Heroes Between Realms

Zelink

Epona trotted into Hateno Village. Link guided her up a small hill and between two colorful houses that didn't match anything else. As they went over a bridge, Zelda looked up to find a small house tucked away from the rest of the village. Link dismounted and helped her down, then stationed Epona in a little pen beside the house.

    Opening the door, Link guided Zelda through his home. A small table sat in the first room along with a bookcase. On the walls hung Mipha's Lightscale Trident, Daruk's Boulder Breaker, Urbosa's Daybreaker Sheild and Scimitar of the Seven, and Revali's Great Eagle Bow. A sad smile spread across Zelda's face at remembering her late friends. A narrow flight of stairs led up to Link's bed, but also hid a little storage alcove. Through the rafters, she could see a picture of the whole group the day the five were pronounced the Champions. Zelda's eyes started to water as she walked around the comfy home, but quickly blinked the tears back. Link darted to a bin under the stairs. He came back holding a stack of blankets and a small pillow.

    Before Link could make another bed for her, Zelda gently grabbed his arm. "I can stay at the inn. I don't want to intrude."

    "Oh." Link's face fell. He pressed his lips to a thin line. "I just thought. . . Nevermind." If this is what Zelda wanted, he would let her have it.

    Seeing the disappointment upon Link's face made Zelda rethink her decision. It would be nice to stay with him, and maybe he thought so, too. Link turned to put the blankets away, but Zelda stopped him again.

    "I would love to stay with you," she whispered, though she didn't know why.

    Link grinned, setting the bundle on the stairs. The two stood there awkwardly, gazing at each other.

    "Dinner?" asked Link, startling Zelda. She had never heard him say something without being promted to.

    Nodding, Zelda shook out the surprise.

    Link gently wrapped an arm around her. It was strange how much their relationship changed after that one kiss. Now he felt free to touch Zelda in a friendly manner. Before, they were maybe friends. Now they were, and maybe something more.

    Happy they had grown closer together, Zelda nestled into his touch as Link guided her outside. She sat back to watch him cook a meal, then some fruit cake - her favorite - for dessert.

    The sun drifted closer to the western horizon. Zelda watched the rays sparkle off the many ponds and rivers below in awe. It was one of the most beautiful things she ever saw. Death Mountain glowed bright. Hyrule Castle stood tall and strong, if a little damaged. Sheikah Towers and shrines littered the landscape, shining a soft blue. When Link saw her astonished face, he took her hand and led her to the big tree sitting beside the pond.

    Pulling Zelda down with him, Link settled against the tree. He held onto the princess in his lap, gazing across Hyrule with her. Nothing could compare to the beauty he held in his arms. Link hid his face in the crook of her neck, breathing her in.

    "I'm glad we're friends, Link," Zelda said. One hand held his while the other reached to hold the side of his face.

    Link smiled when she said his name. Never before has it sounded so good rolling off someone's tongue. "Me, too, Zelda."

    Her heart warmed. Zelda hadn't heard her name said in a loving way for so long. She buried herself deeper into Link, excited at the rush of feelings her name on his lips produced.

    A small breeze shook the limbs of the tree, taking a few leaves with it. The gust also brought a cascade of flower petals from the cliffs above Link's house. They came to settle on the ground and in the shallow waters of the pond. One even landed in Zelda's lap.

    Picking up the delacate thing, Zelda recognized the petal. It came from a blue flower with white tips. The Silent Princess.

    Link took a petal from his hair. He beamed at remembering the tail a traveler once said about the Silent Princess. The flower symbolizes everlasting love, and when freshly picked after professing such love would bring eternal happiness.

    Squeezing Zelda tighter, Link placed a kiss under her ear. Zelda melted into him.

    The two stayed like that until the sun disappeared behind Gerudo Highlands, falling asleep in each other's embrace as more Silent Princess petals showered them.