The Legend of Zelda: Everlasting (2nd book in the Timeless series)

Chapter 19

Link walked around Kakariko, making sure everyone made it inside somewhere. Renado had, of course, completely understood their situation, and had opened the inn and his sanctuary to them with open arms. Still, they only held so many people. The others had to go into some of the abandoned homes and even into the upper level of the bomb shop. It was a bit cramped, but it would do for the time being. Everyone was making the best of the situation. Except Barnes, of course,

"What are those people doing in my bomb shop?" He demanded, hobbling over to him,

"The people of Castle Town needed help and a safe place to go for the time being. You will assist them by letting them reside in the upper level of your shop," Link said firmly, crossing his arms. It seemed the king in him was actually beginning to surface. Wow.

Barnes seemed a bit shocked as well,

"Erm, All right then," He pulled his mask over his face before turning and walking away from him. Link took a deep breath before walking over to the soldiers who were still unloading,

"Do all of the bags have names on them?"

"Yes, sir,"

"Good. Seems your job is easy then," Link said, smirking slightly. He then went over and started unhitching a horse from the carriage,

"Sir? You plan to just let the horses go off on their own?" Link looked over at the one who spoke and raised an eyebrow,

"I'm not that dull. I had a pen set up near the path to Death Mountain. I have this under control," He said. The soldier nodded, chuckling nervously,

"Right, sir. Of course," He went back to what he was doing. Link then led the horse down through the village, turning at the Death Mountain entrance and walking through the short tunnel, approaching the makeshift pen. It wasn't the prettiest work, but it would keep the horses in. He opened the gate and led the horse inside, patting it's hip before turning and starting back.

He repeated the action many times before all of the horses were unhitched. He then brushed his hands together and looked around. Epona roamed loose, since he knew she would always return to him at the blow of his Everything seemed to be settling in for the moment. There weren't anymore big things that had to be done at the moment. That gave him a bit of time to be with Zelda. He walked over to where she stood by the water. She had changed into a simple pale dress that flowed around her. It pooled to the ground but somehow managed to stay clean. There were small intricate designs on the bodice in gold, and straps that hung down around her upper arms. Her hair was loose and beautifully moving with the breeze. She had replaced her headpiece with a small tiara that wrapped around her head. She was stunning.
"Woah..." Link murmured as he approached. She turned to face him,
"What?" She asked, clearly not aware of just how breathtaking she was,
"Oh, you're not fair." He commented, crossing his arms and walking closer to her. She looked at him, confused,
"I don't underst-"
"You can't just look that good when I have no time to have you to myself. It's just not fair," She chuckled,
"Sorry," she said in a tone that proved otherwise,
"Where'd you get that? I don't think I've seen it before," he said, motioning to the tiara,
"Oh, it's a family heirloom. My mother got it from her mother, gave it to me as my first tiara, and I plan to give it to my daughter," she said, smiling slightly. Daughter, wow. He wasn't sure he wanted to think about that yet. It wasn't that he didn't want children, but it seemed a bit soon to consider it, especially since Hyrule was on the brink of war. No, that would just have to wait,
"-but I suppose now is as good of time as any," Zelda was saying. Link had zoned out while thinking about that. Oops,
"Um, sorry, what?" He asked, ears lowering slightly in embarrassment. She chuckled,
"There's something we need to discuss. Something important. I've tried to tell you before, but it hasn't gone so well, with all the planning and everything." Link nodded, listening. He hoped it wasn't anything bad. He had enough on his plate at the moment. Zelda took a deep breath,
"I'm-"
"Sir Link! We have several men crowding around the gates to the new training grounds demanding to start now. It seems they are too anxious to be able to defend themselves to wait any longer. Do you wish to commence training?" A knight hurried up to them. Link turned as he spoke, but then threw a glance at Zelda, who was obviously a bit annoyed at having been interrupted,
"Uh, give me a minute," He turned back to Zelda, "You were saying," He was trying to show he had time for her, even though he knew he should be going. She seemed to sense that,
"Oh, don't let me keep you. Go on, they need you. It can wait," He nodded and kissed her cheek before following the guard. He'd make sure to get back to her as soon as he was done.
What he didn't know was that he wasn't going to get another solid minute with his love for the next few weeks.
*A.N.
Hey guys! Sorry that took so long. I didn't bother describing her tiara, just left a picture that I think is perfect for what I had in mind. Anyway, hope you enjoy!
Thanks!
-Miki