Love's Eloquence (Modern|AU)

Chapter Seven: Eloquence

The light of the setting sun shone through the stain glass window where Link and Zelda sat in the tranquil library. As Zelda read a novel, Link scribbled something down on a piece of paper. Rather than tutoring, lately Link and Zelda just hung out. They liked it that way.

After the last few weeks that they hung around each other, they got used to each other's company and became good friends.

Zelda tore her attention from her book and looked at Link who was still writing something down on a piece of paper. "What are you writing?"

"I've started studying out of a poetry book," Link said without looking away from his paper. "I just love how the words flow together on the page and how it uses the language to make something beautiful. In other words: I love the eloquence of it."

"Hmm," Zelda nodded. "Eloquence. You're definitely right about that. Poetry is full of it. It's as if it's speaking in a different language. For one you have to find though the empty spaces between the words. Eloquence is not just a way to use language but a language itself, not to mention one that is understood by so few."

"I guess that's one of the reasons why not many people like poetry," Link stopped writing and looked into Zelda's eyes.

Zelda smiled sadly. "It's a lost art."

"Then I will bring it back," Link smiled.

Zelda laughed. "I would love that!"

Link slumped in his seat and sighed. "Sometimes I wish I had the courage to do what I say, Zelda. I'm too much of a coward."

"Now why do you say that?" Zelda inquired. What Link said about questioning his courage intrigued her. Even though he was soft spoken and shy, when Link had something to say his words tumbled out like a song on his tounge. What he said always came from his heart. Zelda started to think that why he was so quiet was because he had so much to think about. She admired that about Link.

"I always stutter when I talk, so I never open my mouth," Link explained. "Whenever I have to say something I feel like it's scripted, so I always stumble over my words. That's why I keep my tounge behind my teeth."

"Well then say what you want to say," Zelda encouraged.

Link shook his head. "That's when I lack courage."

"I see," Zelda put her book down. "You don't want to use your words because you value your gift of speech and don't want your words to be judged and ridiculed. Your words are too precious, so you hide them from the world."

"You hit the nail right on the head, Zelda," Link smiled.

"Then why don't you read me your poem?" Zelda asked. "I'd love to hear it."

"I don't know--"

"Link, if you don't read me that poem I will snatch that paper out of your hands and read the contents into a microphone in front of all of Hyrule."

"That's plagiarism."

"I'll take my chances."

Link laughed. "I'm sure you'll hear this poem soon enough, just not right now."

"But I'm afraid that if I don't hear it now I'll never hear it," Zelda protested.

Link held out his pinkie and Zelda looked at it skeptically. "Link, stop flipping me off in Chinese."

"When would I stoop that low?!" Link laughed. "This is a pinkie promise."

"Oh?" Zelda smiled. "I see."

She hooked her pinkie with Link's and shook. "What are we promising again?"

"I promise to read your my poem to you sooner or later," Link vowed. "And I never go back on my word. That's my ninja way."

"Oh my gosh!" Zelda laughed. "You are such such a nerd! But then again so am I. I'll hold you to your word then."

Link looked out the window. "Do you ever feel a strange sadness as dusk falls, Zelda?"

"Well that's a strange change of subject," Zelda noted. "But I guess so."

"But the twilight this evening doesn't feel sad," Link stated. "It feels kind and warm instead of sad and strange. Twilight only lasts for a little while, making it even more beautiful."

"You're right," Zelda agreed. "It's a little strange, don't you think? How short lived beautiful things are. But don't forget something just as beautiful comes afterwards. I'm sure the stars will look amazing tonight."

"That's kind of funny," Link thought out loud.

Zelda nodded. "Eloquence is kind of funny like that. Sometimes eloquence is just the silence between the words, the pause of time, and the time between twilight and when the stars come out. It really is a beautiful language."