the legend of zelda Age of Calamity

chapter 11 Title: Finding Lightness

As the days passed, Link's strength gradually returned. Though he was still wrapped in bandages and had to take things slow, he was able to move about his room a bit more each day, and his appetite hadn't waned in the slightest. Zelda often visited, keeping him company and learning more about the quiet but surprisingly humorous side of the warrior.One afternoon, she arrived with yet another meal, and this time, she carried a variety of Hylian specialties—enough to satisfy even the most stubborn appetite. As she set the tray down, she gave him a knowing look."Tell me, Link," she said, raising an eyebrow. "Are you really as stoic as you act, or is it just a cover for your...true nature?"Link glanced up at her, his face as calm and steady as ever, though a glint of mischief flickered in his eyes. "Maybe I'm just focused," he replied, deadpan. "Focused on all this food."Zelda shook her head, trying to suppress a grin. "You know, I never imagined the legendary hero would be so...hungry. Or that he'd eat quite so much."He shrugged, keeping his tone perfectly stoic. "I have a kingdom to save. Need to keep my energy up."Zelda let out a laugh, and to her surprise, she saw a smile finally breaking through on Link's face, followed by a soft chuckle. His usual seriousness gave way for a moment, his laughter low but warm, filling the quiet room with unexpected lightness."I suppose you have a point," she admitted. "But you know, most people wouldn't eat half a kingdom's worth of food in one sitting."Link's laugh grew, and though he kept it quiet, it seemed to reverberate through the air, making Zelda laugh with him. It was a rare sound, and she found herself reveling in it, the sound of his genuine joy brightening the entire room.Finally, his laughter faded, and he gave her a calm look, though there was still warmth in his expression. "Well, I suppose I should thank you. Not everyone would bring a soldier this much food."Zelda smiled, her tone playful. "Consider it my duty to the kingdom. We can't have our greatest warrior collapsing from hunger."He laughed again, a bit louder this time, and as he reached for another helping, Zelda felt a new closeness between them. Though he was as stoic as ever, she could see a lighter side of him emerging—a side she found herself hoping to see more often.The two continued to share stories and laughs as he ate, and in those quiet, shared moments, the weight of their duties seemed to lift, if only a little. For now, they allowed themselves this small, precious escape, a moment of friendship and laughter in the heart of the castle.