Restoration

Chapter 16: Through the Forest

Links POV:

A small bell tied to the bed wakes me up slowly. I'll never get over how the smell of livestock and the sounds of neighing horses, and clucking cuccos feel oddly nostalgic to me. Zelda is still clinging on to my shirt as she and I both groggily wake up. She looks up to me with her sleepy eyes, I give her a small grin.

"G'morning,"

She just yawns, pushing her head into my chest. Letting out a low groan.

"The sun always rises too early..." she says under breath.

"Did you sleep okay?"

She tugs on my shirt a little and holds me tightly, "I slept very very well, you were a good pillow," she giggles when sitting up. Stretching out her arms.

"At this rate I should start charging you," I say sarcastically.

"In your dreams," she snaps back.

We walk out of the stable, and have a quick breakfast of baked apples. Though, both of our appetites seem to be non-existent this morning. The whole time, a sense of dread is looming over me. I'm unsure if Zelda feels the same way but, all I can see is just the forest ahead, more than likely infested with malice possessed monsters.

Zelda seems in a cheerful mood, playing with the stable dog. Giving the rest of her baked apple to the pup. As soon as it sees me, it runs past and jumps on me in excitement. Of course, I began giving the good boy a bunch of pets and scratches behind his ears.

"Hey buddy! Good morning!"

He barks loudly in response, and begins spinning around wagging his fluffy tail around.

"You hungry buddy?" getting out the Sheikah slate and begin tapping on it. Hearing him bark happily once it sees me take out fresh raw meat. I stand at attention and he quickly sits at attention. I smile, and take out my hand,

"Shake?"

He quickly brings his paw up and rests it on top of mine. Letting out a huff, its eyes fixated on the filet of meat in front of him. I hand it to the pup, and he gently takes it from me. Placing the meat on the ground, sniffing it before devouring it. Wagging its tail erratically around. I look up to Zelda, who's hiding a grin behind her hand. Looking at me with warm eyes.

"You really love animals, huh?"

"The real question should be, 'Who doesn't?'" I chuckle. She reveals her smile to me with a small giggle. As it quickly fades away, when she looks out to the forest. She nervously rubs her arm nervously, clutching it close to her.

I approach her and lay my hand on her shoulder, "You know...I'm sure Robbie could use your help with updating the Sheikah slate, you don't have to go," I assure her.

"As tempting as that proposal may be...I have to refuse, I want to go with you,"

"Are you scared?"

She nervously fidgets, and just looks down at her feet.

"A little..."

"And there's no talking you out of this...?" in one last attempt to keep her safe.

She just arched her brow at me, crossing her arms in irritation. I laugh nervously at her, "Can't blame me for trying," I say, scratching my head. Looking back at the path ahead.

"Just stay behind me,"

"R-Right..."

"Is your bow in good condition? Do you need more arrows?"