Free to Love - A Zelda x Link Fanfiction

V: A Fresh Breath

Zelda's Perspective:

I slowed to a walk a while ago, Link seemingly being bored out of his mind behind me. I, on the other hand, enjoyed the fresh air. Link had ventured out before, through deserts and forests. How I envied his way of life. However, the tranquil forest around me was similar to an entirely new world. I never thought I'd be out here.

"Well?" Link asked behind me.

"Hm?" I said, gradually returning my thoughts to the present. "I'm sorry, I wasn't listening. What did you say?"

"I asked you what do you think," Link repeated.

"Oh!" I couldn't resist the smile from pulling at my lips even if I wanted to. "Gosh, it's so wonderful!"

"You really think so?"

"Oh, yes! It's so new! A real breath of fresh air, don't you think? A breath of the wild, you could say," I chuckled, breathing in the scent of pine needles. "Don't you agree?"

"I suppose," he agreed, after a moment's hesitation. "I'm guessing this is the first time you've ever been out of the castle?"

"Ha, yes. Actually, the few times that I have been outside have been to walk to the training center or to ride a horse. It's very different out here. Do you know how?" He egged me on with the slightest smile on his face as he raised an eyebrow. "No rules!"

I kicked Storm into a gallop, grasping his reins tightly. I pushed my feet into the holders, standing, and bending over the reins. I couldn't stop the joyous whoop from escaping. A smile broke across my face. I tilted my head back and screamed my happiness to the sky, accidentally scaring a few creatures.

I could hear the pounding of Epona's hooves behind us. I lowered myself back into my saddle, slowing Storm to a stop. Link's lips were drawn into a line, but his eyes were twinkling. "That wasn't very ladylike," he scolded, making sure to keep the serious tone in his voice.

"Just because I'm a princess, doesn't mean that I must act royal," I laughed. Link smiled slightly, leaning down the pat Epona's neck soothingly.

"At least, apologize to Epona," he sighed. "You've tired her out, the poor girl." Sure enough, the horse appeared to be shooting me an angry look. I dismounted, walking towards her.

"I'm sorry, Epona," I said, staring into her dark eyes. I pet her neck soothingly, stroking her pale mane. She pulled her head from my hands, glancing off to the side and huffing. "Oh, I am sorry!" I protested. "I never meant to exhaust you, it was simply for fun. Please forgive me?" Epona tilted her head back and forth, contemplating my apology, before licking my face happily. "I assume that's a yes?" I giggled, glancing up to Link. He smiled.

"I think she'd be happier if we retrieved her a treat," he said, dismounting. "We ought to go in search for food." I nodded. He marched bravely to the edge of the forest, waving me towards him. "We must find food before it turns dark."

I glanced up. Sure enough, the sky had already transformed to a darker blue, slight violets and pinks streaking through the clouds as the sun began to set. With that thought in mind, I ventured into the vast unknown.