Until That Day

Standing Guard

Link

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Morning came but did not start with a sunrise. Instead dark, heavy clouds poured rain to greet the day. Thankfully we had set up a sheet covering tent for Zelda, otherwise she would have been left in the rain.

"Of course, this is the day that decides to rain on us and not other days while we were at the stables." Zelda grumbled from underneath the sheet.

I couldn't help but laugh. "I'm sure it'll clear up soon. Maybe." I glanced at the clouds and found no sign this would lighten up anytime soon.

We packed away our things on Epona and parked underneath the nearest large tree. Under the tree there were two little carved stone people under a larger rock. Next to them as a ledge that sat out enough for Zelda to sit comfortably.

Since we were going to be there for a while, I might as well practice sword techniques. I still hadn't been able to figure out why it started glowing the other day, but it also hadn't glowed since.

I started swinging it around, as Zelda started to talk.

"You liar, I doubt this will let up anytime soon."

I smiled but continued on in my practicing.

"I can see now why you are the chosen one, Link. Your skill makes you a fine warrior. What if, when you were young, you were told that you were born into the royal guard and must continue on to become one too. If that's all that you were told, would you then have picked a different path?"

I stopped swinging my sword and turned to meet her eyes with mine. "May I ask what you mean?"

"Never mind. It looks like the rain is lightening, let's head back home."

Unsure of what was plaguing her, I agreed. Perhaps she was doubting her ability to access her sealing power, but surely she knows that she'll get it eventually?

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When we reached the castle, Zelda seemed preoccupied.

"Is something on your mind?" I asked.

"I'm merely worried about the monsters we've been seeing lately and how I haven't accessed my powers yet. If it's true that the monster hordes and Ganon's return are related, I need to find out how to access these cursed powers."

"Is there any way I can help you?"

Zelda smiled and reached out for a hug. As soon as I reached around her, the tenseness seemed to relax. She smelled wonderful, her hair was so very soft. She gripped me tightly. This was the way we stayed for a long while. Eventually, which seemed much too soon, we pulled apart.

"Thank you, Link. But no, I'm afraid you can't help me. I've sent for Impa and she should be here soon, she may be able to help me find texts about this that I haven't already read. You should take some time off...if you want."

"I'd rather be here but thank you. I may just be in my room then if you need me."

"Thank you, Link."

I left her there and headed for my room. It still seemed strangely empty, though this room was almost twice the size of my whole house back in Hateno.

I set down the Master Sword and breathed in deeply. I couldn't help but worry about Zelda, that she might be too hard on herself.

Shaking my head to clear it, I noticed a note laying on my bed. Walking over, I saw it was addressed to me, in Mipha's handwriting.