over to him and wrapped my arms around his waist and rested my head against his chest.
"Please don't go," I whispered against his tunic, "if it's appearances you're worried about, I could make you a commissioned officer right now and that could be your post for a year before we got married. No one would ever question you because you are a brilliant tactician anyway."
Link was quiet for a moment.
"Zelda… everyone's going to know you're fraternizing for me," he said, "that is not a good idea."
I shook my head.
"I don't care what people will call it," I said, "it isn't their business anyway."
Link pulled me back just then and looked into my eyes.
"Well I do," he said, "I will not accept that."
I swallowed hard.
"Then what are you suggesting?" I asked.
He pursed his lips together.
"I love you and you belong to me," he reassured, "so there's no reason why we should have to worry about Elbourne getting between us."
I didn't want to hear this.
"Link-" I tried.
"Zelda, do you not trust yourself?" he interrupted me suddenly. "Why are you acting this way?"
I looked at him stunned.
"What?" I replied.
His eyes searched my face.
"You seem… scared," he said, "and that isn't because of anything on my end. I know I love you, IknowI'm going to marry you. Any doubts here aren't from me."
This was the last thing I wanted him to think.
"I'm not doubting you," I said, "and there is no need for you to doubt me. So yes, I trust myself."
He took hold of my shoulders again.
"Then let me do this," he said, "let me beat him at his own game, let me earn your respect, let me earn the kingship."
I looked away from his face. I did not want to compromise on this, but what choice did I have? What choice was I being left with?
"Link…" I trailed.
He tilted my chin up.
"It's just six months," he said, "just six months."
I didn't reply.
Link caressed my cheek.
"Zelda… please," he said, "please trust me."
I took in a deep sigh.
"I guess I have no choice," I said stubbornly.
He gave me an obvious look.
"Come on…" he said, "don't do this."
I finally looked in his eyes.
"Fine," I said, "fine, I won't fight you anymore on this. Six months… that's it."
Link attempted a smile.
"Thank you," he whispered.
With that, he took me in a hug and held me tight. I reluctantly hugged him back, but he could tell from when he let me go that things were a little tense between us.
"When do you leave?" I asked quietly.
Link paused for a moment.
"I was going to go next week," he said.
I looked at him surprised.
"Next week?" I repeated.
Link nodded.
"Yes," he said.
My throat tightened.
"Well then... I guess we better announce our engagement in a few days," I whispered.
He nodded again.
"We should," he replied.
I searched his face for a moment. I didn't want to be the person that didn't understand. Iwasn'tgoing to be the person that didn't understand. I reached up to caress his cheek.
"Okay," I whispered, "I'll make an announcement the day after tomorrow."
Link then took me in a tight hug at my tone.
"Please don't doubt us," he whispered against my hair, "I need your confidence."
I know,I thought,but something is pulling at me, not letting me fully believe that.
"You have it," I whispered back, even though I couldn't fully give it.
He held me tighter after I uttered that. I sighed against his chest and wrapped my arms around his waist. I couldn't help but feel like the past was making its way to the present.
I pulled back and looked into his eyes.
"Six months… that's all it is, six months," I said. "I want to be someone you have solace with, not stress. I'll be here when you get back."
He caressed my cheek.
"I thank you for that, but I'm still going to be courting you while I'm out there," he whispered against my hair, "I'll come see you every week until the time is over. It'll be like we're never apart."
I smiled when he said that.
I want to be noble now,I thought,not the way I used to be. I need to make sure he knows that.
I pulled back again and looked into his eyes. Instead of saying anything I reached up and kissed him on the lips. It was aggressive and passionate, and I knew I was trying to express all my feelings in a rather poignant way than saying them. When I pulled away, he negated it for a moment and kissed me once more. The kiss lasted for a long time before he finally pulled away and looked at me seriously.
"You're the woman I want Zelda," he whispered to me assuredly, "I promise you that. In a year's time you're going to be my wife."
I attempted a smile.
"I know that," I whispered back, "and I can't wait."
I stroked my forefinger over his lips. With that, Link kissed me again and hugged me tight. When he pulled away he stared in my eyes.
"I'm going to go for now," he whispered to me, "I'll return in a couple of days for the announcement."
I felt my throat tighten when he stated he was going to leave. It only deepened my uncertainty of the future, but I released him and stepped back anyway.
What will be will be Zelda,I told myself,it is what is.
"You take care my love," I said, "I'll see you in a couple days then."
Link smiled and nodded.
"Two days it is," he replied.
With that, Link bowed, took several steps back, then turned and headed for the exit. While I watched him walk away, my heart raced.
It's just six months Zelda,I tried to assure myself,he is a man of his word, Elbourne won't stumble him.
I took comfort in this and turned and looked back out on the horizon of my balcony when the door closed. I walked over to the terrace edge and thought about what happened in the course of all this time.
Time flies... I never would've have imagined everything that transpired in the way it did. Now that it's all over, it seems like a dream.
I took in deep sigh.
A dream... I never in my wildest hopes would've come up with this: a hero whose hatred turned to love and a queen whose uncertainty turned to hope. Hope is such a wonderful feeling. I have that now, and I'm never going to lose it.
I looked out at Hyrule Field. The draw bridge to the castle suddenly came down and a man on a horse was galloping quickly to the south towards Faron Province. It only took me a moment to recognize that rider as Link.
I grinned.
He certainly got to the stables quickly,I thought, and blinked back some emotional tears.There's no need to cry Zelda, he is a man of honor, and you are going to be okay.
Link stopped for a moment on his horse and turned around to look at me watching him on the balcony. I was surprised at the gesture, but then quickly waved to him to let him know that I could see him. He waved back and blew me a kiss. I grabbed at the air pretending I caught it... that made him smile. He then turned back around and headed back to Ordon. I sighed again as he rode away, and watched him until his personage disappeared behind the thickets and the foliage of the woodlands. When he was out of sight I looked heavenward and smiled again.
You're right Hylia,I thought,I have grown, and I'll continue to grow. Hyrule needs that in order for me to be an equitable leader.
After all, I am Zelda. I am the queen of Hyrule, and as ancestral mother would say, I finally got my groove back.
THE END
What happened after the six months?What about Daphnie? Where's the wedding? Is Ilia getting along in Dragon Roost? Well... there is a sequel to this story in the works. Thank you for readingHow Zelda Got Her Groove Back.