Gerudo Forest

Chapter 36

They ended up spending a few days more with the zora. When she had returned to the room he said nothing of her hasty retreat. She had needed time to think on how she truly felt for Ganon. The more she thought about what to do the more lost she felt.  

Today he didn't fight with her when she got up. He seemed to be even more tired than the day before. How much longer could he keep the spell up? He really needed to go somewhere he could recuperate and be himself for a little while.  

She still felt weak but at least her legs didn't give out underneath her. Her arm itched like crazy after they redressed her wrist and when she complained about it they just told her it meant the herbs used to keep out infections were working. They didn't force her to drink anymore of the nasty liquid at least.  

Leaving Ganon to rest she decided to spend the day walking the stone walkways staring into the depths of the pool below her that filled the cavern. She thought of the day before and of what she truly wanted.  

"You seem deep in thought. What troubles you?" a male voice said behind her. 

She turned to see King Ralis behind her leaning against the banister.  

"It's nothing I can really talk about." She said looking back to the water.  

"Matters of the heart are rarely an easy subject." He responded casually.  

"What makes you think this is a matter of the heart?" Melissa asked trying to play dumb.  

"I see more than you think. You have feelings for your companion do you not." He said coming to stand beside her.  

They watched a group of zora children racing and chasing fish beneath them.  

" Why does everyone seem to say that? Did someone stick a sign on my back while I wasn't looking or something?" Melissa said watching the fish dart away just before the children could catch them.  

The Zora laughed. "No it was clearly on your face when you were in the audience chamber begging him to come with you the other day. It's also the way he stayed by your side when you returned unconscious. It shows he feels the same way." He said with a smile. 

"It's more difficult than that." she said leaning against the rail.  

"Oh? How so?" Ralis asked still watching the children. 

They now seemed to be playing a game of tag.  

"I am promised to another who I love as well. How do I choose without hurting either of them?" She asked really needing advice.  

She didn't think that he would be able to help her with her decision but it was worth asking.  

"That is a predicament." The zora said giving her a look of pity.  

"I don't know what to do. I... I think I love both of them equally." Melissa replied upset that she had let this happen.  

" No one can really make the choice for you. You will know when the time comes who your meant to stay with. For now don't stress over it. If this helps in any way consider this. You were brought to this world for a reason. Because you belong here." And with that the zora left her to her thoughts again.  

Did she belong here? Sure there were things she missed about her home but this world would also hold things she would miss if and when she left. She loved the slower pace of this place. She even didn't mind the lack of technology. Her mom had always said she had been born in the wrong time period. That thought made her laugh to herself.  

She felt a step closer to making up her mind and having walked as far as she could she made her way back to her room to check on how Ganon was doing. He was still resting when she got back. She sat on the bed beside him watching him sleep. He looked content and at peace.