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

Chapter 25

Link walked out of the training grounds, feeling down and just wanting to go home. He started walking towards his house,

"Hey! So, I know that was a bit of a..draining session, but cheer up, dude! We still have lunch. I'm dying to hear what you've done over the years to land yourself as King," She said, smirking and grabbing his wrist, leading him over to a shop that had recently been restored as a small restaurant,

"Quinn, I don't think I'm really up to it now," He said as they walked inside. She turned back to him for a second,

"Trust me, sitting there wallowing in sadness isn't going to help anything. What you need is to get your mind off things. Hey, look! Here's the perfect chance. I'm a great friend, aren't I?" She joked, pushing her bright hair back over her shoulder dramatically. Link couldn't help but smile smally. She smiled back and pointed at him, "See? It's already working. You're welcome. Now, come on," She sat down at a table and pointed to the seat across from her. He slowly joined her, "There you go. Now, I'll order drinks, you start talking," She said, turning to the waiter who had just approached. She requested two drinks he hadn't heard of, but were obviously alcoholic,

"Woah, Quinn. I don't really think I should be-" He started to protest. She put her hand up to stop him and finished the order. She then turned back to him, leaning on her hand,

"Come on, dude. You really think one drink is going to kill you? You've lost your touch since I've known you," She teased, smirking. He chuckled,

"You know what? Fine, fine. Now, what do you want to know?" He asked, leaning back. She thought for a moment,

"I heard you went on this huge journey to save Hyrule or something. I haven't heard much though. Tell me about it." She finally said. He took a deep breath, wondering where to begin,

"Um, let's see. I stayed in Ordon for a while after you left. I was planning of just staying around there, taking care of the goats and helping around town. I planned on taking over the ranch once Fado retired. Of course, I didn't get that far. It started when Talo got himself captured by Bokoblins, trying to get revenge on a monkey," He started. Quinn leaned back, sensing a long story.

So, he told her the whole story of his adventure. She interrupted a few times, but it didn't take an incredibly long time to finish,

"Wow," She muttered when he had finished, "You've done some incredible things, haven't you?" He shrugged, taking a drink,

"Now it's your turn. What have you been doing?" She cleared her throat,

"Oh, um, I don't know if we should get into that," He shook his head,

"No, no, no. I've told you my story, and now you get to. Go on," He insisted, leaning back. She brushed the hair out of her eyes,

"Well, let's see. My family moved to the Hidden Village when we left Ordon. They sensed something was about to hit the fan, so we packed up and went to the safest place they knew. I thought they must know everything to think so far ahead." She began. Link simply nodded, "What they didn't realize was that Hidden Village was going to be one of the first places hit. Now, my parents were smart and resourceful, but not well trained, especially against the hordes that poured into the town that day. They were killed that day. I would have been too, but one of the others who had recently come to the town saved me. We escaped together, but then she was taken away and I had to hide. She didn't seem to know who she was or what was happening, but I knew. I knew because I grew up with her,"

"Ilia," Link commented. She nodded,

"Yeah. I had to leave her after she went out of her way to save me, and she didn't even know who she was," She paused, looking down. Link waited patiently, "So, um, anyway. I wanted to make sure that something like that didn't happen to anyone else. No kid deserves to be left without a parent, let alone either parent, in the world. So, I set out to help. I've been keeping to myself, helping where I'm needed, never staying in one place. Until now, that is. I've finally decided that I need to help more. This way, I can hear the news of what's happening around Hyrule." She said, a determined look on her face. He nodded, understanding,

"Well, I'm glad you did. It's great to see you again," He said, smiling slightly. She nodded, returning a smirk,

"I know, I bring the party wherever I go,"

"Link!" Zelda called, rushing into the room. He stood up immediately, "It's happening! The field is dark with the horde of monsters heading this way!" Link was out the door in a second, with the two girls trailing him.

So sorry! That took way longer than it should have. This book is actually winding to a close :'( Maybe 4-5 more chapters until the end. Anyway, enjoy!