[EDITING] The Legend of Zelda: Goddess of Secrecy

Overworld Chapter 68 - Last Breath

...for however short that was. In truth, despite the relief of the few private moments he and Zelda managed to sneak in, Link's life had never been busier. Even those short reprieves had the looming threat of the days ahead behind them and how short they came and went.

Still, the camp radiated with hope. While Zelda was focused on delegation at the command center, Link was on the ground. There were truly too many tasks to do, too many people to help, and not nearly enough time. He spent most of his time not in his tunic for fear of damaging it, the Master Sword and most of his equipment left tucked away in the hull of Lynard's ship. It was good to be back in something less noticeable, but his presence was hardly missed regardless of what he was wearing.

That resolve didn't break. In fact, it only strengthened. Every day, even as more Hyruleans were brought into the camp, only more workers joined their numbers. Everyone stepped in to help, wherever it was needed, however they could.

Which was why it came with great surprise when Link ran across Zeal sitting a group of children. A lone knight was standing outside the makeshift school serving as her guard, but there was no other sign of restriction on her movement.

Handing off the task he was working on, Link took a moment to walk closer. He pulled out his cap, tucked into his belt, and used it to wipe some of the sweat off his forehead as he leaned against a post by the entrance.

"And the Hero took up the blade of legend and struck down the evil witch, sending her crawling back to her dark lord," Zeal's story intoned, letting her hair fall forward to make up for only one hand to pantomime. There was giggling at this, no real fear or knowledge how close the agents in the story were.

Her story went on for a while longer, detailing very broadly Link's adventures in recent weeks. There was no mention of the camp and the battle ahead as she finished, but Link considered that a wise omission. There was a cheer through the crowd of children before cries for more. Zeal leaned back, preparing to wind up for another story when she caught sight of Link at the door.

"I think that's enough for today, my darling little ones," Zeal cooed, looking back at her rapt audience. There was a much sadder response to this, to which Zeal replied, "We'll tell another story tomorrow. About the Hero who shattered time."

This placated enough of the children for them to leave, running off through the camp to play. Zeal rose slowly as Link stepped into the tent.

"Surprised to see me, dear?" Zeal asked, some added theatric that reminded Link of her previous persona.

Glancing back at the guard, Link answered quietly, "A little."

Zeal laughed and shrugged. "What can I say, I'm rather slippery. Besides, it is hard to cuff only one." She wobbled the end of her left arm, the stub fully healed likely thanks to magic and potions. "And I do have a rather staunch advocate for the few liberties I've been given. She's also made it very clear what will happen if I were to...go missing. Not that I have any plans." She added the last bit a little louder, to which the guard behind them turned back to the street.

Link chuckled a little as he turned back to Zeal. He looked around the classroom, inquiring, "So you're teaching?"

"Storytelling, mostly. I'd hardly call this a classroom," Zeal replied as she motioned to the few supplies she had in the room. "Besides, history is important these days. And while written record serves well enough, the oral lessons need to be preserved too. Mostly about you these days, give or take a lifetime."

"I heard," Link remarked. "The Hero of Time tomorrow then?"

"Yes, and the Hero of Winds yesterday, and the Hero of Twilight before that," Zeal said, going back to her bench. She motioned her hand out to him. "Of course, the cries for present company are loudest."