The Legend of Zelda: Wisdom - Part One

Chapter IV

The following days Zelda, Lady Impa, Link and Sahasrala walked together as his training as a personal knight to Princess Zelda began even before the knighting. Lady Impa trained Link harder than ever before, and Link would continually grow stronger and stronger, impressing even Lady Impa.

"Well, well, well Link," she joked, "As soon as you get chosen by Zelda herself you suddenly want to impress her." Link rolled his eyes. But it was true. The calling he didn't know he wanted made him work and push himself harder than ever before. He grew quickly apt with a bow and even managed to learn horse riding. It was almost supernatural in a way.

The rumor of Ganondorf's army on the verge of attacking was all but certain now. Many troops were already sent to the edge of the Gerudo Desert on the prefect of scouting missions, while the remaining trained feverishly.

Link was no exception.

He trained harder than anyone, much to Impa's delight. Impa's only desire was for Zelda to feel safe, and Link was slowly becoming a well rounded and capable knight, despite his silent oath.

Sahasrala was impressed as well, seeing Link go from a rookie swordsman to a strong and able knight. Nothing scared Link anymore and Sahasrala was convinced that the Triforce was giving him power.

Zelda was still clinging to the idea that she chose him thanks to the Triforce of Wisdom, but as the days passed, she would enjoy seeing him more and miss him terribly when apart.

On one such day, Zelda had just finished her geography lesson; today she learned about the borders of Hyrule, Lanyru, and Gerudo. Link, as he had been doing these past few weeks, was waiting for her. This time, outside of the Library.

The whole time Link had been practicing his swings and stances, his flushed face and heavy breathing gave that away. After Link helped Zelda with her books, she said, "You seem tired, Link. Do you ever stop practicing?"

Link remained stoic but gave a quick shake of his head.

"I appreciate the honesty," she joked.
As Zelda walked alongside him, multiple servants, and maids began surrounding her to which Zelda quickly attended them, with the same elegance and grace as expected from royalty.

Link enjoyed hearing her responses towards all these sudden issues. It never truly dawned on Link until now that she would eventually become a queen. Zelda could feel his gaze on her making her a bit embarrassed.

She asked after the servant left, "Do you...have any questions for me?"
Link opened his mouth but no words came out. He suddenly closed his eyes and thought for a few moments, but eventually shook his head.

No questions.

They continued their walk to the garden, in silence. Trying to fill the silence, Zelda began talking about anything. "I find it interesting how much you've trained, Link. You really don't stop. It's very impressive. Is there a reason for it?"

Link gave her a confused look. In his mind, it made sense to never stop, to keep growing. Isn't that what a knight is supposed to do? He still didn't respond to her question, though.

"Do you also never plan on speaking to me?" She gave a chuckle. "Some people would consider that quite rude, you know."

Link frowned back, almost making his mouth pout. His face was expressive enough to tell Zelda exactly what he was feeling. He avoided her gaze and stared forward. He remained stoic.

Zelda sighed, "So, when do you speak? What will it take for you to speak to anyone?" Zelda pressed, "I highly doubt you will remain silent for life. No one is that stubborn."

Link stopped and stared, his face showing much distaste to which Zelda tried to amend it. "Sorry. It's a joke. I really don't mind if you stay silent. I just think since we are spending so much time together, it's better to get to know each other, don't you think?"

Link had his arms crossed as they entered the garden. But, he nodded silently. He really couldn't stay mad at Zelda no matter what she said to him. She was always extremely forgiving and he wanted to speak to her as much as she talked to him. Link sighed as Zelda began drawing in her notebook the flowers in the garden.

They were completely in bloom and Zelda enjoyed capturing them in her art. Link stood close by to observe her art.

"My sister liked to draw."

Link's voice was almost a whisper. He clearly hadn't spoken in a very long time.
Zelda looked up from her pad, surprised. "Did she?"

"She really liked flowers. She was in the field when...we were attacked. I yelled to get her attention...but, that just made them more aware of her." Link paused. "So, I made a promise: to only speak when absolutely necessary."

"And you've kept this promise all this time?" Zelda smiled warmly. "That's commendable. But," she tried to find the right words, "I'm sure she would like to hear your voice again."

Link responded, "And when I see her again, I will." He flashed a small smile and continued looking over the garden, gripping his sword. The conversation ended soon after. Zelda continued her drawing, silently happy he shared this with her. He was stubborn and still loyal to the very end.

A few days after this small discussion, Zelda found herself among the walls of the castle, aimlessly wandering and thinking too much about the future. But, seeing Link, who remained steadfast outside her bedroom door, with his unchanging expression, glaring at all who passed, gave her a moment of tranquility. He took his job seriously, which to many was a relief. If an enemy was to appear, Link would easily fight and win, thought Zelda.

Link stared down the long empty halls as Zelda slept. The two chatted a bit before saying goodnight. Well, Link mostly listened. He enjoyed hearing her talk and more importantly, she felt comfortable enough to talk about anything to him. Her worries and her desires, her dreams and worst fears. After a silent goodnight, Zelda entered her room to sleep. Peacefully, thought Link hopefully. The duties of a princess were many but most importantly her future role as a queen hung among the castle wall quite heavily. It was the obvious and most blatant next step for Zelda. Yet, she very rarely mentioned it to anyone. Did she worry about the future? Did she even have time to think about it? And what of Link, and his future? The knighting took place yesterday evening and was now allowed to accompany her everywhere. The procession, short and tranquil as it were, could by no means free Link nor Zelda of something, an impending storm on the horizon. Link felt the weight of the world on his shoulders the moment King Rhohamses announced Link was now a Royal Knight. Carrying the faded Hylian crested shield on his back, was now an obvious indication of his position. He had no real reason to feel this immense pressure. After all, he was going to be living in the castle, a luxury few royal guards could enjoy.

Zelda had a reason.