Before Twilight

Chapter 24: Let Me Come With You

Link's P.O.V

After Sheik left I couldn't help but feel a sense of loneliness. It was nice to have some company for a change, or at least someone who understood me. 

Sheik understood what it felt to feel misplaced. She knew what it felt to feel destined for something else, and we shared that feeling so completely. 

Yes, Sheik had her secrets and I had mine; even so, I felt as if I could open up myself to her. When we spoke  I felt that there was a great burden bestowed upon her. Something that she didn't feel comfortable discussing with me. I wanted to know her better, yet I didn't want to push any boundaries. 

She was so beautiful when she spoke. Her eyes were clear and focused. Sheik formed her words carefully, almost nearly like they were rehearsed. I wanted to find out who she was, and what it is that she is hiding.

I spent the morning looking through my book shelf. 

"Hyrule Historia." I murmured to my self as I scanned through the titles. 

"Here it is!" I exclaimed as I pulled it from he shelf. 

I flipped through the pages until I discovered what I was looking for.

"The Springs of Hyrule." I read aloud.

"The Springs of Hyrule were created to be a place of worship. There are three springs scattered across the land all of which are connected by an underground aquifer. Each spring symbolizes one of the mighty Goddesses: Farore, Nayru, and Din. Farore is the Goddess of Courage, Nayru the Goddess of Wisdom, & Din the Goddess of Power." I continued. 

I couldn't help but think that Sheik was not simply there to pay her respects to the Goddesses. There was something else going on here.

I returned the book on the shelf before slipping on my boots. I then fastened my sword at my hip and exited my home. When I opened my door I was taken by surprise. A woman on horse quickly ran by. I caught only but a glimpse but I could have sworn that I saw the royal seal on the saddle. The woman that rode the horse had white hair and dark skin, along with red eyes, all features of someone of the Sheikah Clan. I couldn't help but wonder why someone like that would be here in Ordon. 

"Link!" A voice called.

I turned to see that it was Rusl. 

"Rusl?" I inquired.

"I have a job for you my boy." He stated. 

"Of course." I stated. 

"Tomorrow morning I will be escorting Sheik home. I need you to look over things while I am gone." He explained. 

I couldn't help but express my disappointment. 

"Sheik is leaving?" I asked.

"Yes, we all knew it would be temporary." Rusl sighed. 

I genuinely felt sad. I had yet gotten the chance to get to know her. I needed more time. 

"Link, I know you developed feelings for her." Rusl stated. 

I snapped my head up in surprise.

"You think I wouldn't notice the way you look at her?" He inquired with a slight chuckle. 

I remained silent at his question. 

"She must return to Termina. Sheik has a lot going on right now that you don't need to be caught up in. Its for the best." Rusl tried. 

"She leaves tomorrow you said?" I asked.

Rusl nodded his head yes. 

"I suppose I should make the most of today then." I sighed. 

"Try not to be too upset Link, I am sure you two will cross paths again." Rusl stated as he patted my shoulder.

"Do you know where she is now?" I asked.

"Last I saw her she was back at the house but I know she said something about visiting the springs before she left for Termina. I would check there if I were you." Rusl suggested. 

"Thank you." I chuckled before whistling for Epona.

My horse came running right away at the sound of my call. 

"Don't do anything I wouldn't do." Rusl laughed as I ushered Epona to move forward. 

I rode Epona through the woods until the gates to the springs appeared. 

I could see Sheik's figure through the trees. She was wading in the water once more. When I came around the corner to the clearing I saw a white horse standing idly. The horse was weighed down with what looked like supplies. 

I dismounted Epona and tied her up beside the other horse. 

"Sheik?" I called. 

Sheik's head snapped around quick to face me as I called her voice.

"Link?!" She exclaimed in surprise. 

She quickly came out of the water as she laid eyes on me. 

"What are you doing here?" She questioned. 

"Rusl told me that you were heading back to Termina tomorrow morning but it looks like you have other plans?" I inquired. 

Sheik eyed her horse and mine. 

"I suppose there is no point in lying to you." She sighed. 

I raised my eyebrows in suspicion. 

"I can't go to Termina." Sheik sighed.

"Why? Is that not your home?" I asked. 

"I mean it is, but there is something here first that I must finish." She explained. 

I titled my head in confusion. 

"I can't tell you all the details, but the point is I have to get out of Ordon without anyone knowing where I am going. " Sheik stated. 

"I understand." I stated.

She looked at me in surprise. 

"You do?" She asked.

"Of course I do but here is that thing...." I trailed off.

Sheik narrowed her eyes at me in frustration. 

"Whatever you're going to say forget it, by the time you tell Rusl I will be long gone."She snapped.

She then slipped back on her shoes as she made her way to her horse.

"Whoa wait a minute!" I exclaimed as I snatched her horse's reins. 

"Hey!" She exclaimed. 

"Look just listen to what I have to say first." I begged. 

Sheik then took a snapped an huffed impatiently. 

"Fine." She stated.

"Take me with you."  I begged. 

Sheik's eyes widened in surprise. 

"You want to come with me?" She asked. 

"Yes, I don't care where it is you're planning on going. I just feel like I should be going with you." I explained. 

"It could be dangerous. I am not sure if you will come back in one piece." She explained. 

"I am not afraid of death Sheik. I am afraid of living out my life for the rest of my days and looking back to find that I did nothing with it. Please let me come with you." I begged. 

Sheik was silent for a moment. She looked between me and the spring for the moment. 

"Okay." She sighed. 

"Really?!" I exclaimed as I gave her back her horse's reins. 

"Don't get too excited farm boy we have a lot of ground to cover before nightfall." Sheik stated.