Before Twilight

Chapter 25: Let Me Do The Talking

Zelda's P.O.V

At first I was surprised to find that Link wanted to join me on my quest even though he knew little to nothing of my actual mission. 

We had rode out of Ordon together that day. We managed to make it to Hyrule Fields just before the sun began to set. In the distance you could see the great Death Mountain. Smoke and ash combined with the clouds thus hiding the stars from view. 

"So where exactly are we going?" Link asked as he dismounted his horse. 

"Kakariko Villiage." I answered. 

"Any particular reason why?" He questioned. 

I remained silent for a moment in attempt to find the right words to say. 

"Listen if you are going to tag along I am going to need you to stop with the questions. "I sighed. 

Link clearly seemed taken back by my tone of voice. 

"You seemed stressed Sheik." He commented. 

"I am." I thought to myself. 

I had to visit the other two springs before it was too late. There was a darkness coming I could feel it. 

"Here I'll start the fire while you unpack some of the supplies." Link suggested. 

I nodded my head in agreement as I walked towards my horse. 

Link started the fire with ease. I had handed him some supplies for him to cook with. We ate our dinner in silence until we were both finished. I couldn't help but feel guilty for snapping at him so much recently. Even so, he took everything I threw at him with ease. 

"Thank you for making dinner." I stated. 

Link lifted his head from his bowl.

"You're welcome." He said with a smile. 

I couldn't help but smile back at him. Link was kind and he didn't deserve to be thrown into my mess. 

"Link listen when we get to Kakariko Village I think its best we split up." I tried. 

Link looked at me with amusement. 

"Do you really think I am going to leave you alone?" He chuckled as he put his bowl down. 

I tilted my head in confusion. 

"You've escaped Ordon. You have your chance to go see the world. You don't need me to hold you back." I explained. 

"My place is here.....with you." He stated.

I suddenly felt my cheeks redden.

"What do you mean?" I inquired. 

"I have this feeling that I am meant to be here with you in this moment. I am meant here for a reason. For what reason yet I am not sure. But Sheik I promise you for whatever reason you are doing this I will be here right beside you all the way till the end." He explained. 

I couldn't help but feel guilty. I had been lying and keeping up a facade this entire time. Link was completely in the dark and was unaware of my true identity. 

I nodded my head in acknowledgment before placing down my bowl of food on the ground. 

"Not hungry?" Link inquired. 

"Would you like the rest?" I responded as I reached for my bowl. 

Link took it from my and happily poured the remnants of my meal into his bowl. 

"We should take turns sleeping. We wouldn't want to be caught off guard by anyone. Especially if there is Moblins about." I suggested. 

"I can take the first shift. I will wake you when its time to change." Link assured me. 

"Thank you." I responded before lying down. 

I lied there on my back for a moment staring up at the sky. The stars were hidden from me. The smoke from Death Mountain masked them making the night seem even more ominous. I struggled to fall asleep at first but eventually exhaustion took over. When I awoke again it was morning. 

When my eyes fluttered open I instantly noticed that it was morning. The sun was up, meaning Link never woke me up. 

I sat up to find him packing up the small camp that we had made. 

"Good morning sleepy head!" He laughed. 

"You were supposed to wake me up! We were supposed to take the night in shifts." I sighed. 

"I know, but I couldn't sleep and  you seemed like you were sleeping so well. I did not want to wake you." Link explained. 

"Well that was kind of you but you need to reserve your strength Link. Who knows what we may face out here." I explained. 

"I will be okay. Not get up and help me you lazy bum." He teased. 

I rolled my eyes at him as I stood up and stretched.

I then helped Link pack up the rest of camp. We mounted our horses and made our way further across Hyrule Field. As we rode on we could eventually see Lanayru Gorge. 

"Is that the way to Kakariko Village?" Link asked.

"Yes. We must cross Lanayru Gorge first though." I explained.

The large gorge sat adjacent to Death Mountain. Rocks and rubble were known to fall from the mountain and into the gorge. Kakariko Village used this area as a means for defense. The village was just beyond the mountain side. 

A wooden bridge stood idly across the gorge. As we neared the bridge it was clear to see that it was heavily defended. 

Members of the Sheikah Clan stood watch of the gorge with weapons in hand. 

"Halt!" A voice shouted. 

Link and I pulled on the reins of our house to come to a complete stop just before the bridge. 

"We come in peace." I explained. 

Link slowly began to raise his arm to reach his sword that sat on his back. 

An arrow flew in response to Link's movement. The arrow lodged itself in the ground just in front of Epona. The horse bucked in response. 

"Whoa! Epona!" Link exclaimed as he tried to calm his horse. 

"That was a warning shot! State your name and business!" A voice demanded high up in one of the posts in the mountain side. 

Link looked at me with the utmost concern. I could tell he was nervous. 

"Don't do anything stupid Link. Let me do the talking." I demanded.