Can't Be Without You ~ Zelink BotW

Wishes

      Link and I trotted along on our horses together side by side, admiring Hyrule's ever stretching green fields thriving with Silent Princesses. Even though the Calamity left it's ruins, which remind us of all the destruction it left behind, and all the ill memories we must bear from it; was a view to take one's breath away. It showed all of Hryule's glory, and all of it's scars. But, even with this sight I was able to see with my own eyes, and that I could cherish within my memory, I hoped and longed for something more. A part of me felt incomplete. I wished to share these thoughts with someone. It had begun to become troubling to me, wondering why I don't feel at peace about myself. I did fulfill my duty after all.

"Link..." I called out to him, in which he then turned his gaze from the field to me.

"I don't understand why- But a part of me feels incomplete. It's been filling my thoughts lately, and I wonder why I feel as such. I think I am coming to realize that I haven't been able to live the life I wanted to. It's been dedicated to the defeat of the Calamity. Now that it's all over, I think I am ready to finally be free, and do as I please for once."

I paused a moment and looked to his pleasant face, glowing orange from the sunset's rays for some sort of reaction. He seemed in agreement with my thinking, and looked interested in hearing what I was planning on wanting to do with my life, since it's in my own grasp now.

"I was told of a position at a school that dedicates itself to the study of all different sorts of sciences to potentially produce pupils a spot to become a scholar." I felt a rush of excitement go through my body at my own words. I looked back at his face with a smile, revealing my sudden happiness to the possibility.

"You know how I've longed to be a scholar! I now have the opportunity to do what I've loved, and wanted to do since I can remember."

I looked back at the view, the sun almost completely hidden behind the mountain's peaks in the distance. I felt my hands tightly grip the reins to my horse as my gaze returned to him. His beautiful blue eyes shone, and reflected mine as he waited intensively for me to finish.

"But... There is an exception." My body then suddenly shifted into a weary slump.

"I'll have to leave my home- Hyrule, rather... Completely for at least three years to study." I continued, swallowing back tears. His figure then became lowly like mine, as a shadow of disappointment came across his face.

"The school has many dorms, places for people to stay and sleep out of session. So I won't be in need of a shelter if I attend." I proceeded to tell him.

"It's at least six hundred miles away from here, in a town called Montinaria..."

"I am not certain if I can return somehow in the midst, or if I will at all. That's why I am having trouble deciding..." A tear snuck from my eye as I quickly wiped away the evidence.

The thought of leaving everything I knew and loved began to tear at my heart. I couldn't begin to imagine being somewhere other than home. Somewhere other than I was used to. And somewhere- other than with him...

"I don't want to leave you Link!" I accidentally exclaimed verbally, and quite loudly. He jolted at my sudden words and unexpected actions, as I covered my mouth in embarrassment.

"I apologize," I quickly added, shoving my hot face into my hands.

"I just can't imagine going somewhere... or doing something without you by my side..." My voice trailed off as I fought to hold back the tears that wished to come out.

"I know I can't bring you, or force you to come alongside me. But, I don't want to accept the offer of attending unless you are okay with it."

I bit the bottom side of my lip, waiting anticipatingly for any words, or looks of confirmation from him. He only sat in silence as always, looking down at his steed's mane, reminiscing. I tried to peer over his shoulder to get a glimpse of his face, but the hood of his cloak blocked any clear visibility. I hesitated before moving my horse closer, and reaching out my hand to remove the hood from his head.

"Link- Are you alright?" I asked, catching him off guard. He quickly turned to meet my face. My heart shrunk at the sight of tears that had stained streaks down his face. I felt a sense of guilt wash over me, as I caressed his soft cheek with my hand.

"I won't go Link- if it will only trouble you."

He placed his hand on mine and held onto it, pressing it harder against his cheek, as he let out a weary sigh.

"I wish not to keep you from doing what you desire." He flashed his blue eyes at me, as I was astonished at his words. It was the first time I'd heard him speak for over one hundred years. I felt my cheeks begin to burn hot, as his eyes seemed to sparkle from the newly visible stars. His long fluffy sideburns blew with the breeze, gently brushing against his face. He finally pulled my hand down to his lips, and gently placed a kiss on the top of it. I held in a gasp as my heart gave a flutter. I was not prepared for his actions. He let go of my hand, and bowed before gesturing me to lead the way home. I was so speechless, I only nodded dumbly, and gave my horse a little kick to start moving. My hand still tingled where he had planted the kiss. I knew it was to be cordial, but it felt so much deeper. Leaving was going to be harder than I had imagined...

~*Credit goes to the artist. I couldn't seem to find their original account, so please let me know if you know them so I can properly credit them! 💖*~