Words For Him

Under the Stars

It was sunset when they reached Foothill Stables and Zelda was glad to be out of the heat and into more comfortable clothes. Though Link seemed at home sleeping at a stable it was a new experience for Zelda. To her surprise, the beds were quite comfortable and refreshing. The following morning Zelda woke up feeling rejuvenated, ready for the long trek to Gerudo Town. As they rode Zelda began to wonder how she would explain her presence to the Gerudo and Rito. The Gorons were easygoing and the Zora knew her but the Gerudo and Rito were serious and would need proof. "Link, how will we convince them I'm the same princess from a hundred years ago?" "Well the Rito already assume I'm a decent of a champion so it shouldn't be too hard to complete the picture for them. The Gerudo chief is rather smart so she should be able to connect the dots." "Surely it won't be as easy as that. They trust you but I've done nothing to earn their trust" "Maybe, but one way or another they will know the truth, what they make of it is up to them." Zelda was still unsure but Link's confidence gave her strength. Thinking about the Gerudo made Zelda miss Urbosa, more than she expected to. "Link tell me about the new Gerudo Chief. What is her name and is she anything like Urbosa?" "Her name is Riju and despite being a child she leads her people well. In some ways Riju is similar to Urbosa but in others she's completely different." "Well I can't wait to meet her. Is there anyone like Revali amongst the Rito?" "Perhaps, there are some talented warriors but none as good as Revali. The closest I would guess is Teba. He's talented but lacks the same arrogance as Revali, still Teba is proud like most of the Rito." Zelda thought on these things Link told her. She hoped to find some details in Link's words to help her build good relations with the Gerudo and Rito.

Pausing at a river to water their horses. Link looked over as a stiff breeze blew past them. Seeing Zelda's hair fluttering in the wind made Link's heart skip a beat. Distracted Link didn't notice his pack was slipping off his horse's back till it was too late. Hearing a splash Link looked over only to rush off after it, diving into the water with his Zora armor. Grabbing his pack Link fought against the current to return to Zelda. Climbing out of the water, pack in hand, Zelda noticed what Link was wearing. "Link, where did you get this armor? It looks like Zora in make." Zelda felt a sudden shock seeing the Zora armor. Zelda knew it's significance, she wondered if Link held feelings for Mipha though she was dead. "That's because it is. Mipha has made it for me but she never worked up the courage to give it to me. I'm guessing she was going to present it to me after the calamity." "Then who...oh, I see now. Her father gave it to you didn't he?" "Yes, though he doesn't know I didn't think of Mipha the same as she did me." A piece of Zelda felt relived hearing this but she could see the pain in Link's face and it pulled on her heart. "Don't get me wrong the Zora have always been like a second family to me and Mipha was like an older sister." Link turned his face but Zelda could see a tear run down his cheek. "Link, I didn't know, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to open wounds. I see she meant a lot to you, that she still means a lot to you" "No, it's okay, knowing she's free and at peace is enough for me. Besides there's someone else who means a lot to me, just in another way. We should get going, we still have a long ride ahead." Zelda wondered what Link meant by someone else. But since Link wouldn't elaborate Zelda didn't press the comment.

They rode the rest of the day away only stopping when the sky took purplish-blue. As a cool wind blew in from Hebra mountain, which lay northwest of them, Link and Zelda took shelter near the colosseum ruins. While Link prepared a meal Zelda unrolled their bedrolls, putting hers right next to Link's. Using a piece of fallen stone as a seat they tucked into a heavenly smelling stew. As they ate Link posed an unexpected question to Zelda "How much do you remember." Zelda was surprised Link was asking this but she hadn't thought about it till now. "I guess there are some gaps but I can remember most things. Why do you ask?" "It's just you took an interest in what I remember. You cared that I remembered both the good things and the bad we have been through. It's only right that I care what you remember." Zelda was surprised but grateful for Link's concern. "Well, it's kind of you to care. I don't guess you remember the last time we camped out under the Stars." "Regrettably no, but if they were anything like this they must have been enjoyable moments." Zelda looked into her bowl smiling reminiscing about the good time they had shortly before the calamity struck. Though Link had become freer in spirit he was still just as kind as he was back then. Zelda had begun to wonder why Link stayed with her after defeating the calamity. Link seemed happy but was this another of his emotional masks or was he genuinely happy still being her protector. This question had been a thorn in her side since they left Kakariko, she just had to know. What did Link want? "Link, after we finish investigating the Devine Beast what will you do? What I mean is you are not bound by oath to protect me. You are free to pursue anything and if you wanted to leave I understand and I'm sure the sheikah could protect me." Link stopped eating amazed that Zelda would be asking that kind of question. Link wondered if he had done something Zelda disapproved of. "No that can't be it, if I had done something wrong she would have said so already," Link thought to himself. Link's thoughts were interrupted by Zelda asking if he was okay. "You froze up, are you okay? "Yes, I'm okay, I was just surprised by your question. I never thought about what I wanted, just what was needed of me and how I can help others." "Well that's noble of you but there must be something you want to do." "What if I said I wanted to stay by your side." "I'd like nothing more than to have you by my side." Hearing Link say he wanted to stay by her pleased Zelda more than Link knew. After they finished eating they tucked into their bedrolls. They knew there was another day-long ride before they reached Gerudo Town.