A Link Without Zelda [COMPLETE]

18. Home

Adel is quiet as she and Arth walk back to the castle. Arth has motioned to speak a couple of times, but stopped himself, unsure if he should say anything.

"I know there is something on your mind," says Adel.

Someone, he thinks. "Sorry. I'm just thinking."

"Mine and Link's history is deep," she says. "But this entire experience has oddly given me peace. I feel he will be okay. As will I."

"I'm not going to interfere with you," says Arth his cheeks red. "But if you ever decided you wanted a man by your side, I would make me the happiest man in the world if it was--"

Before Arth can get another word out, Adel collides her body with his. She cradles her head into his neck and softly whispers the sweetest thing that he has ever heard.

"I love you."

Now hand in hand, they walk back to the castle. The place that they will call home. A place where an incredible journey awaits only this time, the journey will be of love, peace, and happy memories.

*****

"Are we back in Elrule," says Ellemy, her body close to Link. If Elule didn't give her life, being close to Link certainly word, as it makes her heart race.

"We are."

"I'm sorry that you couldn't get back to Hyrule. I made a promise to help you and I'll keep my word. This was just a minor set back."

"No," he says. "The goddesses will decide when and if that happens. So far, nothing good has come from trying to force anything. You almost died, Ellemy. That won't happen again. I promise."

She looks up at him. "But what about you?"

He smiles and looks down at her. "Someone I care a lot about taught me that there are more parts to me than just the hero. To be honest, I'm looking forward to exploring that here in Elrule."

"Link," she says softly.

"But there is one promise that you can keep for me?"

She cocks her head.

"That you will stay by my side."

She tucks her head into his chest so that Link cannot see her tears. "Of course," she says and they are silent until Link reaches his destination. Then he stops.

"Where are we?" she says.

Link smiles. "Home," he says. He stops outside his house. The place that days ago only provided shelter, but as he carries Ellemy up the stairs and into the doors, it feels different. For the first time in his life, he feels at home.