Blood Moon: A Story Before the Calamity

Chapter 39

A/N: All right. Big stuff is happening in this chapter, and it's gonna be really, really, really fun to write. 

     Let's get it!

     It was the day before Zelda's seventeenth birthday. The King permitted her to take the day off and go out with Link. She had been relieved, because she didn't think she could face another day praying, when her mind was in such turmoil.

     The prophecy. The wedding. The prophecy. The wedding.

     She shook her head like a dog trying to rid its ears of water. She had been worrying nonstop for the past few days, and she was, unironically, bored of it. 

     The weeks leading up to this one had been so blissful. She had visited Mipha again, who had been sympathetic about her marriage. She kept on trying to offer advice on how to tolerate a husband you don't love, but Zelda couldn't help feeling slightly resentful towards her. Nevertheless, Mipha's company was appreciated. A normal friend was exactly what she needed at this moment.

     She had also visited Rito Village, under the excuse of having to talk with the elder about the war, but she may or may not have taken a "small" detour towards Vah Medoh. Revali was as unpleasant as ever, but Zelda just rolled her eyes and ignored him as he went on and on. Medoh certainly was working well, and having Revali as its Champion was going smoothly. It responded to every move from Revali, seemingly linked to his very thoughts. She left Rito Village full of the cozy warm feeling that the settlement naturally instilled on people and happiness that the Champion she hadn't gotten to visit much was doing well on his own.

     As for Link...

     Just the thought of Link made her smile. He hadn't dared to confess outright, but he seemed so... happy in her presence. She knew that a path with Link was going to end in heartbreak eventually, but she couldn't make herself care. For now, the golden, stolen moments out in the Castle grounds was enough.

     And today, she would get an entire day with him. As daunting as the day tomorrow was, she would at least get one last glorious day of peace, with the boy she cared most for.

(I feel so evil right now, with what's coming next... heehee)

     Link and Zelda frolicked in the lush, green fields while their horses grazed serenely in the distance. Link had caught a grasshopper and was staring at it while it buzzed angrily at him. Zelda was rooting around for another frog. 

     "For the last time, Zelda, frogs don't live in fields!"

     Zelda remained stubbornly silent. 

     "You want frogs, you should go to a marshy area." Link threw his hands up in exasperation, although he couldn't deny the smile on his lips.

     Zelda stared at him with her eyes narrowed. "I'll find a frog here. Just you wait."

     Link shrugged. "Fine by me. And by the way, you're not going to find frogs with that racket you're making. Try setting your feet down lightly. They can feel the vibrations you make, you know."

     "Right." She frowned with concentration and pressed her toes to the soil.

     Eventually, though, Zelda gave up on trying to find a frog and just sat back, enjoying the sunshine on her skin.

     "Toldya so."

     "Shut up."

     Link laughed and sprawled out beside her, placing his hands behind his head.