Age of Prosperity

Chapter 17

                              Hey, little A/N here. I'm going to change Aryll's and Malon's ages here. I'll go edit the chapters, and now instead of a five year gap, it's probably gonna be like 2 or 3 years. There'll be another one at the end of chapter. I'm doing this because I seem Malon as an older teen, and not just a really young teen. Enjoy!

                   Zelda's POV:
I looked through the doorway and saw Aryll hugging a fiery headed teen. She looked no younger than I did. Behind the fiery headed was a horse. Epona and the horse seemed to get along. The horse also had green and pink tendril-like stripes reached around and up its hooves.

I saw Link slow down to look at the doorway as well. "Oh hey Malon, what brings you here?" He asked. "LINK!" She sprinted inside and hugged him as well. Link awkwardly patted her back, looking at me with a mixture of confusion and awkwardness.

I felt a small twinge of pain in my heart. I tried to argue with myself, or debate the fact that that just happened. Was I... jealous? Why would I be jealous? There shouldn't be any reason at all for me to feel jealous! Unless... oh no.

Oh Hylia please no. Oh this was bad. I originally thought this to be a very strong feeling of friendship, please don't let it go to that level! It was at this moment, I fully realized what happened.

It couldn't be that bad right?

Aryll hurried in after Malon. "We can chat later, but right now we need to get to the potluck!" Link said hurriedly, and proceeded to grab the stuff he had previously put down. "Here, let me grab some stuff!" The girl who I assumed went by the name Malon.

"Oh no I've got it! It's a lot easier alone, since they balance each other, besides I just want everyone to have an enjoyable evening!" Link said, obviously uncomfortable with the situation. "Oh you're such a gentleman!" Malon exclaimed in a very weird voice, hugging his arm.

Link looked even more uncomfortable, Aryll looked like she wanted to face palm for the rest of eternity, and I felt jealous.

It was definitely awkward to say the least. It would have to end soon. Link tried to shake her off politely, but she would not budge. If I wanted Link to have a good evening, I would have to do what I could.

I decided to try to get her off him for a little bit, and that would most likely just be the basis. "Oh, I don't think we've been properly introduced!" I said in a fake surprise tone.

The girl turned around to look at me, with what seemed like a stressed and hollow smile. "I'm Malon, what is your name?" It sounded forced. I was second guessing myself, before I saw the relief on Link's face, and decided it was worthwhile as long as he was happy.

"I'm Zelda, you have beautiful hair by the way!" I said, trying to sound genuine. I really wanted to give her a chance, maybe she was just stressed today.

Her face flashed a different face and twitched a little. When she spoke again, it sounded even more hollow, forced, and fake than it had earlier. "Nic-nice to meet you! And thanks, your hair looks nice this evening!" She said. I curtsied, and she slowly curtsied back.

Was she feeling alright? I really couldn't tell. Was she feeling ill? She looked fine a bit ago, but now she seemed irritated and bothered.

I could see the tavern now, glowing brightly despite being in the hour of twilight. Malon attempted to commune with Link once again. "How has your night been so far?" She asked, reestablishing her grip on his arm.

"Good," he responded simply. She left out another hearty chuckle. "Malon, why have you come over?" Aryll said, attempting to ignite a conversation with her. "Just thought to come and visit you! Now Link, this food looks delicious! I simply must have the recipe!" Malon said, practically ignoring Aryll completely.

Aryll flinched a little after this. "Sorry, it's secret," Link said. He was most likely trying to get her off him as politely as possible. "Zelda, when will we return to the castle?" Link asked, turning to face me.

"Tomorrow morning shall do, we have been away for a while!" I responded with a small smile. He smiled back at me.

For a minute, I simply couldn't look away from his face, from his eyes, those eyes that were a cold ocean blue. Despite from how cold his eye color was, his eyes always shone with sympathy and warmth. Except for the few occasions he was angry.

I was so entranced by his gaze, I almost forgot that I was walking, and walking with other people as well. I quickly looked away, my face turning red. The sun was no longer visible, and neither was its light. We walked up to the front entrance of the tavern.

I looked over at the girl Malon. She was obviously angry. For what I felt like I had a good guess. I saw the doors open and people setting things up outside. "Alright, we need to drop the food off, Zelda come with me please. Aryll and Malon you can help set up!" Link said with a smile.

Aryll nodded enthusiastically, and Malon nodded reluctantly. Link walked in and I looked back at Aryll. She mouthed Good Luck! I blushed instantly and hurried inside. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Aryll smirking and Malon scowling.

The tavern was made of wood, wood, and more wood. It was a lot different than the one in Castle Town,  because it was a fourth of the size and doubled as an inn. Link was already inside, and was talking to some ladies. I could see him hungrily side eyeing the food every few seconds.

Link turned to look at me, and the ladies' gazes followed.

"Are you the Princess?!?!?!"

.•-•..•-•..•-•..•-•..•-•..•-•..•-•..•-•..•-•..•-•..•-•..•-•.

Word Count: 953

Ok ok, I'm sorry. I had to release a chapter since I haven't released one in a while. I promise I'll write 3000 words for the next chapter.

Originally, I was going to do this just because I needed to get something out. Then I got into the groove and was thinking about doing the full 2000 words. Finally, I surpirised myself by just doing the A/N.

That concludes my essay🤣

Kameron out
🧡🧡🧡